IT was a huge weekend of cricket last Saturday and Sunday with A grade sides playing out several close matches in the Busselton Margaret River Cricket Association.
Saturday’s games saw Yobs continue its winning form when it defeated Margaret River, whilst in Cowaramup, the local side secured its second win for the year with a strong performance over St Mary’s.
Cowaramup posted 8/221 off their 50 overs before St Mary’s fell six runs short when it replied with 8/215.
The win capped off a great day for the Cowaramup Cricket Club who also posted wins in B and C grade.
In Sunday’s feature A grade game, the undefeated Yobs took on St Mary’s in what promised to be a tight contest.
On winning the toss, St Mary’s captain Ben Lloyd elected to bat on a wicket that both sides felt became increasingly difficult to bat on as the game went on.
St Mary’s top order all posted good starts and at drinks were well placed at 3/90 before Yobs bowlers Zac Davies(3/24) and Neil Langenhoven(5/20) took control of the game.
Yobs took the final six St Mary’s wickets for only nine runs eventually dismissing the home side for 139 runs.
In reply a disciplined run chase led by captain Nayton Colombera(53), Colin Harris(29) and Chris Brook(24) saw Yobs pass the total with the loss of four wickets and going on to post 8/198 off their 50 overs.
Yobs spin bowler Ben Payne was happy with his team’s effort especially that of the bowlers .
“I think we all bowled well and I got some huge turn on some of my deliveries,” Payne said.
Payne made special mention of Neil Langenhoven and felt that the Christmas break had helped freshen up the big fast bowler.
Payne said his side was well placed going in to the country week break to continue its winning form leading into the March final series.
St Mary’s captain Ben Lloyd was disappointed with the defeat and felt his side could improve all facets of their game.
“We’ll look to improve our batting, bowling and fielding after country week,” Lloyd said.
Despite the loss, Lloyd was still confident of building towards a successful finals campaign with his side well placed in the top four despite the weekend’s losses.
This coming fortnight will see A and B grades suspend their season when BMRCA travels to Perth for the annual WACA country week carnival.
C grade will play this Saturday but also have a bye for country week the following week.
