BATSMEN had the better of bowlers as some big scores were compiled in Busselton Margaret River Cricket Association games on Saturday, particularly on the small Cowaramup ground where a total of 592 runs were made.
Margaret River’s Michael Earl and Cowaramup’s Tebsy King both scored tons, and each took four catches, in the B grade clash at Cowaramup. However, man-of-the match award went to King for his fine 109 not out in a losing side.
Earl, who is not keen on being called a Hawks’ veteran, gave up running between wickets very early on in his innings and slammed 12 sixes against some lack-lustre bowling on his way to a total of 125 before he was caught.
Along the way he and Andrew Nobbs set a club record 100-run partnership for the eighth wicket.
The Hawks batted first and captain and opener Ryan Nilsson set the pace by cracking six sixes in his 67 runs.
Earl came in at number five and set about demoralising the Cowaramup bowlers, the best of which was Stu Watson with 4-86. Mark Penfold claimed 2-41 for Cowaramup and Tom Menzies, the 12-year-old son of Cowaramup’s stalwart Rob Menzies, claimed a first-ball wicket to finish with figures of 1-18.
King’s resistance sparked a better batting performance from Cowaramup, who made a credible 246.
Irish outswinger Hugo Gill, bowling into a stiff breeze, troubled the Bull’s bats and claimed four wickets for 36 runs from his nine overs.
Captain Nilsson said it was his first season playing with two-piece balls. “Hugo’s taken a little while to get used to it, but he can certainly get some swing,” he said.
Final scores were Cowaramup 7/246 (T King 109; H Gill 4-36, R Nilsson 2-50) was defeated by MR Hawks 8/346cc (M Earl 125, R Nilsson 67, A Nobbs 31, C Bacich 27).
Also in B grade, Augusta hosted St Mary’s, won the toss and batted first, getting away to a good start to be 2/80 at drinks.
However, after drinks things went horribly wrong as spinner Josh Slee demolished the Augusta lower order with figures of 5-11. Augusta was bowled out for 102.
Marc Ford top scored for St Mary’s with 29 as they cruised to victory in the 30th over. Final scores were Augusta 102 (Ben Kennedy 56; Josh Slee 5-11) were defeated by St Mary’s 6/104 (Marc Ford 29, B Lullfitz 18; Ben Kennedy 3-26) .
In A grade at Gloucester Park, Hawks batted first and amassed 252 before they were bowled out. Captain Marty Head led with 80 runs, but star of the Hawks’ batting show was Sam Busetti, 16, making his A grade debut as an opening bat. He crafted 71 runs, with very proud mum, Helen, watching.
Cowaramup’s strike bowler Danial Chaudhrey claimed 3-39 off seven overs and tall spinner Adam McLennan 3-34.
Hawks’ speedster Ross Dawkins then ripped through Cowaramup’s line up claiming 5-21 and Mike Provis grabbed three wickets. At one stage the Bulls were 7/33 but tailenders, wicketkeeper Tom Lister with 26 and Dan Williams with 32, showed gritty determination to get them to 110.
Saturday's game was the last for the Hawks' Hugh Mugford for a while. Mugford, 18,is leaving Margaret River to attend university in SA but has said he will make himself available to play whenever he is back home.
In C Grade Hawks’ young bat Rhys Willmott received a standing ovation after holing out on 99 runs.
Email a friend