CRICKET
BOYUP BROOK v PRESTON VALLEY
PRESTON VALLEY returned to the winners’ list this week after completing a 14-run win over Boyup Brook in a close match at Boyup Brook on Saturday afternoon.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Dean Smith and Scott Tynan got the visitors off to a strong start, with another 50-run opening partnership. Tynan (32) tested the bowlers patience and survived two dropped catches, before edging one to the keeper to bring about the first wicket. Smith (24) was soon to follow, after being bowled by Len Blackiston.
Bob Lyon (14) started to get going before being caught after hitting the ball with the back of his bat.
Wayne Clifford then teamed up with the dangerous Nathan Smith in an 85-run stand for the fifth wicket. After a relatively quiet season so far with the bat by his standards, Smith was back to his best with a series of sixes off the slower bowlers, as the score raced to 4-109 at the drinks break.
The carnage continued after the break with Clifford getting into the action, as he brought up his second half-century for the season.
Not long after, a fatigued Smith lost his off-stump for a well earned 40, and Clifford followed one run later for a handy 64.
The Preston tail managed 25 more runs before being bowled out for 205 in the 44th over. Mike Wallace (7.5-1-31-4) did most of the damage at the tail-end, with Jason Mead (4-0-13-2) and Len Blackiston (9-1-53-2) also picking up a couple of wickets each.
In reply, openers Tim Mead and Scott Tweedie showed their intentions early from the first ball. Mead was the first wicket to fall, after 13-year old Shay McLaren took a well judged catch at point. Tweedie followed the very next ball, after Wayne Clifford completed a catch at mid-off.
Tristan Mead didn’t take long to find the middle of the bat, teaming up with Travis Reid in a 92-run stand for the third wicket, to see his side in a commanding position at the drinks break (2-113).
Mead smashed four massive sixes, before being caught in the deep for 61.
Alex Tweedie continued from where Mead left off, helping himself to back-to-back boundaries, as the score closed in on the target; however the dynamic of the match shifted after Tweedie was caught on the square leg boundary for a quick-fire 40.
Brendon Mead (22no) gave the home side hope of reaching the target; however he ran out of partners with Boyup being bowled out for 191 in the 40th over.
Scott Tynan (10-0-66-4) picked up the crucial wickets in the middle order, and was well supported by Danny Hartnup (6-0-35-2) and Shaun Gardiner (9.4-0-45-2).
DONNYBROOK v BRIDGETOWN
In the other match this week, Donnybrook closed the gap between second and third, after defeating Bridgetown by 72-runs in their match at Egan Park on Saturday.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Donnybrook found themselves in trouble early, losing their first five wickets with only 35 on the board. A steadying partnership between stalwarts Norm Bedford and Dave Hutchison restored some balance back to the home team, putting on 69-runs for the sixth wicket.
Hutchison was eventually stumped for 49, falling one run short of his second half-century this season.
Bedford continued his patient knock, and finished unbeaten on 37 as Donnybrook finished 9 down for 153 after their 45 overs.
Mitch Clothier (7-2-15-2), Kim Gardiner (8-2-17-2) and Hugh Mitchell (8-0-42-2) were all in the wickets for Bridgetown.
In reply, Bridgetown lost two early wickets before recovering on the backs of Darren Tassos and skipper Shane Glancy, who put on 36-runs for the third wicket.
Tassos (18) eventually fell leg-before to Norm Bedford, and some individual brilliance in the field from Robbie Cross had the visitors struggling to find runs. After Glancy departed for 31, Donnybrook tightened their grip and Bridgetown succumbed to be bowled out for 81 in the 40th over.
Neil Robertson (10-1-21-3) led the bowling attack for Donnybrook, and was well supported by Dave Hutchison (4.2-2-4-2) and Norm Bedford (10-3-13-2).
ROUND WRAP UP
As we approach the final round for the 2009-10 season, Preston Valley will wrap up their second consecutive Farley Shield when they take on Balingup-Greenbushes at Balingup on Saturday.
Bridgetown, who occupies second spot on the ladder, has a nervous wait as they sit out with the bye this week.
After their important win on the weekend, Donnybrook will need to defeat Boyup Brook at home on Saturday to give themselves a chance of finishing second and claiming the home preliminary final.
For all match reports, scorecards and statistics, visit the DBCA’s website at: www.dc-ca.com.au
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