Tambellup skipper stands tall with five-wicket haul in memorable grand final victory

Tambellup captain Nathan Willmott’s five-wicket haul helped turn the Great Southern Cricket Association grand final in his side’s favour. Willmott was named man of the match as Tambellup won back-to-back premierships, downing Kendenup on their home turf. The all-rounder was devastating with the ball to claim 5-13 as he helped his side successfully defend 153. Earlier the 27-year-old played a vital role with the bat as well, top scoring with a hard-fought 39. “I’m very humbled and proud to be named man of the match,” Willmott said. “It was great to be able to contribute in such a big game. “I’m glad I was able to perform on the big stage and be a part of a great win and a great season for Tambellup. “I knew we needed early wickets to put the pressure back on them so it was nice to get a few in the right area early. “I was determined to make some runs and contribute considering I didn’t make any runs the week before.” Willmott’s nine-over spell was extremely tight and included four maidens as his five wickets tore through the heart of Kendenup’s batting line-up. The skipper snared the first four wickets of Kendenup’s batting innings as the home side slumped to 4-24 in the run chase. Willmott dismissed Matt Gilbert for a duck to snare his fifth scalp, leaving Kendenup in all sorts of trouble at 6-28. Earlier on the left-hander came in at No.5 and after being dropped at square leg in his first few balls he made Kendenup pay with 39 from 67 balls before he was eventually run out. Tambellup were 3-55 when Willmott walked to the wicket but he shared in a vital 54-run stand with Connor Hawkins to get his side past 100.