UGSCA 2023-24: Wandering’s unbeaten run continues with hard-fought win over Cuballing

Wandering’s unbeaten run was extended with a tight win over Cuballing in round five of the 2023-24 Upper Great Southern Cricket Association A-grade competition on Saturday. A solid performance from Wandering in the field and consistency with the bat helped them chase down 167 to win in 42.1 overs. After winning the toss and electing to bat at home, Cuballing started at the crease with Johannes De bruyn and Bevan George. Johannes De bruyn (4) was the first to fall, caught by Jordan Hughes off a delivery from Ben Sherry. Joe Dowling (7) stepped in for De bruyn but soon followed the opener from the middle, caught, again off Sherry, sending Brock Francis to the crease. Bevan George proved a tougher scalp for the visitors, notching up 26 runs before being caught by the fast gloves of Wandering wicketkeeper Jacob Schorer. Brock Francis (6) was trapped lbw to leave Cuballing 4-50 as Kendal Ballard stepped in to lead the resistance, partnering with Blair Forrest. Kendal Ballard hit five fours and three sixes, giving Wandering reason to sweat as he teamed with Forrest to produce Cuballing’s most productive pairing. Boundary-seeker Kendal Ballard (60) was dismissed as Bailey Parsons took a timely catch and was soon followed by Forrest, caught for 34. Cuballing’s Grady Francis was out for a a duck before spring-heeled Jacob Schorer proved his worth again as he caught Rhett Ballard (0). Caleb Dewing (12 not out) and Michael Moore (10 not out) helped Cuballing reach 8-166 from their 45 overs. Former Towns captain Ben McMillan snared 2-14 while Lewis Parsons (2-22) and Sherry (2-20) gave great support. Jacob Schorer and Blake Egerton-Warburton strode to the crease when play resumed to open the innings for Wandering. Grady Francis claimed the first breakthrough as Jacob Schorer hit the ball into the waiting hands of Rhett Ballard on 13. Sherry (6) would step in to join Egerton-Warburton, but the partnership was short-lived as Brock Francis sent his bails flying. Egerton-Warburton (29) was next to fall as Rhett Ballard caught him off a delivery from Brock Francis, the visitors 3-55 as a result. Jordan Hughes (9) fell cheaply but all-rounder McMillan made his presence felt belting a neat half century. He partnered with Bailey Parsons to get their side close to victory but McMillan departed on 50. Wandering were 6-154 after Lewis Parsons made just one but Bailey Parsons (47 not out) got his side across the line with 17 balls to spare and four wickets in hand. Brock Francis was a stand-out with the ball for Cuballing collecting 3-20 from nine overs, while keeper Rhett Ballard kept the pressure on with three catches. In the other A-grade fixture Williams chased down 194 to win their clash with Towns at Williams. Another superb century from Arron Quartermaine wasn’t enough to get Towns across the line, making 6-193 batting first. Arron Quartermaine hit 15 boundaries in his 108 from as many deliveries while Perrin Quartermaine (28) and Liam Sweeney (20 not out) also chipped in. Rodney Ford was vital with the ball for the home side, taking 3-28 from 10 overs. Sweeney made a big early breakthrough as he bowled Garth Nottle for a fifth ball duck but Williams’ top order was up for the fight. Rodney Ford belted 80 from just 76 balls and was well supported by Michael Cowcher (44), Robert Rose (26) and Riley Ford (24 not out) as they reached the target in 38 overs with seven wickets to spare.