Captain’s century puts Saints in strong spot
ST JOSEPH’S is in a dominant position against Leopold after stand-in captain Andrew Hodgson’s 110 formed the backbone of his side’s 271 at Memorial Park.
“We’ve had a couple of scratchy games this season, so there was a real emphasis on the top four getting us off to a good start today,” Hodgson said, filling the leadership void left by the injured Luke Ibbs.
“Unfortunately we lost one early, but we were still able to capitalise and set it up.
“Even then we still probably left a few out there, but at least we have given our bowlers a really good opportunity.”
The Saints suffered a pregame blow with experienced all-rounder Justin Foss aggravating a back injury, adding to the absence of Ibbs, which forced a reshuffle in the opening pair.
Forced to the wicket following the loss of Troy Nolan (0), with the scoreboard unmoved, Hodgson found allies in Andrew Casey (39) and Leigh Kentish (36) to propel the score to 205 before he departed as the fourth wicket.
Hodgson’s patient threehour stay comprised 15 boundaries and generated his fifth century in the Saints’ colours.
Cam Parker almost singlehandedly held the back-half of the innings together with an enterprising 65-ball even 50.
“He’s a very good, 360-de- gree player who is a perfect number five or six for us,” Hodgson said of the inventive Parker.
“We love to get him in after the 55th or 60th over where he can get 50 in no time.”
Ben Horne (3-21), Tim Marshall (3-48) and Sam Allen (3-72) toiled to share the bowling rewards for Leopold, while agile gloveman David Ford snared five victims.
“We’ve been talking about the need for consistency and we know that if we bowl well next week we can claim the six points and stay in touch,” Hodgson said. “The wins before Christmas continue to be important, especially in such an even competition.”