Thomson rebounds and makes light work of West
THOMSON bounced back from a surprise Round 1 loss, sending a statement with an emphatic ninewicket win against Geelong West.
The Tigers made light work of their chase of 123, reeling in the target inside 22 overs after West laboured through 40 overs with the bat.
After the Thomson bowlers did the job with the ball, Tigers captain Grant Dew ensured there were no nervous moments, crashing 11 boundaries in an unbeaten 59 to steer his side home at West Oval.
“We are delighted to win and win like that,” Dew said, after again proving his class against the new ball.
“Last week we thought we were a bit unlucky, but this week we got some breaks so it evened itself out, if you like. The wicket was easier to bat on while the ball was new and hard. And as it got softer — and there was less pace on the ball — it got more difficult.
“We went out to make sure we tried to get some runs early and put some pressure on the West bowlers.”
Opening pair Dew and Nick Whan (34) nearly got Thomson to the total by themselves, but Alex Buckwell (1-23) was the lone West bowler to claim a wicket.
Earlier, the Thomson bowlers put the clamps on the Rams, with only Tony Spence (36 not out) and Jake Allen (21) making it past 20.
Ben Roberts (3-31) struck with the very first ball of the match, pinning Kenny Spence lbw and Thomson did not relent from then on.
“Our bowlers did a fantastic job. Our lines and lengths were really good,” Dew said.
“West are a dangerous side and they keep sending out good players, so our boys bowled well and we backed them up in the field.”
Teenager Hugh Menzies (3-25) and the experienced Brent Macleod (3-26) were also among the wickets in a very impressive showing with the ball.