Gulls downed as Korth guides Winch to win

WINCHELSEA reinvigorated its season with a dramatic four-wicket victory over Barwon Heads.

The Seagulls entered the contest full of confidence after their big round 2 win over Little River but after winning the toss and batting first, they found the going tough against a disciplined Blues attack.

Sam Riseley made life tough in his opening spell with the new ball, but it was the 15-over middle innings contributions of Matt Nelson (1-17) and Ash Hubbert (0-15) that put the Heads under pressure.

James Hodder used up 91 balls to gather his 38 runs and skipper Max Melzer also found the going tough in compiling his 37.

The Heads faithful would have had high expectations of Darcy Hewitt repeating his last-round heroics with the bat, but the experienced Matt Partridge (2-20) was able to snuff out his 24-ball innings at 30 before he could cause too much damage.

The Seagulls laboured to 7-147 in their 40 overs, but after the recent batting returns from the Blues, their bowlers would have taken on the task of defending the total with confidence.

Jack Johnstone continued his great recent form with the early scalp of Nelson, but Angus Leigh and Hubbert dug in for a 49-run union to keep the Blues in the game.

Leigh departed for 38, highlighted with eight boundaries, patiently taking advantage of the new fielding restrictions in the early overs.

Hubbert then found another committed ally in skipper Adam Korth and another 52 important runs were added, before Hubbert became the first A-grade victim of debutant spinner Harry Hyland for a superbly crafted 41.

The youngster collected a second wicket on his way to figures of 2-37 in a performance that would have pleased many at the club.

Korth (pictured) continued to lead from the front, finishing with a valuable 43 not out, steering his team to an important win with only eight balls to spare.

The Blues have a chance to consolidate next week as they take on the winless Newcomb, while Barwon Heads must front up to the undefeated Armstrong Creek in what will be a crucial clash for the young team, 10 of whom have come up through the Seagulls’ highly successful junior program.