Warriors in test against Pigeons
West Wimmera will start its first two-day A Grade test in Horsham Cricket Association on Saturday when players walk onto Horsham’s Sunnyside oval.
Four rounds into the season and the Warriors are yet to secure an elusive win in their first foray into Horsham cricket. And if they are going to win this game, they are going to have to beat reigning premiers Homers.
The Warriors, despite the lack of success so far, have shown plenty and will be familiar with the Homers game having played the Pigeons in the opening round.
They are also meeting Homers on a usually batting-friendly Sunnyside turf, although they will need to be cautious against an accurate spin attack or if there is moisture in the wicket.
Last week the Warriors, at home at Nhill’s Davis Park, failed to match Jung Tigers, responding to a 40-over target of 4-181 with 9-137.
West Wimmera failed to gain any serious traction with the bat in the chase with wickets falling regularly around opener Brodie Cramer, whose 33 stood out in the innings like a beacon.
Mick Preston managed 19 in the middle order and Ash Dickinson made an unbeaten 22 down the list, but runs were hard to find. Homers, meanwhile, appeared to have few concerns tracking down Rupanyup-minyip’s 96 at Minyip and will be hard for the Warriors to beat.
Homers made 2-107 in 26 overs, opener Adam Atwood making 33 and Jarred Combe, 28, and Luke Deutscher, 20, unbeaten at stumps.
Earlier in the game the Homers bowling attack shared in the spoils, off-spinning all-rounder Simon Hopper having the best return of 3-10.
Rupanyup-minyip will be keen to bounce back in its game starting this weekend against Laharum at Rupanyup.
The Blue Panthers had little to celebrate last weekend, Dan Clark’s 24 at first drop a lonely entry on a sparse scorecard.
The team appears more than handy on paper considering Adam Carter, Daniel Schaper and Travis Hair are in the middle order with Clint Midgley and Brent Hudson at the top of the list.
Laharum will also be chasing a win after giving a Horsham Saints’ target of 3-218 a mighty shake.
The Mountain Men fell 22 runs short of the mark after openers Josh Mahony and Daniel Griffiths, both 71, shared a 150-run stand.
The visitors will be conspiring to get more breakthroughs with the ball this game.
Horsham Saints take on Jung Tigers at Horsham City Oval full of confidence after a fine batting performance led by Austin Smith, who made an unbeaten 89 at first drop.
Left-hander Gary Davidson, 36, shared an opening partnership of 68 with Mark Crafter, 38, before Smith and Josh Hedt, 38, had a 116-run stand.
The Saints also produced solid efforts with the ball, Jon Carroll snaring 3-35 and Haydn Smith and Brad Sproule also key wicket-takers.
The Saints meet the Tigers in what looms as an intriguing battle.
The Tigers have had two wins in a row after a slow start and on Saturday it was Simon Mock, 85, and Tyler Puls, 45, who stole the show against West Wimmera.
Veterans David Puls and Jason Pymer also showed they continue to have plenty to offer with the ball, sharing five wickets between them.