Sending out warning
Wests keep themselves in top spot
CRICKET: Western Districts have maintained their unbeaten start to the TCI A-grade season with another dominant victory at the weekend.
Coming into day two against a determined Southern Districts side at 0/15, Wests picked up the run rate early on to get the upper hand.
In a tough scene for players, opener Josh Eiser was struck down, copping a short ball to the head, and was retired hurt for a significant period of time.
Sam Neale and Chris Gillam being dismissed in quick succession halted proceedings for a small period, however Wests were able to regain their composure.
Quality knocks to Matt Hallas (40), Luke Neale (62) and Daley Martin (44) quickly pushed them past Souths total of 166, and on to a comfortable first innings victory.
Western Districts captain Luke Neale said while there was still room for improvement from the Harding-Madsen Shield winners, they are pleased to continue their unbeaten run.
“It wasn’t a perfect performance by any means, but a bit of tough work at the end helped us get the win,” he said.
“Nobody had a massive score, but our players were able to score consistently. The blokes down the order did a good job and it’s good knowing they can score those runs.
“Once we got past their score we were able to open up the shoulders a bit more.”
This weekend they come up against a resurgent University side, and Neale is wary of the challenge they possess.
“They’ve come along well as the year has gone on,” Neale said.
“They have a strong top order with a lot of solid bats. We have to bowl well to knock them over.”
Wests will again be without the services of Cam Brimblecombe this weekend.
MET-EASTS SECURE BACK-TO-BACK WINS
Metropolitan-Easts solidified its spot in the top four with a 101-run first innings defeat of a depleted Northern Brothers Diggers side.
Campbell Rathie (56) and Liam Brown (62) led the way with the bat as the Trojans declared at 8/244.
Diggers finished at 0/32 in their second innings.
UNI GETS THE JOB DONE ON THE ROAD
University continued its hot start to the two-day season, overcoming Highfields-Railways by 23 runs at the conclusion of the second day.
Defending their total of 197, the Bulldogs had University on the ropes at 6/138, however James Bidgood (28), Rick Smith (21*) and Marx Aluguvelli (41) helped University on their way to 9/220 and vital competition points.