Geraldton Bendigo Bank Cricket League: Wanderers and Towns claim big victories

Matches went as expected in the Geraldton Bendigo Bank Cricket League at the weekend, with Wanderers and Towns claiming big wins.

Wanderers played Chapman Valley-Northampton twice, firstly in a Young Motors T20 at Wonthella on Friday night and then in a 50-over game at GBSC Park on Saturday. Wanderers won both games handsomely.

On Friday, CVN’s Mitch Marsh sent Wanderers in and though Daniel Leach bowled Ian Oglesby without much damage, Zane Marwick (64 not out) and Damien King added 116 for the second wicket.

Marwick passed 1000 runs for Wanderers in only his 26th innings — he is averaging 51.25. Wanderers made 2-139, which given Wonthella’s weighty outfield is more than it sounds.

CVN’s reply was a ruin — all out for 45. Only opener Bobby Gibson (16) and Adam Goacher (17) managed double figures.

Wanderers’ attack dominated with Jason Partington (2-13) taking his 50th wicket for the club while Justin Clarkson (3-10) was also effective.

Both Marwick and Digby Williams bowled one over which was enough for respective cards of 2-3 and 2-0.

Saturday’s game was similar except this time Wanderers skipper Kade Gillingham won the toss and bowled. CVN tallied only 87 despite the work of Goacher (18) and Gibson (19 not out).

Austyn Moulds (3-10) bowled superbly on his return from injury and Williams (3-14) enjoyed another good day but praise also for Marwick who was wicketless but conceded a miserly eight runs from 10 overs.

Wanderers lost only four wickets in an untroubled chase, one of them gifted when Oglesby (31) retired. Gus Heberle (35) also made runs while Matt Albanis (2-7) had some reward.

The other 50-over game on Saturday was easily won by Towns against Sportsmans at the Rec.

Towns’ Ringo McKenna won the toss and batted and his side made 8-149.

There were runs from Jeremy Bedford (32), who passed 1000 runs in his 45th innings, Austin Breen (15), Sam Crouch (20) and a nice finish from Josh DeLacy (27 not out).

Bedford was caught behind by Darcy Ingle off 41-year-old veteran Dan Welsh, his 380th A-grade wicket. Jarrod Jupp (2-27) and Matt Greenlees (2-37) also shone.

Sportsmans made 103 in the reply to lose by 46 runs. Matt Greenlees (28) top-scored.

Tom Forsyth (4-19) who has missed half the season with work commitments reminded his club’s selectors that he remains a force while Travis Morgan and McKenna each took two wickets.