ALLANSFORD captain-coach Kyall Timms expects all-rounder Stephen Gibson to be promoted to division one in the last home-and-away round. Since returning from Queensland, Gibson has played three division two games this year, averaging 14 runs while collecting a total of five wickets. “We’re just waiting for him to hit a bit of form before we bring him up,” Timms said. “He didn’t play in Queensland so he’s a bit underdone. He’ll probably play division one in the last round.” The skipper conceded there were five 2008-09 premiership players who were lining up in division two. “There’s probably about 16 blokes to pick from for the ones leading into the finals,” he said. “We’re just trying to pick players on form.”
JOE Medew-Ewen couldn’t let Port Fairy teammate Daniel Hare hog all the limelight in round eight. The under 15 Pirates duelled Dennington at JJ Colledge Oval, with Daniel claiming a hat-trick in the first innings after snaring 3-19. In the Dogs’ second innings, Joe did the most damage with the ball, with the left-arm spinner also recording a hat-trick. He bowled two overs, collecting 3-5. Warrnambool and District Cricket Association (WDCA) junior committee chairman Gordon McLeod was surprised he witnessed the two hat-tricks. “It’s quite a feat to see two in separate innings,” he said. “It’s also good to see young kids bowl three straight balls.” Port won the match outright.
THE Pirates provided another round highlight after division three player Xavier McCartney belted 161 against Nirranda. Virtually any other round it would have neen the association’s top score but Gary MacLean’s massive 176 for Nestles, also in division three, ensured McCartney had to settle for second best.
WDCA’s under 17 competition is drawing to a close. This weekend will see the continuation of a two-day match which will be followed by two one-dayers. The semi-finals are on February 28 and March 7 while the grand final is on March 14. Woodford is the competition’s frontrunner as it is yet to drop a match this season. The association’s under 13 and 15 grand finals are on February 21, with the under 11s to play a curtain-raiser.
WHILE South West Cricket and WDCA had a hit-out on Sunday, Hamilton and District Cricket Association and Portland and District Cricket Association also battled it out. It marked the 150th anniversary of the first match between the neighbouring associations. Hamilton claimed honours after it tasted success in the under 16s, under 14s and women’s matches. Portland won the seniors and under 21 games. Warrnambool’s Steph Townsend lined up for Portland in the women’s match, making an unbeaten 87 for the losing side.
GRASSMERE Cricket Association’s A grade ladder is:
Yambuk (57.27), Purnim (54.60), Panmure Bulldogs (49.65), Panmure Pups (27.54), Killarney (25.44), Mailors Flat (20.60), Wangoom (10.10).
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