ANYTHING you can do, I can do better — so says Warrnambool Gold century-maker Shannon Beks.
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Shannon posted his maiden ton on day two of under 15 Horsham Country Week yesterday to help his team to a big win against Portland.
The 14-year-old made 112 opening the innings with a well-crafted display of batting at Cornell Park.
His knock helped Gold reach 3-236 from its 45 overs. Portland was all out for 98 in reply.
The performance came one day after Warrnambool Blue all-rounder Jack Clifford pounded the Horsham attack en route to 116 not out.
Gold coach Terry Beks watched his son’s innings from square leg and said he batted with calm confidence.
“He was hitting the ball very well. The opposition was a bit undermanned but he batted sensibly and did the right things,” he said.
“As the coach, I was at square leg umpiring. I was obviously pleased when he got there.
“The thing was that he waited on the right ball as much as anything.
“The pitch was a bit slow and they bowled it a bit short.”
Shannon was not the only Warrnambool Gold batsman to shine.
Nick King — Shannon’s clubmate at Dennington — made 59 and the pair put on 174 for the opening wicket. Liam Brown also made 38 not out. Jack Lynch (3-6) and Davis Lindsey (2-5) were the pick of the Gold bowlers.
The coach said Warrnambool Gold would have to win its final pool B match against unbeaten Hamilton to progress to the semi-finals.
Gold is second but does not want to rely on third-ranked South West losing to winless Portland.
“We just went down in the last over in a close game. The boys played pretty well but they weren’t quite there,” Beks said.
“Today we turned that right around.”
South West lost its day two match to Hamilton, posting a disappointing 97 in reply to its rival’s 3-186 batting first at Sunnyside Oval.
Warrnambool Blue also tasted victory on day two of Horsham Country Week to remain unbeaten in pool A.
Charlie Lee took 3-26 as Blue routed Wimmera-Mallee for 117 in 43 overs at Dimboola Road.
Harry Bond then struck 78 not out to steer the team to 6-262 from 45 overs.
Brody Couch also enjoyed a day out, taking 2-11 and making 29 not out, while Harry took five catches as wicketkeeper.
“I think this group of kids is a good bunch,” coach Kevin Bond said.
“They bat quite deeply and there is plenty of talent there.”
afawkes@fairfaxmedia.com.au
