A STUNNING 53-run haul from veteran hitter Paul Walker has almost single-handedly cemented Russells Creek’s status on the winner’s list.
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The Creekers won the toss and elected to bat, setting West Warrnambool a task of 108 runs to win on Saturday.
Walker’s innings – which included five boundaries and one six – proved to be untouchable, with Josh Campbell’s effort of 11 at number five the next highest score on the Creeker’s scorecard.
“Paul held the innings together, he was very cool, calm and collected at the crease for us,” Russells Creek captain Cameron Williams told The Standard.
“With a few new faces in the side, including myself, there was a lot of nervous energy around the place. With the bat, we didn’t apply ourselves as well as we would have liked (as a team).
“We settled into bowling probably four overs in and held a really tight line. We were really solid in the field, too.”
West Warrnambool’s chances were bolstered by a strong stand from maestro Ben Threlfall, who worked the field to add 23 runs from first drop.
Matthew Fairhall also provided hope, accruing 22 runs late in the innings, but could only lift the Panthers to a score of 5-88 at stumps.
Williams, who will front up as a wicketkeeper-batsman in blue and white, said his club had the luxury of countless capable bowlers in the division one side and was confident the side would get better with time.
“We’ve probably got seven to eight, or even nine guys who can bowl. We have a lot of options there. They were basically coming straight into my gloves all day,” he said.
We’ve probably got seven to eight, or even nine guys who can bowl in the division one side. We have a lot of options there.
- Cameron Williams
"If we can keep bowling well and improve with the bat, we’ll keep trying to get those early wins on the board and use that to push forward hopefully towards finals.
“For our new players, it’s about getting used to Warrnambool’s standard of cricket. They’ve been playing at what is probably a higher level and that’s a massive factor.
“They’ll gel together with time. We’re trying to train as we play to hopefully make a run to the finals. They’re all good, senior cricketers.”
Of the new addition’s to the side, Sri Lankan-born Atulugage Silva bowled 1-12 from three overs, while Jimmy Elford, Matt Petherick and Josh Campbell all claimed a scalp with the ball.
