OPENING batsman Geoff Williams smashed a hard-hitting century as Nestles made the first statement of the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association (WDCA) Twenty20 competition.
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Williams posted an unbeaten 104 to lift the Factory to 4-230 from its 20 overs against Koroit at Wenborn Oval in round one of the knockout tournament.
The Saints, who have their first XI in the WDCA division two grade, were all out for 89 off 18.2 overs in reply.
Williams’ knock included seven fours and six sixes. He played a support role to his brother Cameron early on, but took control when Cameron departed for 53.
Nestles co-captain Scott Kelly said the batting display hinted at big things for the Factory in the annual Twenty20 competition.
“If you look at our top three batsmen, you’ve got Brett Eldridge, he didn’t bat last night but once we play the better sides he’ll come into it, Cam Williams, he opens for the rep team, and Geoff Williams captained the division two team that went up (to Hamilton at the weekend).
“There’s no doubt we’ve got ability at the top of the order. And in Twenty20 it’s about your top four batsmen. If your top four batsmen fail, you’re up against it.”
The dominant Twenty20 performance is in stark contrast to Nestles’ regular season record, which stands at one win from five matches.
Kelly said he realised the need to repeat Tuesday night’s display when the Factory played day one of its clash against Brierly-Christ Church on Saturday.
“It’s crunch time now for us. There’s no mucking around from here,” he said.
“We can’t afford to lose any more games if we’re going to feature at the end of the year.”
In other WDCA Twenty20 matches, brothers Nathan (82 not out) and Mark Murphy (78) shared in a 160-run partnership as Brierly-Christ Church made 3-179 at Brierly.
Visiting Nirranda was all out for 103 from 17.1 overs.
Port Fairy had three overs to spare chasing down Wesley-CBC’s 97 all out at Allan Oval, winning by four wickets.
Woodford posted a rain-affected victory against Dennington at Bushfield. The Eels made 1-98 from 10 overs (Nick Butters, 47 not out) to take the win after the Dogs reached 7-124 from 20 overs.
Russells Creek won a thriller, overcoming East Warrnambool-YCW by four runs at Mack Oval.
Creek made 7-120 batting first but had its score reduced to 109 when rain intervened shortly after. East fell agonisingly short, finishing on 8-105 from 16 overs.
Merrivale progressed after rushing past Allansford’s 8-142 to win by seven wickets at Allansford.
Tuesday night’s winners will play in quarter-finals next Tuesday.
The winners, plus reigning premier West Warrnambool, will contest two semi-finals.
