ENGLISH import Ben Compton is shaping as a “hell of a player” for Merrivale this summer, according to Tigers co-captain Josh Stapleton.
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Compton was part of an unbeaten 101-run opening wicket partnership with another Tiger leader in Jeremy Burgess as Merrivale chased down East Warrnambool-YCW’s 99 runs in under 15 overs on Saturday.
The Englishman posted 41 not out, while Burgess emphatically responded after last week’s duck – the team was bowled out for 92 – as the Tigers flexed their muscles on their home turf.
“To be honest, the deck at Merrivale has been a belter both weeks and there’s only been one team that’s made 100 in four innings,” Stapleton said. “‘Compo’ came in (this week). He looks like he’s going to be a hell of a player.
“He said the only thing he struggled with was the lack of pace with the bowling (compared to what he’s used to).”
Earlier, promising young medium-pacer Jack Holley claimed match-best figures of 4-14, cleaning up the Broncos’ tail.
In other matches, an impressive knock of 80 from Shashan Silva set Russells Creek up for a 25-run win over Port Fairy in a high-scoring match, with a spell of 4-23 from Joe Kenna important in helping Creek restrict the Pirates to 9-173 after spirited third and 10th wicket stands.
Brierly-Christ Church bounced back with a big 105-run win over Nirranda, with big contributions from by Nathan Murphy (58 runs), Daniel Oakley (45) and Harry Rooke (3-22).
A 103-run opening partnership from Sam McCosh (52) and James Dalton (43) set the foundations for Wesley-CBC’s five-wicket win over Woodford.
Lewis Eldridge’s blistering 4-8 off nine overs, including six maidens, played a big role in Nestles’ 65-run win over Dennington, while Jack Sunderland starred with 4-4 off nine overs – also bowling six maidens – as West Warrnambool posted a 33-run win in a low-scoring match against Allansford.