Bruce-Cherry trumps Giltrow and Towns as Chapman Valley stun Bluff Point

It took 13 rounds, but the A-Grade Geraldton Cricket League has its first century maker after Clayton Bruce-Cherry led a stunning assault to beat Towns in their one-day clash on Saturday. Chasing 196 to win on Murray Towton’s well-prepared Recreation Ground pitch, Wanderers weren’t likely at 4-53 or at 5-104 when captain Kade Gillingham (19) was out to Austin Breen (4-30) caught at mid-off playing across the line. But by then Bruce-Cherry was set on 49 and added 99 with Shayne Bidwell (38 not out) and Wanderers ended at 9-208. Bruce-Cherry brought up his ton and the winning runs in style with a six off Sam Crouch and was lauded by the good crowd present. He finally fell to Sam Crouch (2-42), ending his masterful effort of 103 which included seven fours and two sixes. It makes four tons in only 22 innings since he moved to Geraldton. “It was a great win and great for our team’s confidence,” Gillingham said. “Clay’s innings was brilliant, he batted really well and we’ve started to play some good cricket but still have a lot to work to do.” Towns did well to post 7-195 after Mitch Thompson (2-12) removed both openers. He dismissed Callum Marquis with the first ball of the match in a fiery opening spell and ran out the number three Nathan Podmore. But Towns were saved by Kodi Giltrow (71 not out) after they were wobbling at 5-55. Giltrow played an innings beyond his years, notching up his highest score compiling steadily with Jay Comben (19) and Crouch (21) before going on the attack particularly against the short ball along with Jai Russell (46). But Bruce-Cherry was a class above and his latest innings along with his tight bowling of 1-28 off 10 sees him out front for cricketer of the year. In the other game at Muir Park, Chapman Valley stunned Bluff Point to claim just their second one-day win this year and deal a hammer blow to the Pointers’ hopes of finishing top. Muir Park has seen some of the lowest scores in the competition, but Rams elected to bat first and posted a competitive 9-159. The innings was held together by captain Nigel Routledge who was the last man out for 53 and Bobby Gibson (43) after opener Aix Hutchison (36) ensured a steady start. Aaron Thomas (4-21) shone after Gibson was removed, with help from Jay O’Brien (3-32) and Carl Shilling (2-24). In reply the Pointers never got going as promising pacer Zak Williamson (3-17) claimed the first three wickets finding some bounce and just enough movement to have all three caught. His haul included Thomas (17) whose nine-ball stay was brief but fun. Jayden Pinto (18) dug in but Cody Slootmans (4-31) and Mitch Marsh (2-13) kept taking wickets with the Pointers’ biggest partnership not coming until they were eight down as Matt Reid (32) dined on Hayden Dawson’s bowling (four fours and two sixes off eight balls) and took them to 94. Rob Gibson, keeping wicket, held four catches, three off bouncers and one, low to his right to remove Callum Joss, was a fine take as Rams got some rewards after a difficult season so far.