Geraldton cricket: Darcy Ingle took 7-18 and hit 44 in Sportsmans’ win against Chapman Valley-Northampton

A blistering seven-wicket haul followed by a swashbuckling knock by Darcy Ingle guided Sportsmans in the Geraldton Bendigo Bank Cricket League at Wonthella on Saturday. Claiming 7-18 — the fourth best analysis in Sportsmans’ 34-year history — Ingle then belted a six and seven fours in an attacking 44, the game’s top-score. “He had a very good day, everything went right for him with the ball,” Sportsmans captain Riley Barham said. “He also batted superbly and scores quickly, I’m glad to have him back in our side.” Barham won the toss and bowled. While runs came slowly for Chapman Valley-Northampton with Jarrad Jupp and Brad Mailer bowling good lines, they did not lose a wicket until the 19th over when they had 31 runs. In fact, they lost four wickets at 31 and another at 33 — all to Ingle. He started by bowling Axis Hutchinson (13), had Scott Harrison caught behind by James Greenlees two balls later and Hayden Dawson caught first ball by Jupp to be on a hat-trick. In his next over, Ingle provided Greenlees with another grab to shift Gerard Williamson and the over after had Zac Williamson (15) held by Aaron McAuliffe. Five wickets for Ingle in 16 balls. A brief Mitch Marsh (19) and Paul Simmons rally ended when Ingle had Marsh caught by Clint Yeates. McAuliffe (2-20) picked up two wickets in his fifth over, Ingle claimed his seventh soon after and Harrison Steel caught and bowled Brad Boyer to end the CVN innings for 80. Ingle and Jupp got Sporties off to a flyer in the reply and though Ingle was held by Harrison off Marsh (3-41) before the target was eclipsed, Barham (26) and Clint Yeates (23) did the rest. There were more runs from Jupp (21) and Greenlees (20) and Sportsmans ended with 177. Boyer (4-36) also bowled well. “Some good signs for us,” Barham said. “We struggled to score runs last season and have now put up two reasonable totals, but we’ll see where we’re at next week against a strong Wanderers.” Towns comfortably won at the Rec against Bluff Point in a grand final rematch after captain Ringo McKenna won the toss and his side made 9-227. Jeremy Bedford (71) hit his first A-grade 50 with input from McKenna (48), Jai Russell (25), Jay Comben (24) and Blake Plymin (19 not out). Antonio Paradella (3-51) and Sam Millett (2-43) had success with the ball. The Pointers made a feisty start in the chase thanks to Peter Maxwell (62 off 59 balls) who put on 50 with Callum Joss while Jay O’Brien (26) was solid. But they fell away and were bowled out for 134. Josh DeLacy (3-8), Russell (2-15) and Austin Breen (3-9) were on song.