Geraldton cricket round 6: Bruce-Cherry and King combine for 324 runs to dominate Chapman Valley

Wanderers’ Clayton Bruce-Cherry put Chapman Valley to the sword in Saturday’s Geraldton Bendigo Bank Cricket League. Bruce-Cherry collared an increasingly wretched CVN attack with a brutal 186 (102 balls) at GBSC Pk. His fifth hundred in 33 innings since moving to Geraldton featured 10 sixes and 16 fours. He added 215, at eight an over, with Damien King (138 not out off 128 balls), a Wanderers record for any wicket and a league fifth-wicket best. “I’ve been a little out of touch lately and probably overthinking it,” Bruce-Cherry said. “Going in with lots of time to bat and getting a good start (his first scoring shot was a two, the next seven went for four or six) allowed me to play freely, It was nice to convert. “Damo’s a pleasure to play with and has had a hell of a start to the season, very happy to see him make a big score. “To set a partnership record has me chuffed. Wanderers has more depth this season and the potential to do something special if we play our best cricket at the right time.” CVN made a dream start after Axis Hutchinson won the toss and bowled, reducing Wanderers to 3-8. Then Bruce-Cherry made 49 of 56 added with Kade Gillingham to set the stage for King and himself. King was on 74 when Bruce-Cherry fell to Hayden Dawson (4-64) and went on to belt his second ton with three sixes and 21 fours. Wanderers made 8-389. CVN replied with 92, only Denzel Gould (23) and Coen Mason (16) made scores. Jason Partington (3-29), Mitch Thompson (3-20), Liam Clarkson (2-17) and Ian Oglesby (2-26) shared pickings. Towns won at Wonthella over Sportsmans. When Towns were 6-96, despite the grit of Dan Brimson (22), Jarrod Jupp’s decision to send Towns in was a winner. But Ringo McKenna (73 not out) hit a career-best to get them to 7-189, adding41 with Austin Breen (19) and cutting loose to put on 52 with Sam Crouch. Sporties made 116 in reply thanks to Ben O’Brien (36), Darcy Ingle (21) and Josh McGlynn (17). Josh DeLacy (4-31), Crouch (3-19) and Kodi Giltrow (2-22) bowled well. Towns also beat Sportsmans in Friday’s Young Motors T20 at Wonthella. McKenna batted after he won the toss and Towns hit 3-123. Jeremy Bedford (40 off 26 balls) impressed in a dig that contained only one four but many ones turned into twos. He put on 75 with fellow opener Darcy Giltrow (43). Jai Russell (22 not out) also shone while a Sporties’ highlight was a sharp Brad Roworth caught and bowled. Sportsmans lost early wickets in the chase to McKenna (2-8) and Travis Morgan though O’Brien (34 off 33 balls) gave them hope. He took four, six and six off successive Morgan balls but when caught by ‘keeper Darcy Giltrow, one of his four grabs, off Breen (3-13) impetus was lost. Sportsmans made 8-85.