Dramatic end as Saints win on final ball

St Mary’s needed every last ball to defeat Dunsborough Cricket Club on Saturday in the Busselton Margaret River Cricket Association A-grade game at Dunsborough Turf.

The Saints needed more than four an over from the last 10 overs and were cruising before captain Danny Hatton was caught and bowled by Michael Walker for 21.

St Mary’s had stalled at 7/159 when Wayne Thackrah was dismissed for just three, still 26 runs short of Dunsborough’s 9/185.

Unlikely hero Jono Lloyd was able to build a handy innings with 19 not out in the final few overs after taking 2 for 15 with the ball. There was drama during the final ball when Dunsborough appealed for LBW but umpire John Crawford did not raise his index finger and Lloyd just made it back for a second run and the victory.

Saints captain Danny Hatton said the competition had never been so tight, with every team evenly poised ahead of the finals.

“They bowled well and it was a tough pitch but we had a strong start to the chase and did well to hang on,” he said.

“Looking ahead, we just have to work hard at training and get the little things right.”

Yallingup Oddbods (YOBS) may have had the bye in A-grade but their C-grade side were treated to a guest appearance by former Sri Lankan test player Saliya Ahangama. The 59-year-old fast bowler-turned-commentator was visiting the region and attended a midweek training session.

YOBS captain Ben Payne said it was a pleasure to have the company of the Sri Lankan right-arm paceman.

“He came to Busselton for a holiday and struck a friendship with president Matty Baird, who gave him a game,” he said.

Ahangama made only two with the bat, coming in at No.7 as YOBS were all out for 153.

However, he was able to take 2-8 off only five overs, which included two maidens, showing he still has some of the the pace that helped him take 18 wickets in his first and only series for Sri Lanka against India in 1985.