Miserly spinner Payne inspires BMRCA

The Busselton Margaret River Cricket Association has salvaged a 3-2 win loss record at the 2020 country week A section tournament.

Heading into the final day at 2-2 after two consecutive disappointing defeats, the BMRCA representatives were looking to make amends against West Pilbara at Jubilee Reserve last Friday.

Off-spinner Ben Payne continued his strong bowling performance at the tournament with 3-21 off 14 overs including six maidens.

Seemers Haig Colombera, Taylor Chandler and Matthew Connaughton all took wickets, restricting West Pilbara to just 130 from 56.1 overs.

Young Dunsborough Cricket Club batsmen James Courtney Bennett was the star with the bat, scoring 65 with seven boundaries.

He partnered with stand-out performer Fraser Oates (43), who fittingly hit the winning runs.

Oates averaged above 46 for the tournament including a match winning 63 against rivals Upper Great Southern on the first day.

This weekend, Yobs will look to defend their T20 A-grade premiership when they take on Saint Mary’s at Barnard Turf on Saturday.

The Saints finished on top of the T20 ladder with most points, most runs and most wickets despite sitting last on the extended overs ladder. Their domination of the T20 format may be misleading, however, with inspirational captain and leading run-maker Danny Hatton unavailable for selection because of a persistent calf injury.

Yobs will look to restrict Saints veteran duo Marc Ford and Jono Lloyd, who can both hit a big score at the top of the order.

Expect a big innings from Yobs key batsmen Harvey Golding and Troyden Thorp who both possess boundary-hitting potential albeit from different styles of play.

Next week, Saint Mary’s and Yobs will clash again in the 50-over format while Margaret River will travel to Dunsborough Playing Fields to confront a Dunsborough side desperate to play finals.