GSCA 2024-25: Six wickets from Kendenup young gun Jared Ballard, Jack Batchelor belts century for Broomehill

Kendenup strengthen their claims on a top two finish in the Great Southern Cricket Association after thumping Kojonup by nine wickets on Saturday. The Cougars were without skipper Liam Want and were no match for Kendenup in their round 12 clash. Playing at home the Cougars won the toss and batted but it was youngster Jared Ballard that tore through their batting line-up. Jared Ballard finished with a sensational six-wicket haul as the Cougars were skittled for just 41. There were four ducks in the Cougars day to forget, including Geoffrey Pethick and Josh Matthews, with Griffin Howard the only player to reach double figures with 10. Jared Ballard snared the first four wickets and when Jeremy Groves removed Jason Campbell (4), the Cougars fell to 5-13. The next two scalps went to Jared Ballard to complete his wonderful spell of 6-10 from seven overs, three of which were maidens. Jakob Douglas chipped in with 2-12 as Kendenup were set their smallest chase of the season. Sebastian Ballard hit one six before falling for 11 but Ryan Pope (12no) and Douglas (17no) got them home in just 5.1 overs to secure a commanding nine-wicket demolition. It was Kendenup’s fifth one-day win of the season and they moved equal on points with the Cougars with three rounds to play. Meanwhile Broomehill star Jack Batchelor belted a century as his side continued their outstanding season. Batchelor destroyed the Australs North bowling attack, scoring 100 from 76 balls as the Bandicoots went on to make 7-292 in their 45 overs at Broomehill. A 75-run opening stand set the tone for the Bandicoots as Batchelor hit 15 fours and one six in his knock before falling to Axle Pearce with the score 2-168. Brayden Webber (24), Mac Crichton (49), Ben Holmes (23) and Bryce Hinchcliffe (32) provided valuable support for the home side. Axle Pearce (2 -51) and David Potter (2-46) were the multiple wicket takers for the Lions. The Lions made a strong start to the chase through Englishmen Kane Scott (36) and Archie Attwell (28), but they lacked support. Carson Dewar made 35 down the order but it was the combination of Scott Lamont (3-30) and Crichton (3-2) that guided the Bandicoots to a big win after the Lions were bowled out for 131. In the other fixture Tambellup found plenty of runs against Katanning Wanderers in Katanning. Shane Willmott led the way with a sparkling 85 from 135 balls to go with contributions from Connor Hawkins (68) and Flynn Cristinelli (43) as Tambellup made 6-247 batting first. Ely Anderson was the shining light for Wanderers with 4-41 from eight overs. English batter Joe Raynor gave Wanderers a small chance at chasing down the big target as he belted 73 but there was little middle order support. Anderson made 33 and Ryan Chapman was 16 not out at the end but Wanderers could only manage 8-184 in reply.