Saints put end to Combine’s streak

The Saints have ended Combine 1’s unbeaten winning run in Grampians Cricket Association A Grade competition with a seven-wicket win at North Park, Stawell, on Saturday.

With both teams missing probable players, the Saints won the toss and sent the Combine in to bat.

All Combine batters – Tom Eckel, Wil Clough, Aiden Graverson and Jacob Dunn got a start, with only captain Matt Heffer passing 50, with 59 off 37 balls.

Combine’s innings finished on 8-217 with Vince Harman and Adam Haslett both taking three wickets.

In reply, the Saints, through Haslett and Wian Stears, both scoring 80s, were able to run the target down with three overs to spare.

Pomonal rebounded to the winner’s circle with an easy victory against neighbour Rhymneymoyston 1.

The Tigers restricted Rhymston 1 to 9-138 and were able to achieve their target in 31 overs, with promoted opener Lachie Green contributing 57 not-out, who together with Corey Taylor, 53, put on 92 runs for the first wicket, effectively ensuring the win.

The win enables the Tigers to retain second spot on the ladder.

The two Halls Gap teams battled it out at Halls Gap, with Gappers 1 coming away winners after an exciting and high-scoring game. Choosing to bat, Gappers 2 reached 9-234.

A highlight was a 148-run stand between Josh Leith, 60, and Adam Mccormack, 93.

Mccormack’s innings featured 11 fours and four sixes off just 64 balls.

Riley Thomas was the best of Gappers 1 bowlers with three wickets.

Gappers 1 took until the last over to pass the score, reaching 7-239.

Main run-scorers were Luke Stevens with 76 and Lachie Smart, 46.

Riley Reid was the pick of Gappers 2 bowlers with 4-41.

In the remaining game, Combine 2 leapfrogged Chalambar on the ladder with an eight-wicket win at Buangor.

Batting first, Chalambar was restricted to 9-74, the exact details of their innings were not submitted by the agreed time, but the wickets were shared by all bowlers.

The Combine 2 responded with 2-84, mainly on the back of Craig Marrow’s 57 not-out.

The Grampians Cricket Association competition will now be divided into two grades for the rest of the season, with both grades resuming at a date to be fixed. Results: St Andrews 3-223 d Swifts-great Western 1 8-217; Halls Gap 1 7-239 d Halls Gap 2 8-234; Swifts-great Western 2 2-84 d Chalambar 9-74; Pomonal 3-155 d Rhymney-moyston 1 9-138.