SOUTH’S A Grade cricketers took on West in what promised to be an exciting encounter, despite fielding only 10 players.
After losing the toss to West’s captain Mackenzie Attard, South was sent in to bat first.
The opening overs were challenging, with West’s pacer Laurence Hebbard bowling tight lines and lengths.
In a surprising tactical move, off-spinner Adam Perry shared the new ball with Hebbard, a decision that paid immediate dividends for West.
Perry proved to be a thorn in South’s side early on, claiming the wickets of Aaron George and Alex Thomas for ducks.
His clever variations and control troubled the top order, putting South on the back foot.
Soon after, Hebbard dismissed the experienced Binu Sebastian, further increasing the pressure on South.
Amidst the early setbacks, captain Tristen Smith and middle-order batsman Aneesh George stepped up to stabilise the innings.
Aaron Williams emerged as the standout performer for South. Coming in during a difficult phase, he played a fighting knock of 21 runs.
His aggressive stroke play and ability to find gaps injected much-needed momentum into the innings.
Defending 75 runs, South’s bowlers faced an uphill task.
Tristen Smith led from the front, opening the bowling with vigour and managed to secure an early breakthrough, trapping opener Lachlan Kaye LBW shortly after the innings began.
Asif Mahmood bowled economically, conceding just 16 runs in his three overs.
However, West’s batting duo of Lachlan Harvey Attard proved formidable.
Harvey scored a fluent 35 off 30 balls, while Attard contributed a quickfire 27 off 16 deliveries. Their partnership steered West to victory in just 8.5 overs.
