Reigning premiers Williams recorded the first win of the title defence in the Upper Great Southern Cricket Association A-grade competition on Saturday, thumping Lake Grace in Williams. Williams were round one losers at the hands of Wandering but they bounced back in strong fashion, prevailing by 91 runs after amassing a big score batting first. With their batting line-up strengthened by the inclusion of WA Country XI all-rounder Julian Crudeli, Williams posted a formidable 6-249 from their 45 overs.
The Williams top six all surpassed at least 20 against the under-pressure Lake Grace attack, led by a half century from skipper Rodney Ford. Ford top scored with 63 from 62 balls, hitting seven boundaries, while Crudeli (47) and Riley Ford (47) also made significant contributions with the bat. Kim Rintoul was the first to fall, dismissed by Brayden Reynolds for 27, and his opening partner Michael Forman followed soon after also for 27.
Williams were 2-68 when Forman was bowled by Matthew Trevenen but a 78-run stand between Rodney Ford and Crudeli set the tone for the home side’s massive total. Harry Grigson Reynolds was the pick of the bowlers with 1-47 but the visitors had a big task ahead. Trevenen and Regan Smith gave Lake Grace a terrific start in the chase, sharing in a 77-run partnership at the top but the required run rate proved too much in the end.
Riley Ford snared Regan Smith for 41 and then Trevenen soon after for 44 to leave Lake Grace 3-96. However despite a fighti.