All four Willetton Dragons’ senior cricket teams were back in action last weekend against Perth as they began day two of their Round 7 clashes.
In a tough battle at Burrendah Park, the Dragons’ first-grade team fell short against Perth. Chasing down a daunting target of 346 runs made by Perth last week, Willetton only managed to score 237, losing by 109 runs.
Miles Hammond impressed, scoring 58 runs, while Kade Povey contributed 56. However, the Dragons’ chase faltered as other key players couldn’t find their rhythm, including star batsman D’Arcy Short, who struggled, making just nine runs off 26 balls.
Luke Holt managed to make 36 runs, but it wasn’t enough to keep the chase alive.
Perth’s Josh Nicholas was the standout with the ball, taking four wickets for 47 runs, including six maiden overs.
As a result, the Dragons slip to 6th on the ladder, while Perth are now two games clear at the top.
The second-grade team, playing away at Fletcher Park in Carlisle, resumed their innings batting at 0/45, still trailing Perth by 136 runs.
The Dragons chased down the target comfortably, finishing with 238 runs for eight wickets, winning by two wickets.
Opening batsman Lachlan Lake was the hero, making an impressive 72 runs off 62 balls, including ten fours. David Cameron also made a valuable contribution with 47 runs from 99 balls.
Despite strong efforts from Perth’s Alex Calmy and Bayly Stawiarz, who each took two wickets, the Dragons held their nerve and secured the win.
As a result, the second grade now sits at the top of the ladder, a game clear of Perth in second place.
Back at Burrendah Park, the third grade resumed their batting innings with a score of 6/135; Josh Nathan continued to build on his efforts, finishing with 46 runs before the Dragons were eventually bowled out for 173.
Perth proved too strong, making 212 runs for just five wickets.
Perth batsman Gustav McKeon, who plays internationally for the French national cricket team, was in outstanding form, scoring 92 runs, while Ben Mitchell and Charlie Gough each took two wickets for the Dragons.
Despite their efforts, the Dragons lost by five wickets. They now sit a game clear in fifth on the ladder.
In a thrilling finish at Fletcher Park, the fourth-grade team won by just one wicket. Perth posted 9/252 in their first innings, and the Dragons began day two chasing the total.
The match ended in a nail-biting finish, with the Dragons finishing making 9/253 off 77.4 overs.
Opening batsman Dulina Thelikada Gamage was the standout, scoring a vital 84 runs before being dismissed LBW.
Captain Davinder Singh, who had taken four wickets last week, contributed 41 runs.
The match was decided by Caleb Florisson, who made 21 crucial runs before being dismissed, and the winning runs were hit by Michael Hardie.
Despite a valiant 4/35 from Jonah Smith for Perth, the Dragons clinched a thrilling victory. The win lifts them to 4th place on the ladder.
All four grades are back in action this week as they face the Joondalup Districts Cricket Club, the Northern Centurions
The first and third grades will play away at Iluka District Open Space, while the second and fourth grades return home to Burrendah Park.
