The Willetton Dragons had mixed results across their four grades in last week’s Round 10 one-day 50/50 matches of the WA Premier Cricket competition.
The Dragons’ first-grade team made a triumphant return to form this week after a tough January 4 loss to Fremantle, where they were bowled out for just 68 runs and lost by 10 wickets.
Playing against Wanneroo at Burrendah Park, the Dragons secured a resounding 133-run victory in their clash at the weekend.
Winning the toss and electing to bat, Willetton piled on an imposing 5/266.
Opener Brock Larance set the tone with a run-a-ball 46, while Miles Hammond top-scored with 57. Blair Walsh contributed 51, and wicketkeeper Kade Povey added an unbeaten 40 to round off the innings.
Despite Wanneroo’s Matthew Carroll and Jake Fawcett claiming two wickets each, the damage had been done.
Wanneroo’s response faltered, with the team bowled out for 133 in 34 overs.
Aryan Varsani was their top scorer with 40, and Luke Holt led Willetton’s bowling attack with an outstanding 4/32.
The Dragons also benefited from wickets by Stewart Hepburn, Jaganjot Singh, Brock Larance and Matt Hanna, as well as two crucial run-outs from clever fielding.
The win places Willetton sixth on the ladder after 10 rounds, with five wins, four losses, and one no-result.
The Dragons’ second-grade team built on their strong start to the year with a solid 73-run victory over Wanneroo at Kingsway Sporting Complex.
After losing opener Lachlan Lake for a duck, Tom Balkwill’s 77 and Alex Hepburn’s 53 powered the Dragons to 5/239.
Captain Nic Geisler was the star with the ball, taking 4/33, while Hepburn added three wickets to his all-round performance.
Wanneroo’s Mitchell Slattery managed 35 runs, but the team was bowled out for 166.
Willetton’s second-grade now sits second on the ladder with eight wins from 10 games.
Back at Burrendah Park, the third-grade fell short, losing by 68 runs. Despite Wanneroo being bowled out for 199, the Dragons managed only 131 in reply.
Samuel Williams shone for Wanneroo with 75 runs, while Willetton’s Liam Hindle top-scored with 31.
The fourth-grade team also suffered a defeat, going down by 62 runs away. Wanneroo’s Xander Glamuzina scored 52, while Rajat Deshmukh’s 4/22 was a highlight for Willetton.
With the bat, captain Davinder Singh’s 25 was the best for the Dragons, who were bowled out for just 114 runs.
This week, Willetton face off against Midland-Guildford, with the first and third grades back home and second and fourth grades playing away at Lilac Hill Park in Caversham.
