The Willetton Dragons first-grade cricket team is in a reasonable position after Day one of their two-day clash with South Perth at Hola Park, despite challenging conditions on a lively wicket.
South Perth struggled in their first innings, bowled out for just 126 runs. Zach Ferris led the bowling charge for the Dragons, claiming four wickets for only 20 runs.
Matt Hanna, Stewart Hepburn, and D’Arcy Short each contributed with two wickets, dismissing the visitors in 49 overs. Eric Botha was the standout with the bat for South Perth, top-scoring with 48 runs, but he had little support from the lower order.
Willetton faced similar challenges when they batted, as the lively pitch made run-scoring difficult for both sides.
Brock Larance fought hard for 47 runs, while D’Arcy Short added 25. However, it was Miles Hammond, the Dragons’ English batsman from Gloucestershire, who top-scored with a solid 57 runs in his debut match for the club.
Despite the tricky conditions, Willetton’s batsmen built a healthy total, and with a 38-run lead, the team declared at 9/164 off just 29 overs.
Sending South Perth back into bat before the close of play, the Dragons were quick to capitalise on their advantage.
Matt Hanna was in fine form in the final six overs of the day, taking two wickets to leave South Perth at a precarious 2/3 at stumps, with Benjamin Middlemas and nightwatchman Joel Logan left at the crease.
Over at Richardson Park in South Perth, Willetton’s second-grade team set a formidable total of 10/279 in their first innings.
Kallen Bond led the charge with an impressive 93 runs before being bowled out by South Perth’s Rhys Solomons, while vice-captain Jaganjot Singh added a strong 82 runs before falling to Riley Connelly.
South Perth’s bowlers, Wyatt Wilson and Connelly, each claimed three wickets. Willetton will now look to build on their solid foundation as South Perth begins their chase next Saturday.
Back at Hola Park in Willetton, the Dragons’ third-grade team is in a commanding position after posting 10/228 off 73 overs.
Charlie Gough led the charge with a superb century, raising his bat for a well-played 104 runs off 167 balls before being bowled out by Thomas Smith.
Ethan Beatty also made a solid contribution, adding 43 runs to the total. South Perth will begin their reply next Saturday, with the Dragons well-placed to defend their total.
In the fourth-grade match, the Dragons find themselves in a tough position heading into next weekend. South Perth finished Day One at 8/283, with Jake Michell making 115 runs before being dismissed by Sam Julyan. Willetton’s captain, Davinder Singh, took three wickets.
Willetton’s first and third-grade sides will resume their round six matches against South Perth this Saturday at Hola Park in Willetton, while the second and fourth-grade sides will be back at Richardson Park in South Perth.
