Sam Pendlebury’s superb knock and Andrew Tatterson’s prolific spell with the ball led Halls Head to their fifth victory on the Peel Cricket Association season with a win over White Knights Baldivis on Saturday.
The duo posted a set of outstanding numbers as Halls Head cruised to victory in the season’s 11th round, with Pendlebury’s unbeaten 86 leading all scorers after Tatterson dismantled the Baldivis attack with his 4/20 figures.
Baldivis was off to a nightmare start after being sent into bat, with a pair of catches off Scott Martin deliveries dismissing openers Gavin Clothier (20) and Michael Macpherson (5).
Cameron Reyne’s 39 runs gave life to a side doing its best to overcome a 3/30 hole, but a collapse in the back end saw the White Knights cleaned up for 125.
The tall order of defending their small total seemed to shrink when Baldivis secured the early wicket of Levi Muller (8).
But Pendlebury’s arrival at the crease put an end to their ambitions.
The third-in-line piled up a brilliant 86 not out, teaming with Tatterson (31), Jack Manual (35), Reid Klopper (26) and Will Eason (53 not out) who all gave generous contributions to the total.
The even spread of scores led Halls Head past the Baldivis total with ease, as they went on to finish the day on a comfortable 4/253.
It was a crucial result for the home side, who now spring into fifth on the PCA ladder despite handing the Warnbro Swans their first win before the break.
Halls Head now sit just one game shy of Pinjarra in fourth.
Pinjarra defeated by Mandurah
An 83-run opening stand between Ben Drummond (36) and Ian Lattimore (43) gave Mandurah the start they needed to keep a firm grip on third spot with a win over Pinjarra.
The partnership kick-started an unusual batting performance, with Mandurah being able to post a solid 236 despite the strong form of Pinjarra bowlers Jason Nelson (3/39), Jake Foley (3/32) and Jacob Gittos (4/31).
Gittos’ excellent work with the ball translated to a game-high 80 runs with the bat, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win for his side as they fell short on 9/217.
Mandurah now sits a game clear in third, while Pinjarra will be fighting for their spot in the top four next week.
Waroona defeated by South Mandurah
South Mandurah returned from the holiday break in style when they handed league heavyweight Waroona their first loss of the season on Saturday.
The Falcons’ bowling attack was flying high to lead the side to the upset win, particularly Jesse Buck whose 6/22 field day played the key role in ensuring the top-of-the-table Demons were bowled out for 104.
South Mandurah had their own struggles with the bat but Buck’s 21 runs were able to help them edge out a win, being dismissed on 119.
The victory keeps Souths just one win out of the top four.
Hillman defeated by Singleton
Singleton moved closer to a return to the top of the ladder with a comfortable victory over the Hornets in round 11.
Hillman struggled after electing to bat first, with Singleton’s David Morgan on fire with the ball claiming 6/26.
Morgan’s efforts restricted Hillman to just 102 runs in 27.2 overs, a total the Irwinians found easy to surpass with a number of batsmen contributing.
Mitchell Shellam led the way with 87, followed by Daniel Jones (49) and Danny Woollard (47).
Warnbro defeated by Shoalwater Bay
Josh Senior’s knock of 58 came just in time for the Seals, who edged out a narrow win over Warnbro on Saturday.
The middle-order batsman’s half-century provided just enough for Shoalwater Bay to chase down Warnbro’s total of 142, despite some determined bowling from Swan Kaine May (3/19).
Ben Doudle led the way with the bat for Warnbro tallying 35 runs, but the side fell just short of claiming their second victory.
They will need to a huge performance to turn things around if they are to claim a victory over Singleton next weekend.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
