The Pinjarra Tigers caused a massive upset as they picked up their first win of the Peel Cricket Association season with a victory over top-two powerhouse Halls Head at Peelwood Reserve on Saturday afternoon.
The reigning premiers have endured a nightmare start to the 2020/21 campaign, but officially broke their duck as they kept a prolific Halls Head batting line-up from chasing down the required runs.
Batting first, it was Jason Poolman helping the Tigers overcome a shaky start after the loss of fellow opener Jamie Lee left them in a 1/9 hole.
Poolman went on to register a half century with 51 runs, and was supported by strong totals to Craig Jones (34) and Stewie McLean (23) as Pinjarra posted 170 before being all out.
But it was Jones that would go on the sure up man-of-the-match honours, as he backed up his 34 runs with an excellent bowling performance.
He dismantled the opposition's top order, snaring the first five wickets of the innings and finishing his spell with 5/31.
Chris Phelps led Halls Head with an unbeaten 42, but they eventually fell short on 153.
Their loss paved the way for South Mandurah to rocket into second spot on the ladder, as they did it easy against Shoalwater Bay.
The Falcons were in flying form as they cleaned up the Seals for just 56 runs in less than 20 overs.
Brad Holmes was a force with the ball snaring 3/14 and bowling five maiden overs in his spell, while Jesse Buck (3/12) and Corey Tregenza (2/28) also collected wickets.
In the end it took the Falcons less than eight overs to chase down the total, with Holmes (27) and Rod Tregenza (26 not out) leading the batting as their side overtook Halls Head on the ladder.
Meanwhile league leaders Singleton rode Mitchell Shellam's 81 to a comfortable victory over Warnbro.
Tim Hutchison (37) and Brad Ranford (33) also poured in solid contributions as Singleton posted 7/252, a total they would defend easily dismissing the Swans for 120 in return.
For Waroona it was Ben Wright continuing his excellent season with an unbeaten 89 runs as they overcame Mandurah.
Wright and Nic Rep (47) helped the Warriors to 6/210, before a five-wicket haul from Graham Spencer delivered the final blow.
Rounding out the wins for the weekend was a White Knights Baldivis victory over Secret Harbour.
Cameron Reyne (64) and Jai Sinclair (50) both scored half centuries in the win while Tousif Miran (5/29) led the way with the ball.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
