Sport
30 October, 2024
Mixed bag for Volcanoes
SOUTH West veteran cricketers had a busy weekend on the pitch.
The over 60s team (the Volcanoes) took on Ballarat at Woorndoo.
Prior to the start of the match, a minutes’ silence was held as a mark of respect following the recent passing of long-time South West cricketer and highly respected umpire, Geoffrey ‘Tex’ Stafford.
After winning the toss and sending their opposition in to bat, the Volcanoes took two early wickets courtesy of a sharp catch in the gully by Milton Savage off Tony Evans, and Rob Johncock took a wicket which left Ballarat 2/3 inside two overs.
A few small partnerships took place but with Tony Evans securing a runout, Andy Lamont trapping a batsman LBW and Graeme Fischer bowling a batsman, Ballarat was 5/51 at the halfway point.
The second half of the innings saw one batsman stumped by Jock O’Connor off Don Pyke, and Tony Evans took a wicket.
The two returning Ballarat players were able to push the total out to 7/121.
Tony Evans took 2/16 and Graeme Fisher, Rob Johncock, Andy Lamont and Don Pyke all took one wicket.
In reply, Leigh Graham and Bernie Drake made 40 inside the first 10 overs before they retired.
Tony Evans scored 20 retired and at the half-way point South West was 1/69.
Contributions were made by Don Pyke (8), Jock O’Connor (11), Greg Parry (6) and Graeme Fischer (7) before Leigh Graham and Bernie Drake returned in the 35th over and scored the 15 remaining runs for victory.
The Volcanoes finished at 4/122 off 38 overs with top scorers being Leigh Graham (38), Tony Evans (20) and Bernie Drake (16).
The team welcomed Rob Johncock and Milton Savage to the side.
South West also took on Forest Hill at Forest Hill.
The home side won the toss and elected to bat.
The opposition opener made 40 inside eight overs as they reached 67 before Matty Boyle bowled a batsman.
In the next eight overs Forest Hill made 57 and at 1/124 looked set to make a large score.
South West took seven wickets for nine runs in six overs, dismissing Forest Hill for 133.
Mike Walsh finished with figures of 2/2, Wayne Green 2/6 and single wickets were taken by Matty Boyle, David Gass and Craig Wigney.
Paul Brazier (23) and Darrel Hall (9) put on 39 runs in eight overs.
In the following eight overs South West lost seven for 14.
At 7/55 the side was in trouble but Wayne Green (12) and Stephen Cain (34 with one six and four fours) offered some resistance.
However, the remaining batsmen contributed little and the side was bowled out in the 28th over for 114.
Steven Cain 34, Paul Brazier 23 and Wayne Green 12 were the only batsmen to score double figures.
Anyone interested in joining the South West Veterans Volcanoes can contact club secretary Graeme Fischer on 0439 135 766.
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