UPPER Beaconsfield Bgrade batsmen hit good form in perfect conditions at home against Emerald to score 205 in the first WGCA round on Saturday.
Considering the Emerald attack has one of the top tearaway quicks in Clinton Marsh, the Maroons did well to accumulate the runs. Experienced opener David Taylor showed glimpses of form to reach 35, while Dan Brennan battled hard for 13 overs to reach 13 before falling while attempting to hammer the attack.
At one stage Upper Beaconsfield had slumped to 6/113 in a middleorder collapse, but was rescued by two of the promising young players in the team.
Andrew Haythorpe with 26 was ably assisted by 17yearold Julian Bayard with 39 not out. Luke Pitcher also showed glimpses of his batting prowess in a cameo 28. The Maroons will need to bowl well and have the variety in their attack to chalk up a firstround win.
SECONDS
The seconds travelled to Lang Lang showgrounds and were assured of a warm welcome.
Lang Lang’s coach Matt Chasemore, steaming in with a tailwind, provided a suitable warm welcome to the Upper Beaconsfield top order. Newcomer Matt Scanlon indicated he could make an impact with the bat, while experienced all rounder Shawn Hassall seemed unflustered compiling a stylish 17 before receiving one that kept low. Chris Reid also looked good until his middle stump was sent cartwheeling.
Newcomer Guy Williams handled the bowling with aplomb until he was bowled on 19. The Maroons reached 129 at the end of the innings and struck back with a wicket.
At stumps the Swamp Tigers were 1/26 from 21 overs.
