Cricket
15 December, 2024
Nanayakkara hits century in Saints blowout win
Horsham Saints Lahiru Nanayakkara hit his maiden century, finishing unbeaten on 101 in the Saints blowout win over BrimKSH in round eight of B-grade in the Horsham Cricket Association
The Saints started the day at 0/132 after bowling the Eagles out for 30 on day one. Nanayakkara started the day on 52, with opening partner Kinglsey Dalgleish retiring not out on 51.
The Eagles' bowling was solid and put the Saints under early pressure. They got their reward, getting the wicket of Les Crute for six, caught by Harrison Williams off the bowling of Barry Schilling.
Nathan Avins and Nanayakkara, however, put on a partnership of 76, declaring won 1/237 once Nanayakkara hit his century. Avins finished not out on 43.
Schilling finished with 1/34 (6) for the Eagles.
In reply, the Eagles battled valiantly, with Barry Schilling and Harrison Williams providing resistance, along with Royce Bennett, who scored 26, and Oliver Holland, a rock down at one end, hitting three runs off 69 balls.
When Bennett fell, with the score at 3/52, so did the Eagles, losing their last six wickets for seven runs.
Daniel Bell, 3/5 (6.4) and Les Crute, 3/8 (4), were the best bowlers for the Saints.
However, the match belonged to Nanayakkara, eclipsing his previous best score of 82.
"I did not expect it, but I was just happy to be able to contribute," Nanayakkara said.
"It's all a team effort, and still, I am happy.
"I was in Perth and coming here to Horsham five months ago, and playing with these guys gave me confidence as they are good people, and that's what the game is all about."
At Quantong Recreation, the Colts nearly claimed the points outright in their match against Quantong. They declared at 4/207, with Darren Stephens and Drew Carmody scoring 82 and 64, respectively, having bowled Quantong out for 126 on day one.
Yishu Sharma was the pick of the Quantong bowlers with 2/21 (4.5).
Quantong's second innings got off to a terrible start, losing Bradley Harberger, Jack Vague and Scott Ezzard to ducks. However, Andrew Vague and Peter Brand ensured they wouldn't lose the game outright, finishing unbeaten on 15 and 29, respectively.
Austin Simpson was the pick of the Colts bowlers with 2/3 (3).
At Dimboola Road Oval, the Horsham Tigers and Rup/Minyip Panthers played a one-day game because there was no play last week.
The Panthers won the toss and made 6/162 off their 40 overs. Brent Hudson top scored with 46, with Hugh Weidemann, 31 and Jarvis Mitchell, 26, also contributing with the bat.
Chris Eagle was the pick of the Tigers bowlers with 3/32 (8).
In reply, the Tigers found the Panthers bowling too good as the Panthers bowled them out for 112 in the 39th over. Nigel Binney top-scored for the Tigers with 34.
Jake McKenzie was the pick of the Panthers bowlers with 3/30 (8). Hugh Weidemann 2/17 (7) and Seth Talbot 2/26 (8) also bowled well.