GSCA 2023-24: Kendenup captain’s century ends Broomehill’s win streak, Tambellup smash Wanderers

Kendenup handed Broomehill their first loss in 10 matches while Tambellup cruised to a nine-wicket win in the first week of the finals qualification split in the Great Southern Cricket Association. Broomehill suffered their first defeat since round two on Saturday after Kendenup piled on a 128 eighth-wicket partnership headlined by a Clinton Gilbert century. A true captain’s knock, the Kendenup skipper finished unbeaten on 101 from 102 balls to lead his side to a fabulous victory on their home turf. Kendenup were in all sorts of trouble at 7-66 chasing 192 to win, before Clinton Gilbert and Ben Oldfield combined for the match-winning partnership to chase the total inside 42 overs. Clinton Gilbert’s sensational knock included 11 boundaries while Oldfield contributed a handy 37. Broomehill opener Ethan Caldwell was on song claiming four early wickets including openers Scott Hillman (27), Darcey Burcham (0) and the competition’s fourth-leading run scorer Jakob Douglas (one). Caldwell finished with brilliant figures of 4-20 from nine overs while Lewis Barritt claimed 2-32 from his nine. After winning the toss and electing to bat, Broomehill made a sound start with Mac Crichton and James Barritt sharing in a 115-run stand for the third wicket. Crichton made a cautious 70 while James Barritt finished unbeaten on 54 after David Hinchcliffe scored 23 at the top of the order before retiring hurt. Jared Ballard and Jeremy Groves each took two wickets as Broomhill finished 4-191 from 45 overs. The win lifts Kendenup into second spot on the ladder ahead of Tambellup in third who coasted to a nine-wicket win over Wanderers at Quartermaine Oval. After rolling Wanderers for 103 in the 28th over, Tambellup wasted no time in chasing the score, getting there in the 13th over for the loss of one wicket. Tambellup’s Flynn Cristinelli again starred with the bat scoring 74 not out including 13 fours and one six, while Connor Hawkins chipped in with 19 at the top of the order. After winning the toss and batting, Wanderers struggled to formulate sizeable partnerships before being bowled out for 103. Wanderers’ No.3 Calvin D’Sylva top scored with 32 after Brock Green smashed a quickfire 27 from 21 balls which included three fours and one maximum. Skipper Ryan Sinclair provided some respite with an unbeaten 18 before his side lost their last seven wickets for 38 runs. Devon Cristinelli was Tambellup’s pick of the bowlers with 3-22 from his nine overs while Nathan and Shane Willmott each took two. Australs and Kojonup each had a bye as part of the qualification split round.