GSCA 2024-25: Batchelor propels Broomehill to big one-day win, Gilbert ton helps Kendenup beat Kojonup

Broomehill made a big statement in the first round of one day fixtures in the Great Southern Cricket Association, thumping Australs Norths on Saturday in Katanning. The Bandicoots won two of their three T20s to start the 2024-25 season and took that form into round four as games moved to the one-day format. After restricting the Lions to just 132 at home, the Bandicoots made light work of the chase as they powered to a seven-wicket triumph to maintain their place at the top of the ladder. Star all-rounder Jack Batchelor was at his destructive best at the top of the order, belting 78 to set up the big victory. Batchelor cracked 12 fours and one six in his 56-ball innings that destroyed any slim hopes the home side had. James Barritt and Batchelor shared in a 70-run opening stand before Englishman Archie Atwell removed James Barritt for 18. Batchelor upped the ante as Mac Crichton (9) came and went quickly and eventually the Lions snared Batchelor when he was caught off the bowling off Carson Dewar. Captain Lewis Barritt however strode to the crease and in three shots, two of which found the boundary, got his side across the line. The Bandicoots reaching victory in 15.5 overs, to show they are firmly in the hunt for a fourth consecutive premiership. Dewar top scored earlier in the day for the Lions after they won the toss and batted first on their home deck. He made an impressive 47 from 67 deliveries to go with contributions from import Kane Scott (25) and tailender Brendan Brookfield (20) but they were bowled out in the 38th over. Crichton was superb with the ball, snaring 4-19 from 6.3 overs, while Lewis Barritt claimed the key scalps of Scott and Brookfield on his way to 3-12 from five overs. Atwell was the first wicket to fall for the Lions, bowled by Batchelor for eight, after he shared in a 28-run partnership with Dewar. Meanwhile Kendenup and Kojonup played out a high-scoring affair at Kendenup. Kendenup won the toss and batted first, setting a huge total for the Cougars to chase on the road. Clinton Gilbert blasted a superb century that was the highlight of the innings, the home side finishing 5-257 from their 45 overs. Kendenup lost Justin Rose for a duck and Sebastian Ballard made 27 but it was a 125-run third wicket stand between Gilbert and Jakob Douglas that set up the 76-run triumph. Douglas made 56 from 77 balls but Gilbert stole the show with a brilliant 122 from just 107 balls, including 15 fours and two sixes. Jason Campbell was the pick of the Cougars’ bowlers with 2-26 from his six overs. Kendenup’s Samuel Bunney delivered two early blows to the Cougars’ run chase, removing Geoffrey Pethick (3) and Jamie Young (2) but skipper Liam Want and Harry Taylor gave the visitors a chance. Their 68-run stand halted Kendenup’s momentum before Douglas dismissed Taylor for 20. Want kept attacking despite his teammates coming and going in quick fashion, going on to score an outstanding ton against the odds. He reached 107 from 83 balls, belting eight fours and three sixes, before falling to Dwayne Sobey as the Cougars slipped to 8-166. The home side snared the final two wickets quickly, the Cougars bowled out for 181 to hand Kendenup their second win of the season. Douglas added to his strong day with the bat, to lead the attack with 4-37 from nine overs, and Bunney (2-33) did the early damage. The other round four fixture between Tambellup and Katanning Wanderers has been postponed to December 14.