UGSCA 2023-24: Williams power to huge first-round win after Riley Ford hat-trick destroys Lake Grace

Williams coasted to a commanding eight wicket win to round out the opening round of A-grade action in the Upper Great Southern Cricket Association on Saturday at Lake Grace.

The other round-one match was played last week, with Towns emphatic winners against reigning premiers Cuballling.

Lake Grace and Williams started the 2023-24 season a week later but a hat-trick from Riley Ford and then a half-century from Garth Nottle guided Williams to a big result.

After winning the toss, Lake Grace batted first but Riley Ford ripped through the home side’s top order.

Riley Ford removed Matthew Trevenen for six and then snared the wicket of Darcy Townsend for 13 to have Lake Grace at 2-34.

The youngster then claimed a hat-trick, trapping Mitchell Smith lbw for one before Wade Humphrey was caught for a first-ball duck, and then Shaye Bowron was out lbw the next ball.

His devastating spell left Lake Grace 5-39, and despite the best efforts of No.3 Jack Carruthers, his side were skittled for just 104.

Carruthers top-scored with a terrific 56 and he got some lower-order support from Kael Gray (9) and Karl Fleay (8), but Lake Grace were all out in 31 overs.

Riley Ford finished with 5-23 from six overs, while Roger Gillett chipped in with 2-11 to set up a small run chase.

Smith got a vital early breakthrough for Lake Grace, bowling Kim Rintoul for a golden duck.

Nottle, however, was the anchor of the innings, scoring an unbeaten 77 to lift Williams to victory.

His knock was backed up by Michael Cowcher (12) and Rodney Ford (11 not out) as Williams reached the target in 18.2 overs.

Smith (1-38) and Gray (1-25) were the only wicket-takers for the home side.

In round two on Saturday, Wandering will host Towns, and Lake Grace are on the road to take on Cuballing.