Williams star blasts second century of Upper Great Southern Cricket Association season to secure top spot

A brilliant century from Rodney Ford helped Williams secure top spot on the Upper Great Southern Cricket Association standings in the A-grade competition.

Williams returned to the winners’ list in round 12 against Pingelly-Noonebin after losing their first game of the season a fortnight ago and their match last week was washed out.

Ford finished with 145 runs from 103 balls, including 13 fours and eight sixes to guide his side to a 29-run victory on Saturday.

It was the veteran’s second ton this season. Williams batted first and fell to 3-37, but a 114-run stand between Ford and Tim Sattler steadied the ship and took their side towards 200.

Ford was the last batsman out and Sattler played a strong support role with 56.

Jordan Hughes claimed 3-27 off 10 overs for Pingelly-Noonebin.

In reply, Pingelly-Noonebin were at 4-72 before Brett Blechynden and Hughes combined for 108 runs.

Blechynden was eventually dismissed for a well-made 85 and when Hughes departed for 74, Pingelly-Noonebin looked gone.

Late cameos from Spencer Sewell (14no) and Callum Giles-Morton (12no) weren’t enough as Pingelly-Noonebin finished on 7-231.

Sattler was superb with the ball claiming 3-23 and Mitch Hogg snared 2-16.

Cuballing moved clear in second spot after they held their nerve with the ball against Towns at Clayton Road Oval on Saturday.

Batting first, Cuballing made 9-195 led by half-centuries from Joe Dowling (52) and Kendal Ballard (50) while Grady Francis made an unbeaten 38.

Kyle Hall (3-50) and Jordan Draper-Gibbs (2-26) were Towns’ best bowlers.

In reply Towns got within sight of victory but they were eventually bowled out for 186, falling 10 runs short of an unlikely win.

Ben McMillan and Scott Fowler both posted 29 and Max Evans chipped in with 23.

Francis was superb with the ball taking 4-27 while Blair Forrest claimed 3-41.

Lake Grace improved their finals chances as they moved within four points of the top four after defeating Dumbleyung by five wickets at Stubbs Park.

Dumbleyung were bowled out for 90 batting first despite a fighting 44 not out from Kalan Joyce while Dylan Brooks and Craig Shaw snared 4-22 and 4-35 respectively.

In reply Lake Grace chased the total down with five wickets to spare in the 19th over, as Brooks made 40 and Jack Trevenen added 29.