GSCA 2023-24: Broomehill win thriller to go eight straight, Kojonup survive scare to keep in touch

The Great Southern Cricket Association returned from the country week break at the weekend with Broomehill making it eight straight in a nailbiter over Tambellup while Kojonup survived a scare from a spirited Australs to stay within striking distance of the pacesetters.

Broomehill secured their eighth consecutive win on Sunday to solidify top spot on the ladder with a gripping one-wicket victory over Tambellup in Broomehill.

In pursuit of a target of 148, Broomehill found themselves at 9-138 with the game hanging in the balance.

However, the composed presence of Sam Richardson at the crease proved pivotal as he guided his team to a clutch victory in the 31st over.

Tambellup’s Matthew Lamont had the ball in hand, with Broomehill’s No.11 Scott Lamont (0 off 7) at the crease, but it was Richardson who took on the bulk of the chase scoring an unbeaten 17 for victory to reel in the final 10 runs.

Earlier, Broomehill’s Jack Batchelor scored 37 at the top before captain James Barritt contributed a quick-fire 37 as they cruised to 2-110.

But Tambellup’s Shane Willmott sparked a fightback, spearheading the bowling attack to claim 4-22 from nine overs as Broomehill lost 7-28.

Lamont finished with 2-36 while Connor Hawkins and Matt Hankinson each took one wicket.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Tambellup’s batting dig was marred by two shocking batting collapses.

Flynn Cristinelli (63) and Hawkins (21) combined for a 93-run opening stand before losing 4-8.

Enjoying a terrific season, Flynn Cristinelli’s top score of 63 is his third half-century this season taking his run tally to 464 as the competition’s highest scorer.

Willmott provided some resilience with 34 before Tambellup suffered their second collapse losing 6-18.

Logan Lubcke bowled superbly for 3-15 from five overs and Bryce Hinchcliffe contributed 3-21 from six.

Kojonup overcame a top-order batting collapse to defeat a resolute Australs side by 29 runs in Kojonup on Saturday.

After winning the toss and batting, Kojonup faced early struggles at 4-52 in their batting innings.

Despite reconsolidating, they were eventually bowled out for 149 in the 40th over.

Australs opening pacers Cam and Holly Pearce ripped through Kojonup’s top order removing Heath Brown for 16 before claiming the huge wicket of Liam Want for a duck.

Kojonup all-rounder Mitchell Blakers’ 26 and Lachlan O’Shea’s 37 proved crucial to Kojonup’s total before Australs’ James Douglas tore through their tail on his way to 3-33 from nine overs.

Holly Pearce finished with 2-27 from nine overs while Cam Pearce claimed 2-40 from his nine.

In reply, Australs got off to a rocky start falling to 1-1 after Mitchell Blakers trapped Andrew Gibbons in front for a duck, but James and Jakob Douglas combined for a 51-run partnership to steady the ship.

When James Douglas departed for nine followed by Jakob Douglas for 46 soon after, Australs’ innings began to spiral.

Kojonup’s Craig Clinch and Nathan Smith each claimed three scalps, ripping through Australs’ middle order as they lost 6-28 through the middle overs.

Australs were unable to recover from the collapse and were rolled in the 31st over for 120.

Nathan Smith led the bowling cartel with 3-18 from seven overs while Clinch claimed 3-25.

In the other round 10 fixture Wanderers forfeited to Kendenup.