COOMEALLA Wentworth’s bowling attack proved too strong for Irymple in the opening round of SCA Club Twenty 20 games on Thursday night.
Featuring many of the same players as their First Division squad, the Blues rolled the Swallows for 70 at George Gordon Oval before an unbeaten 44 from import Nafis Shaikh led them to the nine-wicket victory.
The damage was done early, as opening bowlers Bevan Wade (3/21) and Justin Freeman (3/13) ripped through the top of the order to have the Swallows at 6/22. Josh Ephraums (24) and Chase Stone (14) added some resistance before Jake Wright (2/10) and Liam Freeman (2/17) ended the innings.
Shaikh’s knock, coming from 34 deliveries, helped the Blues to the total after 11 overs.
Elsewhere, Gol Gol star Shac Thomas had a strong all-round game as his side ran down Nichols Point by five wickets at Alcheringa Oval.
Thomas took 3/19 as the Pointers made 4/119 from their 20 overs before scoring a round-high 57 to help Gol Gol reach the target with five balls to spare.
Pointers coach Luke Coates (44 not out) and returning Englishman Glen Bridson (42) impressed with the bat for Point, while Jeremy Barnes (21 from 12) was important in the run chase for the winners.
Mildura East batsman Connor Robinson led an epic chase with 35 from 27 deliveries to see his home by five wickets over Mildura West at Brian Weightman Oval.
Knocks from Tim Watson (27 not out) and Charlie Walker (26) helped West to 5/114 from their 20 overs, before Robinson and Nick Dorman (23) helped East to win with three balls left.
Watson also led West’s bowling with 3/10, Taj Hill chiming in with 2/24.
Incredible bowling figures from veterans Brad Purdue (3/1) and Richie Wyld (3/5) led Settlers to a resounding eight-wicket win over Merbein at Mildura Senior College.
The Magpies were rolled for just 47 with Mark East top scoring with 19, before Jason Morrison (22 from 14) and Josh Coates (19 from 9) took Setts to victory in just the sixth over. Riley Clifford took both wickets for Merbein.
Club T20 fixtures continue next week, before a break and resumption in February.
