MILDURA West coach Chris Williams says his impressive century on Saturday was “slightly bittersweet” as his side went down to Nichols Point.
The three-time Innes Medal winner scored 107 from 85 deliveries during his side’s 17-run loss to the Pointers, the knock including eight boundaries and two sixes.
It’s the Englishman’s seventh First Division century on record since the 2006/07 season.
West currently sit fifth on the SCA ladder at the Christmas break, but a victory over third-placed Point would have pushed them above Coomealla-Wentworth in fourth.
“It’s always nice to reach triple figures but it’s obviously bittersweet as we couldn’t quite get the result on the board,” Williams said.
“We did a lot to get ourselves back into the game and we knew taking our innings as deep as possible was the only way for us to win.
“We were in the game for a long period of time but unfortunately we just couldn’t get there. We went in knowing that this game probably wasn’t going to affect where we stood in the competition but coming up against one of our rivals for that third and fourth position on the ladder, it would have ben nice to take the 10 points.”
Williams said inconsistencies with the team’s performance had hurt them in multiple games this season.
“I’ve played enough cricket to know the ladder doesn’t lie at the end of the season, and honestly it’s the same at moment. We haven’t been in every game for long enough,” he said.
“We’ve got more than enough quality in our bowling attack to take 10 wickets and remain economical.
“We’re also really struggling to put together partnerships at the moment, which has been frustrating. I think our highest partnership against Nichols Point was 40 which isn’t enough.
“Come 2023, if we can start executing that bit better, we can push for that top four position.”
One player who has impressed is 19-year-old English import Charlie Walker, who has taken 11 wickets and made 111 runs as a lower order batsman.
“Charlie is a very mature 19-year-old human being,” Williams said.
“He’s someone who works really hard at training on his batting and bowling and sets a great example for others to follow. He’s vocal in the right was and is always keen to learn.
“Charlie will be a big part of our push in 2023 and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can produce.”
Mildura West’s first game of 2023 is against Merbein at John Hall Oval.
