MILDURA West star Chris Williams’ century against Coomealla Wentworth on Saturday was remarkable for a number of reasons.
The Englishman had been severely restricted for a number of weeks due to a calf injury, he only arrived back in Mildura that morning being in Melbourne for work, and to top it off, West needed to avoid an outright loss to ensure they remain in the top four.
The left hander’s 157 from 230 deliveries in a shade over four hours at the crease is also his highest ever score for West, and makes him the only batsmen to reach triple figures on three occasion so far this SCA season.
For good measure the innings could put Williams well in the frame for a fourth Innes Medal.
Mildura West finished at 8/266 at McLeod Oval, setting Coomealla Wentworth a massive task of winning by enough to leapfrog them into the finals positions.
Had a catch not been dropped on Williams’ second ball at the crease the whole complexion of the match could have been different, but the all-rounder was happy he could make the most of the life he was given.
“Our main goal was to avoid catastrophe and being beaten outright to lose our spot in the four but with that hopefully being sorted now, we feel a lot more comfortable,” he said.
“I was a bit nervous at how my body would hold up out there but I’m feeling okay, the injured calf hasn’t pulled up too sore thankfully. There was a bit of cramp in the fingers and hands but overall was good.
“I’m really proud of how I went but I was absolutely cooked at the end of it though.”
Williams shared in a massive 187-run opening stand with wicket-keeper Joe Fleri, whose patient knock of 41 from 147 held up an end.
Coomealla Wentworth’s Andrew Porker was able to make the breakthrough and take the first three wickets of the innings, including Williams, to finish with 5/57 from 21 overs.
Williams said the team’s aim is to win the game and give themselves confidence for what would likely be a semi-final showdown against Gol Gol at Alcheringa Oval next weekend.
“It will be interesting to see how they (Coomealla Wentworth) approach the first 10 or 20 overs,” he said.
“We’ll see if they come after us but if they do they’ll need to take some risks.
“Luckily our bowlers can bowl those long economical spells which will be something will need this week and beyond should we get there.”
The top of the table clash is delicately poised as Irymple require another 94 runs to win against Gol Gol with seven wickets in hand.
Skipper Mark Thomson (6/46) and fast bowler Bailey Anderson (4/19) took every Gol Gol wicket as they dismissed the minor premiers for just 130.
Shac Thomas (45) and Sheldon Calarco (23) shared a 74-run opening stand before all 10 wickets fell for just 56 runs.
The Swallows are 19 overs into the run chase and at 3/37 with Nick Giofre (12) and Wade Minter (1) to resume.
Out at Chaffey Park, young gun Kurtis Fitzpatrick scored a career-high 75 for Merbein as the Magpies finished at 9.186 against Nichols Point.
Kaushik Aphale led the bowling for the Pointers with 3/28, with Jack Norton and Shaun Mathews taking two each.
Meanwhile, at Brian Weightman Oval Mildura Settlers have set Mildura East 159 to win following important knocks from Josh Coates (59) and Mark Kerr (40).
All-rounder Andrew Ross starred with the ball for East with 6/50, while the opening batters Josh berry and Regan Connell are 0/1 after five overs.
