IRYMPLE middle order batsman Scott Steel has produced a mecurial knock of 235 on the first day of the Swallows’ two-day match against Coomealla Wentworth.
With his tally coming off 261 balls, Irymple looked to be in a spot of trouble with opener Riley Payne falling for a duck and third drop Bryson Lush going for three.
Skipper and fellow opener Mark Thomson had 25 off 26 balls before being sent back to the pavillion off the bowling of Justin Freeman and a catch from Mitchell Kemp.
Then English import Steel came to the crease to help right the ship, with his double century plus including 21 fours and two sixes.
“It was nice to get some runs and it was good I was able to help the team,” he said.
“The last couple of weeks we’ve been struggling a little bit with the white ball.
“Mark and Riley and Bryson struggled a little bit, but there’s still potential there and they’re not far away from getting big scores themselves.
“Riley and Mark have been good all season, they’ve been there and trying to get us off to a good start.
“It just wasn’t other people’s day, but obviously it worked out all right for me in the end.”
The Swallows were able to reach their allotted 80 overs, closing out the day at 8 for 393.
Steel’s total was supported by the middle and lower order, with Bailey Anderson, Jordan Payne, Billy Phelan and Millar Payne all reaching double figures.
“Bays (Anderson), he went up to five yesterday, just for something different, and he was unlucky to get out,” he said.
“It went off his pads and fell to slip, but before then he didn’t look like getting out.
“He got to 32 and batted for a long time and we were able to put a partnership together and put the pressure back on them.
“After that JP (Payne) and it was pretty similar, look to put pressure back on then and build another partnership. It was good to build partnerships with the middle order, and even the lower order.”
Coomealla Wentworth toiled with the ball all day as the side looked for relief from eight different bowling options.
Next Saturday it’s Irymple turn in the field, and Steel said the squad now has week to plan and prepare to defend their tally.
“Basically it’s just try and get them out,” Steel said.
“Obviously we’ve got runs on the board, so try and bowl them out for as least as possible, and win the game, and anything after that is a bonus.”
