Cricket: Simmons’ ton of fun

The Mariners’ first grade is in a strong position following a Craig Simmons century against Midland Guildford on home soil in round four of the WACA competition at the weekend.

Picture by Steve Powell: Opening batsman Brayden Sutton pushes one through the covers for a single early in the Mariners’ first-grade clash with Midland Guildford.

First grade lost the toss and were put in to bat for what was a slow-moving morning.

Midland Guildford were able to make a couple of breakthroughs before lunch, setting the score at an evenly poised 2 for 75.

But Simmons asserted his authority when play resumed and by mid-afternoon had brought up a well-deserved century.

When Simmons was out for 101, just after the drinks break, Phil Scott (33) and Tony Coulson (52) pushed the Mariners total to a respectable 274.

Second grade bowled well to restrict Midland Guildford to 222.

Aiden Andrews took three wickets, ably supported by Jake Rogers and Jesse White, who took two apiece.

In the remaining overs until close of play, the Mariners’ openers were untroubled to end the day 0 for 20.

Third grade struggled to take wickets early on until Pierce Dawson made the initial breakthrough with the visitors 1 for 51.

After that, Chris Thomson (2 for 23) and Lachlan Harris (5 for 42) put the Mariners well in control and Midland Guildford were all out for 145.

In the 16 overs left to play, the Mariners played solid cricket to put themselves in a good position at 1 for 33.

Fourth grade had a horror start, losing four wickets with only 20 runs on the board, but a fighting batting display saw them get out of trouble.

U17 player Michael Sharp led the way with 56. He had good back-up from Ganish Chaudari (50). Daniel Lambert made early inroads into the Midland Guildford batting, taking 2 for 29 as they struggled to 2 for 47.