By Adrian Ceddia
GELLIBRAND put in one of the performances of the Williamstown and District Cricket Association season to upset Grand United in a 40-over round six clash on Saturday.
Unbeaten heading into the match and one of the early premiership favourites for the 2006-07 season, Grand United was humbled on its home turf by a brilliant run chase from top-four side Gellibrand.
Grand United was sent in to bat, and it would have been pleased to reach 7/194 from its allotted overs which came at a run rate of just under five per over.
Captain Edward Maddern (72) and number six Brett Skinner (69) were instrumental in the compilation of runs, sharing a crucial 109-run stand for the fifth wicket.
Far from overawed by the task of fetching the runs, Gellibrand batted at a similar tempo and reached the mark in the final over with two wickets in hand.
Despite the loss, Grand United’s grip on the top two eased only slightly after ladder leader Laverton and fourth-placed Newport-Dignam played out a sensational tie at Bryan Martin Oval.
Laverton won the toss and batted, and was helped to a total of 8/166 by a 50-run innings from opener Dallas Treherne.
Remarkably, Newport-Dignam’s 40-over total was identical, with the teams forced to settle for a stalemate.
In the battle of the cellar dwellers, Newport Rams were too good for Deer Park Ardeer, winning by four wickets.
The Rams batted first and made 118 in 37.2 overs, led by 36 to Raj Voleti and 28 to Peter Connors.
Deer Park Ardeer were disappointing in reply, with only Mark Suvada’s 34 runs a highlight in an innings which closed at 67 and featured four ducks. Michael Szulikowski took match-best figures of 4/16 for Newport.
Wyndhamvale proved too good for Hoppers Club, winning by 31 runs.
