Derek Taylor leads way in Harrismith’s first Upper Great Southern Cricket Association B-grade premiership

A superb bowling performance from Harrismith, led by Derek Taylor, helped them claim their first Upper Great Southern Cricket Association B-grade premiership on Saturday.

Harrismith finished comfortable winners over Boddington in their second semifinal clash and completed their top season with title glory.

After always playing in the A-grade competition, Harrismith dropped back to B-grade this season after a loss of players.

Boddington have made the past four grand finals and won two premierships, but they were left to rue a poor batting performance.

Batting first, Boddington were only able to post a dismal total of 56 as Taylor ripped through their top order before Dan Bayley starred at the end of the innings.

Taylor claimed five of the first six wickets of Boddington’s innings to have them in deep trouble at 6-47.

Bayley took over from that point as he picked up the next three scalps before Ashley Groves finished off the innings.

Taylor was named man of the match after finishing with 5-12 off eight overs, three of which were maidens while Bayley finished with 3-13 from his five-over spell.

Boddington captain Chris Reid (13) and opener Chris Sjoberg (11) were the only batsmen in their team to make double figures.

In reply, Harrismith chased down the total one wicket down in the 13th over as opener Luke Crouch finished unbeaten on 35, while fellow opener Matthew Orchard made 17 to complete the rout.