Towns cling to finals chance with one round remaining after thrilling victory over Dumbleyung

Towns kept their slim finals hopes alive in the Upper Great Southern Cricket Association after a thrilling two-wicket win over Dumbleyung in round 13 at Nenke Oval on Saturday. To push their way into the top four, Towns must beat Pingelly-Noonebin and need Wandering to defeat Lake Grace in the final round. Towns chased down Dumbleyung’s total with only 10 balls to spare to notch their fourth win of the season. Dumbleyung posted 221 batting first but it wasn’t enough as Towns, led by half centuries from captain Ben McMillan and Jordan Draper-Gibbs, made 8-222 in reply off 43.2 overs. McMillan smashed a superb 75 and Draper-Gibbs chipped in with 65 while Liam Blechynden (22no) was vital at the end of the innings to get his side over the line. Nathan Ditchburn took 3-36 off 10 overs for Dumbleyung and John Williams claimed 3-55 off 10 overs. In Dumbleyung’s score of 221, Ditchburn led the way with 72 and there were handy cameos from Ricky Mott (39) and Scott Gray (35). Mitchell Ackland was the only multiple wicket taker for Towns with 3-40 off six overs. Rodney Ford continues to deliver for Williams as he posted another century for his team who have secured top spot. Ford wasn’t the only player in the game to reach triple figures, with Wandering opener Bryan Hardie smashing an unbeaten century. It was Ford’s third ton of the season and second in a row as he blasted 118 not out to help his side record a seven-wicket win over Wandering. The Williams veteran hit 12 fours and one six in his knock off 140 balls, and Justin Wood gave great support with 73 as they passed the total in the 42nd over. Wandering made 8-210 on the back of Hardie’s unbeaten 121 while Lewis Parsons chipped in with 23 runs. Lake Grace moved into equal fourth spot after chasing down Pingelly-Noonebin’s total with one ball to spare. Pingelly-Noonebin posted 9-174 batting first but Lake Grace prevailed in a thrilling finish making 9-175 off 44.5 overs. Dylan Brooks (44) and Damon Pelham (42no) led the way in the run chase. Meanwhile at the age of 13, Jack Warburton claimed his first five-wicket haul for Towns in the B-grade competition. The youngster finished with the very impressive figures of 5-18 from five overs against Wagin on Saturday.