Upper Great Southern Cricket Association qualify for B-section semifinals at senior country week

Upper Great Southern Cricket Association’s second XI have qualified for Thursday’s B-section semifinals after recording two strong victories on the opening two days at senior country week. They were second in their pool standings on Tuesday and faced the other undefeated team, Bunbury and Districts, in their final qualifying game on Wednesday to determine their opponent in the semis. Jacob Schorer belted a superb century on Sunday in round one against South Midlands at Hillcrest Park to lead Uppers to a six-wicket victory. Chasing 199 for victory Jacob Schorer and Tom Blechynden were the stars of the show with the bat as they chased the total down for the loss of three wickets. Jacob Schorer made 103 off 162 balls in an innings that included 15 fours and one six as he shared in a 77-run stand with Joe Dowling (37 runs) and 75-run partnership with Blechynden. Blechynden finished off the innings well to be unbeaten on 85 from 88 balls and hit 10 fours and a six as Uppers posted 4-275. Earlier on Lewis Parsons (3-39), Liam Sweeney (3-41) and Ben McMillian (2-21) did the damage with the ball to remove South Midlands for 198. In their round two fixture on Monday Upper Great Southern prevailed by five wickets over Great Southern at Breckler Park. Great Southern batted first and posted 9-138 from their 50 overs led by a half century from James Barritt. Barritt hit six fours in his knock of 60 from 134 balls but he lacked support. Parsons (3-28), McMillian (3-27) and Bill Schorer (2-24) were terrific with the ball. In reply, Upper Great Southern fell to 4-99 when Luke Brown was dismissed but Jacob Schorer and McMillian secured victory for their side. Jacob Schorer and McMillian ensured their side went past Great Southern’s total with a 55-run stand before McMillian was dismissed for 41. Jacob Schorer carried his bat to make a patient 59 from 123 balls as he helped his side finish on 5-154 from 50 overs.