Upset win comes too late for Williams

Just a week after forfeiting a game that ultimately cost them a place in the finals, Williams upset minor premiers Pingelly-Noonebin in the last round of the Upper Great Southern Cricket Association competition on Saturday. Pingelly-Noonebin had only lost one game heading into round 14 and Williams sat one game behind the fourth-placed Towns who had a bye Williams chased down Pingelly-Noonebin’s total of 9-144 but it wasn’t enough to force their way into the finals. Pingelly-Noonebin fell to 7-90 before Brett Blechynden came to the crease and helped his side post a respectable score of 9-144 with his knock of 39 not out. Rodney Ford claimed 4-25and Shane Ford also took two scalps for Williams. The game was on when Williams slumped to 4-56 but opener Robert Rose and Kim Rintoul put their side in the box seat. Rose played an outstanding knock, carrying his bat and sharing in a 59-run stand with Rintoul. Williams chased down the total with nine balls to spare, winning by three wickets. Rose finished on 78no and Rintoul chipped in with 22 for Williams while Jordan Hughes took three wickets for Pingelly-Noonebin. Wandering finished in second spot after defeating the bottom-placed Dumbleyung. Dumbleyung were only able to post 109, opener Dame Leo made 38 and Scott Gray 30 not out. In reply, Wandering were 3-48 before Bailey and Lewis Parsons secured victory for their side. Bailey Parsons posted 21 while Lewis Parsons made 15 not out as their side finished 5-110. Cuballing made light work of Harrismith’s small total, as they finished the season in third spot. Andrew Harris ripped through Harrismith, taking 5-30. Harrismith reached 9-114 with Arron Quartermaine the only major contributor with 32. Cuballing opener Brock Francis posted a half century in the chase as his side finished eight-wicket winners. Fellow opener Blair Forrest (21), Joe Dowling (18) and Bevan George (16 not out) made solid contributions in the win.