First ton of the season to Old Boy

SIMON Norvill didn’t waste any time in scoring the first century of the Tamworth first grade season on Saturday as his Old Boys side notched a high-scoring win over City United.

In a game where there were more runs scored than there were balls bowled, the Old Boys co-captain smashed his 115 off just 83 deliveries in a total of 4-251 at Scully Park.

His opening partnership of 175 with youngster Layne Berry was a perfect start to the new season.

“He batted really well,” Old Boys co-captain Ben Middlebrook said.

“For most guys it was their first hit of the season but Layne and Simon set it up really well for us.

“He (Berry) did an excellent job.

“It was a really mature innings.

“That partnership is the biggest I’ve seen since I’ve been at Old Boys.”

Berry was a good foil for Norvill and went on to make 39 himself, but City rued a couple of dropped catches that could have changed the game.

Norvill could have been on his way when he was on three.

But Middlebrook also added 38 and Paul Abra 36 not out and the total was a big one.

It was a tough day for the City bowlers but Scott Hulbert finished with 2-28 and picked up the wickets of the two openers.

The chase was always behind the required rate but City showed some good signs.

Opener Ryan Hansen hit his best first grade score with 30 and English recruit Scott de Weymarn added 29 to help City to 1-83 before a few wickets started to fall.

Peter Mead showed he can still contribute in the top grade with a quick 26 and Daniel Lawrence added 28.

City finished its 35 overs with 8-211 and that was seen as a positive result for the wooden spooners of last season and a sign of 

improvement.

Will Howard (2-39) and Chaise Crough (2-27) took a couple of wickets each and Howard was also involved in two run outs.

Old Boys missed out on a bonus point and will want to reduce the figure in its wides column – 34 were bowled on Saturday – but otherwise it was a good start to  the season.

“It’s good to get the win,” Middlebrook said. “Hopefully we can back it up next week.

“It’s going to be a close comp I think.

“South won it last year so they will start as favourites.”