Walcha’s Connolly Cup campaign got off to a flyer with a dominant display against Armidale on Sunday.
Winning the toss and stepping up to bat, early signs were dire for the visiting side with Armidale teenager Ryan Simpson dismissing Walcha captain and opening batsman Ed Blomfield for a duck.
The 15-year-old then sent Barry Hoy back to the sheds before Walcha’s number three and four batsmen stepped up to steady the innings.
Nick Endacott put on a gritty 62 run-stand while Steve Eveleigh hit 34 before he was dismissed off the bowling of John Elliot.
Armidale wicketkeeper Jerome Simpson stumped Brad Partridge for 16.
Jay Grills managed three runs before he was trapped leg-before-wicket by Elliot.
Endacott’s time at the crease came to an end when he was run out and Walcha were 6-162.
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Walcha put on another 62 runs before Daniel Boyd sent a shot off Jerome Simpson’s bowling to land in the hands of Steve Yeomans for 38.
Cameron Wood snagged a quickfire 51 before being dismissed lbw by the younger Simpson.
Lachie Fletcher also fell victim to Simpson for two.
Lee Harrison (22no) and Andrew Fuller (28no) finished the 50 over innings at the crease with Walcha totaling 9-281.
Bat in hand, Armidale skipper Will Green and Yeomans began the home side’s innings.
Yeomans was sent back to the sheds on 12 when he sent a shot straight back to the bowler Wood.
Green followed suit on 12 when Harrison cleaned up his stumps.
Harrison was on a hat-trick shortly after when incoming batsman Jarrod Burton was sent back off the field as quickly as he came on with a duck.
He missed out on the required third wicket when Ryan Simpson managed to ward off the threat with a single.
Fletcher claimed his first wicket with Nathan Street departing for 14 and Clarrie Moran stepped up to the crease.
Simpson left for 13 off Liam Brennan’s bowling but up stepped Simpson senior – Jerome – and Moran to put on Armidale’s biggest partnership of 45.
Simpson claimed 57 runs, Moran 33 and Elliot chimed in with 20 but it wasn’t enough as more wickets tumbled and Walcha romped home to a 105-run win.
Walcha bowling: Wood 1-11, Harrison 2-19, Fletcher 4-26, Brennan 1-22, Grills 1-48, Boyd 1-22.
Ellen Dunger
Originally from the Blue Mountains, I spent my teenage years in the Riverina at boarding school before moving to Bathurst in 2012 to complete Bachelor of Sport Studies/ Bachelor of Communications (journalism) at Charles Sturt University. I started my career at The Blayney Chronicle in May 2015 and worked casually, one day a week at the Central Western Daily later on that year. I moved to Armidale in March 2016 to take on the role as the Northern Tablelands' sports journalist. Played a variety of sports in my lifetime including touch football, league tag, gymnastics, dance, cross country running and equestrian. Always happy to hear news and tips. www.facebook.com/ellendungerjournalist/
Originally from the Blue Mountains, I spent my teenage years in the Riverina at boarding school before moving to Bathurst in 2012 to complete Bachelor of Sport Studies/ Bachelor of Communications (journalism) at Charles Sturt University. I started my career at The Blayney Chronicle in May 2015 and worked casually, one day a week at the Central Western Daily later on that year. I moved to Armidale in March 2016 to take on the role as the Northern Tablelands' sports journalist. Played a variety of sports in my lifetime including touch football, league tag, gymnastics, dance, cross country running and equestrian. Always happy to hear news and tips. www.facebook.com/ellendungerjournalist/
