Margaret River Hawks A-grade cricketers stumped by Bulls in lacklustre effort

Another lacklustre batting performance from Margaret River Hawks A-grade saw neighbours Cowaramup leave Gloucester Park with all the points on Saturday afternoon.

At the halfway point, even the most ardent of Cowaramup supporters would have conceded that a win was unlikely, as the Hawks had dismissed them for just 113. While the seamers were threatening up front, especially a fired-up Darcey Bailey, it was spin that did the bulk of the damage to the Cowaramup batting line-up.

An exemplary display of off-spin bowling saw Danny Weston finish with figures of 6-12 from his 8.5 overs.

His spell included four maiden overs and the important scalp of Freddie Oates, who was sent packing after a stunning one-handed slip catch from Chris McLean.

The start of the second innings brought about a crucial battle between the league’s top bowler Conor Oates and the opening pair for the Hawks who have also started the season strongly.

It was Oates who came out on top and drove his side into the ascendency early, dismissing Henry Shawcross and Bailey cheaply.

Oates’ aggressive spell was complemented by Drew Harbron who bowled smartly at the other end, capitalising on a slow wicket and even slower outfield to really suffocate the Hawks.

This pressure brought about some questionable decisions from the Hawks batsmen, wickets falling at all too regular intervals, and the score reading 58-5 after 30 overs.

Banjo Watkins joined opener Tom Winetroube at the crease, the pair looking assured in their plans and like they could steer the Hawks away from a calamitous defeat. However, their promising partnership was brought to an abrupt end.

A powerful shot from Watkins, destined for the boundary, clipped the foot of the dodging Arthur Coates and ran Winetroube out at the non-striker’s end.

The incident ended his 34-over vigil, and seemingly the Hawk’s chances, as they failed to muster the further 39 runs required for victory.

A bye and a forfeit meant there were no fixtures from B- or C-grade on Saturday.

All three sides are back in action this coming weekend though, with As and Bs away to Vasse and C-grade hosting Dunsborough.