Clarke ton a highlight

A brilliant innings of 143 by Ben Clarke was one of the highlights of a great start to country week by Busselton-Margaret River’s three teams in Perth this week.

Clarke smashed 143 from 143 balls in Monday’s big victory over North Midlands by Busselton-Margaret River’s No. 1 team, competing in A-section.

Busselton-Margaret River have won seven of the first nine games in the opening three days of the carnival, scoring three wins from three games in B-section, and two wins from three games in both A-section and D-section.

Young players have played their part, with teenager Harvey Golding hitting 82 and 80 not out, and Fraser Oates, Shane Herbst, Ethan Piggott, Adrian Woodward, Jack O’Malley and Billy McGowan all performing well with bat and ball.

Leading experienced players in the competition this year for Busselton-Margaret River include Paul Tognolini, Nick Ritchie, Chris Reagan and Adrian Graham.

The overseas players have all enjoyed good contributions, with Englishmen Callum Loud (A-section), Adam Holt (B-section) and James Stanistreet (D-section) playing well.

As a result of their early success, Busselton-Margaret River also have a good chance of winning B-section, an outstanding effort after the team was promoted from C-section this year.

If results go their way in the last two qualifying games, Busselton-Margaret River are also a chance of reaching tomorrow’s A-section final.

Matty Braid has been the leading wicket taker for Busselton-Margaret River.

He returned figures of 5-44 in the opening game in B-section on Sunday, and after being promoted to A-section, took 3-12 on Monday and then 3-21 on Tuesday.

Danny Hatton (53 not out and analyses of 5-44 and 3-15) has been the leading allrounder for Busselton-Margaret River’s No. 1 team.