NEW year, same story for West Newport in the Williamstown and District Cricket Association.
The Lions went into the mid-season break as kings of the A1 turf jungle and not much seems to have changed with the turn of the calendar.
Their hot form continued on day one of the local derby with Newport-Digman Bulls at Bryan Martyn Oval last Saturday when they assumed full control of the game. The Bulls eked out 182 off 42-2 overs thanks to a one-man show by Mohamed Farook, who made a blistering 106 and batted with a tail that aided his quest for a century.
The Lions were 1-111 at stumps with opener Brandon Jones (57 not out) and skipper Matt Shiell (28 not out) putting the league leaders in a commanding position.
Williamstown Imperials will be confident of defending their massive 9-298 when play resumes against Grand United at Fearon Reserve on Saturday.
Jack Haines (98) was unfortunate to fall two runs short of a century for the Imps.
James McCutcheon (55), Ashley Royston (44) and Daniel Slattery (35) were the other key run makers.
Gellibrand has a small total of 175 to defend against Williamstown Colts. The Colts made a solid start to be 1-31 at stumps.
In B1 turf, Williamstown Congs posted 204 against long-time rivals St John’s. Warren McKnight top-scored for the Congs with 39, while Robert Normington marched confidently to 34 before running out of partners.
