Two Waterholes juggernaut rolls on as dust storms roll in

Saturday’s dust storm rolling towards Fords Bridge cricket ground during the match between Fords Bridge and Two Waterholes. Photo supplied

Fords Bridge hosted competition front runners Two Waterholes on Saturday in conditions that weather-hardened locals might describe as “testing”, but city folk would describe as “horrendous”.

Up to 75km/h winds and hot, dry conditions fuelled an epic dust storm which halted play for 45 minutes. Thankfully, players and spectators were able to take shelter in the new Ford Bridge clubhouse.

Two Waterholes captain Mick Jackson won the toss and batted. Russell Tiffen and Aiden Orcher got off to a steady start, seeing off Fordsy’s opening bowlers before Russell was caught off the bowling of first change bowler Michael Marshman in the 7th over.

Jarryd Samuelsson joined Aiden and put on 27 runs before Aiden was bowled by Michael Marshman for 24 in the 13th over, with the score at 2/48. Adam McLean was next in, joining Jarryd for a short time until Jarryd (8) gloved one to the keeper off the bowling of Brett Sheilds. Sam Simmons (13) hit some boundaries but did not last long, bowled by Tom Oldfield. With a score of 4/85, Adam and Mick Willoughby added 50 runs before Guy McDonald bowled a bamboozling leg-spin delivery to have Adam stumped for 33. Troy Hayman Jnr saw out Guy’s one over spell, hitting the next two balls for four and six. Troy continued the hard hitting in the next over against part-timer Bryce “Fats” Robinson, but with the assistance of a 70km/h tail wind, a certain six became a wicket, with Troy caught on the boundary for 13 runs. Mick Willoughby was next to go for 25, allowing Mick Jackson and super-sub Guy Regan (10) a quick 34-run partnership. Mick finished unbeaten on 23 with Two Waterholes scoring 197.

Lincoln Old and Matt Sheridan began scoring at a good rate for Fordsy until Matt Clarke bowled a short one to Matt (15) which ricocheted from his glove to his chest, onto his pad and onto the stumps. Tom Oldfield hit some big shots before holing out to the bowling of Mick Willoughby for 14. Matt Clarke took the wickets of Phil Cross (6) and Lincoln Old (40) exposing the tail. Brett Sheilds hit 35 runs but there were few runs by the lower order and Fords Bridge fell short by 45.

It was a memorable day at Fords Bridge with some great scenes that will feature the clubhouse walls for years to come. Cheers to Fords Bridge for the day, and thanks to the ladies who braved the conditions to help out.

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