Ahmed ton leads way for EGCA against country week rivals

Waqar ali Ahmed on Wednesday joined a talented list of batters to compile an A-section century at country week for the Eastern Goldfields Cricket Association, with a brilliant 127 against Busselton-Margaret River.

Refreshed after a day off on Tuesday, Ahmed was the catalyst for the side’s 3-272 while blasting 11 fours and five sixes as the EGCA grabbed a second win of the series.

His innings comprised 138 balls and opening partner Aarib Tareen Khan contributed 36 from 79 deliveries in the team’s dominant start after winning the toss.

When Khan departed, captain Bevan Bennell picked up the slack with a hard-hitting 77 off 56 balls.

Cooper Bennett was not out 21 on a big day for the EGCA, who were keen for a big showing, ahead of the first round of finals on Thursday.

Busselton-Margaret River were dismissed for 169 when Harry Merritt-Blann took 4-27.

Also on Wednesday, defending A-section champions Albany brushed aside Central Midlands by seven wickets.

In B-section, Esperance were chasing 203 against Albany after Hilton Hardman earlier claimed 4-40.

Esperance’s D-section team compiled 8-231, led by Jarrod Hansen’s 87 off 107 balls, against Newman.

Joining them in D-section is the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Cricket Association, who made 178 against Fortescue.

Skipper Josh Chapman top-scored with 68 off 67 balls, but Fortescue in reply cruised to 1-180.

The EGCA’s E-section team led by Alex Jerrard needed just 15 overs to chase down Warren-Blackwood’s 110.

Jarrod Lucas made 54 off 40 balls and struck eight fours as the EGCA cruised to 3-111.

In the same division, Esperance were 3-112 after 29 overs against Peel, who earlier compiled 7-156.