Victory in Final Warmup

Greenock won the toss and chose to bat, with Zac Barrenechea and Chris Hempsey opening for the hosts. West’s openers Gavin Smith and Dave McNulty looked in good form, bowling a tight opening spell, to leave Greenock struggling.

Australian overseas player Barrenechea played some nice shots, but was troubled by Wests bowlers and McNulty went very close after deceiving him with a well disguised slower ball.

John Oliver and Graeme Etheridge were introduced into the attack and the pair kept up the good work of the openers, tightening the screw on Greenock’s batsmen. Oliver had the breakthrough, removing Barrenechea for 38, before Simon Brown and Lucas Farndale were introduced to clean up the tail.

Greenock all out for 84.

After an early wicket, Michael Miller and Ian Young put together a partnership to take West to within touching distance of victory. James Fennah came in and struck boundaries, supported by Lucas Farndale to get the team over the line.

West finished on 85-3 to win by 7 wickets.

West’s supporters will remember the horrifying collapse last year at Glenpark which saw the team lose seven wickets for 10 runs and only scrape over the line by one wicket thanks to a dropped catch off the last ball of the game. To see the team chase convincingly in similar circumstances will be a source of encouragement.

Thanks must go to Greenock for being wonderful hosts, as always, and for providing a good pitch for the time of year. The two clubs enjoy strong links with Greenock regularly hosting West for Development XI friendlies.