James McCollum should rightly take the acclaim after one of his finest centuries for Waringstown was instrumental in a thrilling 20-run victory over Instonians at The Lawn on Saturday.
James anchored Waringstown’s imposing total of 288 for seven with a brilliant 118 from just 129 balls. Against arguably the most balanced bowling attack in the Mercury NCU Premier League, James struck five fours and four sixes in an innings spanning 162 minutes.
Tom Mayes provided the late impetus with an unbeaten 51 from just 35 balls, including two fours and three sixes, but that total wasn’t out of sight against the reigning league champions.
Inst’s reply got off to a flier, but Steve Stolk (3-53) removed dangerman Neil Rock, before a third-wicket partnership of 80 between Cade Carmichael and Jack Dickson took Instonians to 139 for two and made them strong favourites.
However, Greg Thompson, the Waringstown captain, removed Dickson and later took the key wickets of Andrew White, Nikolai Smith and Matthew Humphreys on his way to superb figures of 4-37. Stolk’s superb run-out of Instonians professional Shane Dadswell was also vital in the final analysis.
Instonians were never out of it despite wickets falling at regular intervals, but the game was up with 10 balls left as Stolk took the final scalp to leave Instonians 268 all out.
Well done to Greg and his team on a hard-fought win
