An innings of “brilliance” from opening batsman Jarrod Blandford has led Tatyoon to a memorable five-wicket victory over Swifts-Great Western at the weekend.
Tatyoon was dismantled in its opening match of the season against Youth Club, managing a miserly total of 44.
The introduction of a cast of experienced players including captain Michael Harricks boosted Tatyoon’s side significantly.
The Combine set a difficult task for Tatyoon after winning the toss and electing to bat first.
They put together a respectable total of 162 from their 40 overs.
Captain Sam Cocks scored 48 while Tom Eckel blazed away with a score of 75 in his first game of the season.
Blandford started the innings strongly for Tatyoon, working with Darren Beer to get his side off to 27 before Beer lost his wicket.
Harricks worked his way to 19 before being caught out, taking his team to 64.
Blandford continued to work away while two more wickets fell before Andrew Maconachie came to the crease.
The two batsmen combined for a partnership of 63 to put Tatyoon just 17 runs behind before Maconachie lost his wicket on 39.
Blandford carried his bat to finish on 89 not out to lead Tatyoon to victory.
Harricks said the innings was “incredibly well” put together.
"Jarrod batted unbelievably well,” he said.
“It was as good as you would want to see someone bat.
“He never gave them a chance and was very patient.
“He always hits the ball well. When he needed to make quick runs he did that.”
The victory is crucial for Tatyoon to put its season back on track after a big loss last weekend.
“We are absolutely rapt,” Harricks said.
“It is always nice to knock off a strong team like Swifts.”
Harricks said the reintroduction of experienced players to the team was crucial to the victory.
“I knew we had a pretty strong batting line up with some of the guys we brought back in,” he said.
“We had a lot of strength through the middle order.
“We also bowled and fielded quite well to a strong batting lineup.
“We would have liked to keep them to a lower total but we can’t really complain considering the batting effort we put in.” Tatyoon jump to sixth with the victory and Harricks said he believes his side can continue to improve. “If we can keep a similar core group of players together we will have a strong lineup for the season,” he said.
