Swifts-Great Western needed just 50 overs to take all 20 Halls Gap wickets and claim a big outright victory on the first day of play on Saturday.
The Combine went for the kill right from the start of the match, winning the toss and sending the Gappers into bat on the turf wicket at Central Park.
The brave decision paid off immediately for the home side, ripping through Halls Gap’s top order.
Combine opening bowlers Marc Brilliant and Matt Heffer took the first five wickets for just 11 runs, before Gappers captain Lesley Pyke was joined by Adam McCormack at the crease.
The pair put on 22 runs before Heffer began his rampage again.
The big quick saw the end of Pyke when he edged a ball to Combine wicketkeeper Craig Morrow and then proceeded to tear apart Halls Gap’s lower order.
Heffer bowled 11.2 overs consecutively to finish with the impressive first innings figures of 7-19.
McCorkmack managed to hang around, finishing the innings on 17 not out but his side could only muster a total of 53 from 22.2 overs.
The Combine made their intentions clear with the bat, making runs quickly.
Rick Peters smashed his way to a second century of the season, hitting 13 fours and two sixes on his way to 100 not out.
Swifts-Great Western captain Sam Cocks said Peters has begun to be rewarded for his hard work.
“He is in some pretty good touch at the moment. He has been a good player for a long time so it is great to see him reap some rewards,” he said.
Damien Joiner’s 43 not out in quick time gave Swifts-Great Western a total of 2-177 after just 22.2 overs, allowing them a chance to bowl Halls Gap out again on day one.
Heffer claimed three second innings wickets to take his tally to 10 for the match, while Jonathon Parkin took four scalps as Halls Gap fell for just 49.
Cocks said Heffer has been great since moving to the club at the start of this season.
“Matty has been a fantastic pickup for us,” he said.
“Getting on the turf has really allowed him to use his height and start to play to his potential."
Peters added three wickets to go with his century.
Swifts-Great Western won the game by an innings and 75 runs.
With the second day of play now free, Cocks said it will be an easy week for his side.
“We will sit down and relax and enjoy the week off,” he said.
“We’ll also go and support the B Grade side who is going pretty well now.”
