A CENTURY to Kyle Humphrys and remarkably economical bowling performance by Liam Smith helped edged Bendigo a step closer to its goal of Melbourne Country Week promotion.
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With Wednesday’s win over South West in windy conditions at Greenvale, Bendigo has now ticked off its first goal – earn a berth in one of Thursday’s division two semi-finals.
Having finished on top of its pool in the division by winning its three preliminary round matches, Bendigo has qualified for a semi-final against Ferntree Gully at Carlton’s Princes Park.
RELATED – DAY TWO WRAP
The other semi-final match will be between Shepparton and West Gippsland.
The winners of the two semi-finals will not only meet in Friday’s division two final at the Albert Ground, but will both be promoted into provincial group at next year’s carnival.
Bendigo comprehensively outclassed South West with both bat and ball on Wednesday in what was a 199-run romp.
RELATED – DAY ONE WRAP
Bendigo cracked 7-266 off its 50 overs after winning the toss, before dismantling South West for just 67.
Bendigo’s dominant batting performance was spearheaded by Humphrys, who scored an unbeaten century at better than a run-a-ball.
Coming in at 2-98 in the 18th over, Humphrys belted 101 no. off 90 balls, taking his tally of runs for the week to 187.
With Humphrys century, it’s six years in a row Bendigo has had a player score a Melbourne Country Week ton.
As well as Humphrys’ ton, Bendigo also had teenager Zane Keighran post his first Melbourne Country Week half-century with 63 off 73.
And Cory Jacobs made the most of the opportunity to open the batting with 40 off 54.
After dominating with the bat Bendigo then dismantled South West for just 67.
Integral in the impressive bowling performance from Bendigo was left-arm spinner Smith.
Introduced into the attack in the 12th over, Smith finished with 2-3 off 10 overs, which included seven maidens.
Of the 60 balls Smith delivered, he had three singles hit off him – one in his third, fifth and eighth overs.
Fellow spinner Chris Barber (3-13) picked up three wickets, to go with a run-out, while Sam Johnston took his tally of scalps for the week to 10 with his 2-11.
“It was a great performance by the boys ” Bendigo coach Wayne Walsh said.
“We built partnerships in our innings and didn’t lose wickets in clumps.
“And the bowlers then backed it up and were well supported in the field with some good catching, so it was a complete performance today.”
Wednesday was the second time this week Bendigo has bowled a side out for less than 70, having also done so against West Gippsland (68) on Monday.
