What a ton!

By Russell Bennett
FOR the first time in her career as a Berwick Turf One scorekeeper, Ryan Crawford’s wife last weekend wrote triple figures next to his name.
The middle order batsman made his first century in a decade, as his side amassed an impressive 8/304 on day one against Heinz Southern Districts at Arch Brown Reserve.
Crawford described his knock – an unbeaten 103 – as “pretty special”.
“I had a reasonable year last season, my first back from a knee reconstruction,” he said.
“And it’s good to get another performance under my belt this year.”
The Berwick number six played the anchor role alongside top order batsman Brad Francis (54) in their 88-run partnership before putting his foot on the accelerator later in the innings, after Francis’ dismissal.
Crawford needed another 20 runs for his century with only five overs left in the day’s play. He didn’t think he’d make it.
“But I got the right balls at the right time,” the 33-year-old said.
The aggressive left-hander was confident of going on to close out the win against HSD this week “if we get early wickets”.
“There’s a pretty good feeling in the side right now,” Crawford said.
“Half the boys were more stoked with my ton than I was!”
Crawford said an attacking style came naturally to him, and he was excited about the upcoming Twenty20 competition.
“I enjoy it – it’s quick, and it’s fast,” he said.
The tournament’s new round-robin format will see Berwick take on fellow local side Buckley Ridges in the group stage.
“It’s a round-robin format this year, not knockout,” he said.
“We’ll be playing Buckley Ridges in the group stage and we’re looking forward to that.”
HALLAM KALORA PARK v DOVETON
HALLAM Kalora Park made a slow but steady start to their Round 3 game against Doveton at Hallam Recreation Reserve.
Hallam was sent in after Doveton won the toss and were in trouble early, losing the key wicket of Nirman Jayasinghe (5) leg before. But the Booth boys, Leigh (31) and Cory (41), set about the recovery effort. Middle order batsman Brett Peters (50) proved a real mainstay as his side gradually crept towards 200.
Ryan Hendy (4/59) and Corrie Wilson (3/57) were the pick of the Doveton bowlers, restricting Hallam to a reachable 198-run target.
NARRE WARREN v
SPRINGVALE SOUTH
No play on day one.