Geraldton Bendigo Bank Cricket League: Rain interrupts play as Stuart Gaby hits maiden century for CVN

Rain meant neither game played in Saturday’s Geraldton Bendigo Bank Cricket League reached a conclusion.

Chapman Valley-Northampton were sent in by Wanderers’ Kade Gillingham at Mazzuchelli Oval and made 9-239, with Stuart Gaby (102) notching his maiden century.

Gaby is better known for his football with Towns, where in a long career he has tallied 121 goals, including eight in finals, and 44 best player listings, including three in finals.

But he is a very good cricketer too and his century came off 114 balls and featured eight fours and six sixes. He added a club-record 137 for the fourth wicket with Hayden Dawson (57).

“I certainly didn’t feel I was destined to make a big score. I haven’t scored many runs against Wanderers in the past so relieved to get a couple away early,” Gaby said.

CVN would love Gaby to commit to a full season but that would be difficult for him.

“Hard one with cricket being a lengthy sport to play, balanced with work and family commitments; I’ve had to leave some games early this year to coach my son’s basketball team,” he said.

Gaby is also a wicketkeeper with 16 dismissals this season, eight of them stumpings (no less than five in one innings).

“When I’m making runs I’m happy to be called a batter but I do enjoy and take pride in my ‘keeping,” he said.

Shayne Bidwell (4-34), the seventh bowler used by Gillingham, turned back the clock while Damien King (3-47) was also effective.

With bad weather looming, Wanderers rattled up 1-160 off 26.3 overs in the chase and the odds are they would have secured victory but rain had the final say.

They lost Clayton Bruce-Cherry early, caught by Gaby off Seth Farmer, then King (68 not out) and Zane Marwick (75 not out off 72 balls) slapped an unbeaten 156 for the second wicket.

Sportsmans’ Riley Barham won the toss at the Rec Ground, electing to bat, and his side made 6-142 off their 50 overs highlighted by a fine hand from Clint Yeates (68). Barham (19) also made handy runs.

Sam Crouch (3-21) was best of the bowlers, while Tom Forsyth (0-14 off 10 overs) gave little away.

Towns were 0-78 in reply with Darcy Giltrow (36 not out and Jeremy Bedford 35 not out) setting up a Towns win until the rain came and stayed.