Hawks claim Yates Shield

March 12, 2025 BY

Ben Shepherd, who took 4-14 for Cowaramup against St Marys in A-Grade cricket on Saturday, looms as one of the Bulls main players in this Saturday's first semi-final against Vasse. Photo by Vanessa Hatton.

MARGARET RIVER HAWKS will meet Dunsborough in the A-Grade second semi-final this Saturday for the right to host the Busselton-Margaret River Cricket Association’s grand finals on March 22.

In the last round of preliminary fixtures, despite intermittent rain dampening the spirits in every game, Hawks defeated Vasse at Gloucester Park, while Dunsborough defeated Yallingup-Oddbods at Dunsborough to snatch back second spot on the ladder at the last gasp.

Cowaramup also scored an easy win against St Marys at Barnard Park.

As a result, Hawks were minor premiers on 128 points and claim the Yates Shield, but Dunsborough, Cowaramup and Vasse all finished dead level on 104 points and had to be split by batting and bowling averages.

It was the closest fight for second spot in the history of the A-Grade competition in the Busselton-Margaret River league.

Cowaramup will meet Vasse in the sudden-death first semi-final at Cowaramup this Saturday, with the winner going through to play on Sunday against the loser of Hawks versus Dunsborough.

Rumesh Silva was again the stand-out performer for Hawks on Saturday, taking another 4-18 as Vasse were dismissed for only 88 in 38 overs.

Dan Rana (24) was the only Vasse batsman to withstand the Hawks attack for any duration.

Hawks lost five wickets in their chase, which took only 15 overs as Shane Joyce (27 not out) and Rumesh (24 off 17 balls) wasted no time in sealing the deal.

At Dunsborough, the ever-consistent Ajith Rajapaksha (55 off 52 balls), Darcy Hume (42) and skipper Chris Reagan (36) were chiefly responsible for Dunsborough’s excellent total of 7-228 against Yallingup-Oddbods in a game reduced to 40 overs a side because of the damp conditions.

YOBS were dismissed for 95 in reply, Luke Wedderburn again getting a good start with 27 runs.

Anthony Quinn with 3-6 was best with the ball for Dunsborough, showing great sportsmanship by bowling off-spin to take the final wicket of young Lucas Trewren.

At Barnard Park, St Marys struggled to compile 61 all out off 31 overs against Cowaramup on a surprisingly good wicket, with Will Snaddon (21) doing best as opener after surviving several reprieves in the field.

Ben Shepherd (4-14) and legspinner Hugh Mugford (3-7) made welcome returns to form with the ball for the Bulls, who lost only one wicket in their successful chase, Josh Curtis (38 not out) leading the charge.

In B-Grade cricket Vasse made a spirited attempt to secure victory with vital bonus points as they chased Hawks’ score of 7-247 off 45 overs at Margaret River, eventually being bowled out for 190.

Tyson Warnke (81) and Scott Smith (a career-best 6-13) were the standout performers for Hawks, while Brendan Cribb gave a strong allround effort for Vasse with 60 runs and three wickets.

At Dunsborough, in another game reduced to 40 overs each, Yallingup-Oddbods had the better of the home team, bowling out Dunsborough for 154 and securing victory for the loss of only four wickets inside 33 overs.

Robbie Lorrimar with three wickets and Max Walsh with 72 runs off 57 balls (including 5 sixes) shone for YOBS.

Dunsborough are minor premiers in B-Grade, winning the Ray Smith Shield, and will host Margaret River Hawks in Saturday’s major semi-final, while YOBS and St Marys meet in the sudden-death minor semi-final at Barnard Park.

In C-Grade cricket the closest result of the weekend saw St Marys (8-224) score a great two-wicket win over Cowaramup (6-222) with Kye Barrow (66 off 48 balls) leading the way.

Yallingup-Oddbods defeated Margaret River Hawks, Vasse defeated Nannup and Dunsborough White beat Dunsborough Blue in the remaining C-Grade games.

As a result, Dunsborough Blue are C-Grade minor premiers and win the Al Miller Shield, and they will meet Cowaramup at Dunsborough in the major semi-final this Saturday.

The minor semi-final will see Dunsborough White host Vasse, who just snuck into the final four ahead of Yallingup-Oddbods and YOBS Academy.