Bayswater-Morley have staged another impressive fight-back after being in deep trouble on the first day of their WACA pennant clash with reigning premiers Melville at Tompkins Park on Saturday.  Although the match was in doubt due to extensive rain late in the week, play was commenced an hour late when Bayswater began batting in conditions very much suited to the bowlers.  With a heavy atmosphere and naturally under prepared track, wickets fell at regular intervals and runs were hard grafted.

When the score had reached 7-87 shortly after tea no batsman had scored 20 although five had reached double figures until, during the final 40 minutes, fast bowler Matthew Inness threw caution to the breeze and belted an unbeaten 37 off as many balls and guided the final total to 127.  Duncan Spencer with 4-47 and Drew Porter [3-36] were the main destroyers but all the bowlers were difficult to play.

Melville then had to face the final 21 overs of the day in pursuit of the meagre target, in what most observers assumed would be a formality.  After a bright start which saw Scott Meuleman and Ben Lillis put on twelve without loss in the first four overs, Inness struck twice, Kim Lawrence three times, and finally Michael Thistle took 2-3 from 21 balls, to obliterate the Melville top-order and have them reeling at 7-53 at the close.

Although the Bears still lead by 74 runs and need only three wickets to claim vital points, Melville are likely to have the service of state player Adam Voges next week and the conditions are likely to improve.  The match could provide an exciting conclusion as there is time for a possible outright result.

Meanwhile, Bayswater have qualified for a quarter-final of the WACA Sunday League and will meet Perth at Fletcher Park on Sunday.

NB. 2nd, 3rd & 4th grade games for the Bears were all cancelled.

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