UPDATE: In an electrifying performance, Isaac Willett has continued his remarkable form, scoring an unbeaten 104 runs to lead Tallangatta to a resounding victory over North Albury in the Cricket Albury-Wodonga Provincial league. This win, secured on Saturday, came with a six-wicket margin, as Willett’s explosive innings helped the home team chase down a target of 195 runs with 10.5 overs to spare.
Willett’s stunning century, from just 96 balls and featuring four sixes, highlights his ascent in the cricketing world, bringing his total to 377 runs at an average of 94 this season. The former Essendon first grader has already achieved two centuries in just five rounds, building on a prolific season in England where he scored over 1,000 runs at Romiley.
“I know my game well now,” Willett commented, reflecting on his evolution as a batsman. “There’s more planning now compared to when I was younger.” This newfound strategy has allowed Willett to take advantage of the fielding restrictions in the white-ball format, making his aggressive play even more effective.
In this match, North Albury struggled to match Tallangatta’s pace. Vice-captain Jake Burge managed a solid 66 not out, supported by veteran Brendan Simmons with 41 runs. Despite the effort, the team faced a challenging situation as only two members from last season’s premiership squad were present.
On the bowling front, Beau Nicklin delivered an impressive performance, taking 3 wickets for 44 runs. English first-class seamer Mitchell Killeen made his debut, contributing with figures of 1-25 over eight overs. Willett noted Killeen’s potential, saying, “He has really good skills and makes the batter play and miss a lot.”
In a notable moment from another match, Wodonga all-rounder Jack Craig overcame a debilitating migraine to secure a three-wicket, half-century double in their four-wicket victory over East Albury. Craig scored 57 runs from 73 balls, while captain Jack Gilbee added 64 runs, showcasing resilience and determination despite Craig’s earlier health struggles.
Earlier in the match, East Albury’s opener, Alex Hinkley, performed consistently with a score of 51 runs but faced challenges as four of the top five batsmen recorded single-figure scores. Craig’s bowling was instrumental, yielding 3 wickets for 24 runs in ten overs.
Meanwhile, Corowa secured its third consecutive win with a commanding 164-run victory against New City. Key players Ben Fulford and Cal Langlands contributed significantly, scoring 78 and 39 runs respectively, and helping the team amass 238 runs. New City struggled to respond, finishing with only 74 runs as Blake Elliott took 3 wickets for 13 runs.
As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on Willett and his team, as they continue to build momentum in this competitive league. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the upcoming matches unfold and what further records Willett might shatter.
