Surrey and Perth Cricket Club team mates, Stewart Walters and James Benning both registered half centuries over the weekend to take their side to victory and maintain the top spot in the Western Australian Premier League.

Perth’s captain and coach Walters, who has been keeping www.surreycricket.com readers up to date with his regular blog, was absolutely delighted with his side’s victory last weekend. The start to the season could not have gone better for Walters as Perth are not only unbeaten but also nine points clear at the top of the league.

Taking on Rockingham-Mandurah last weekend, Walters did not hesitate in asking the home team to bat first upon winning the toss. Showing his innovation as a skipper, he asked his Surrey team mate Benning to step up to the mark by giving him the new ball.

The right arm medium-quick, did not disappoint his captain as he proceeded to pick up two wickets for 45 runs from 21 overs. Walters also introduced himself into the attack and picked up one wicket to support his two brilliant catches in the field. A fantastic all round effort from the Perth team meant that Rockingham were eventually bowled out for 244 off 99 overs.

After opening the batting for the first five league matches, Benning dropped down to number three. The change paid dividends, because the master-blaster who had so far only registered a couple of quick twenties, got his side off to a great start with a run-a-ball 52.

Although he was caught immediately after bringing up his milestone, the Perth team and supporters caught a glimpse of what the powerful right-hander is capable of. He was replaced by Walters, who did not hang around. The Perth skipper, continued his magnificent form to build two great partnerships with first Luke Rochi (53) and then Christiaan Moir (51). This took the game away from Rockingham and as Walters guided his side to victory, their sixth of the season, he also took his personal run tally for the season up to 358 at an average of 119, with a well paced 86 no out.

Over the other side of Australia, last year’s overseas player at the Brit Oval, Matthew Nicholson has been playing a huge part in New South Wales’ success in the Pura Cup. Although the tall quick did not pick up a wicket in last week’s match against Tasmania, he did manage to record some extraordinary figures. In his 10 overs in the second innings, the Surrey man only went for five runs with his spell including eight maidens.

He is also continuing his form with the bat as he scored 34 not out, as New South Wales cruised to an innings and 35 run victory to maintain top spot in the Pura Cup.

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