Pemberton veteran Mills scores unbeaten century as they push past Forestry cricket club

Forestry’s title defence got off to a shaky start with an eight-wicket loss to Pemberton in their season opener at the weekend. Forestry captain Kallan Fall won the toss and chose to bat but an opening spell from the father-son combo of Nic Mills (1-33) and Stephen Mills (0-13) had Pemberton up and about in the field. Then a handy partnership between Mat Johnston (16) and Daniel Ward (24) came to an end due to some quality line and length bowling from Tyrone Prithriraj (1-22) who had Ward on his bike. Sam Vellios (37) was then sent to the crease for his long-awaited return after five years out of the game. He worked hard for his runs taking sharp singles and working hard through the middle overs. With five overs remaining Fall (8no) and Braden Gibellini (19) pushed the score passed 150. Forestry’s wish for an early wicket came true with Ward removing Damian Hodge (2), but from then on things took a turn with the two evergreens of Pemberton coming together. Peter Bamess (21) and Gary Mills (122no) put together a match-winning partnership of 95 before Bamess fell to Kayne Aitken (1-22). But Mills carried on with his attacking game and had great great support from young Prithriraj (13) as they feasted on Forestry’s bowlers: Jared Johnston (0-27), Josiah Smith (0-56) and Duncan Wells (0-23). Pemberton romped to an eight-wicket victory. This week Forestry face Manjimup in the local derby and Pemberton take on Northcliffe in the southern slam.