A 146-run win over Queensland has sent Western Australia’s Sheffield Shield hopes to a blockbuster final-round match against Victoria in Melbourne.
Victoria lost to Tasmania in a top-of-the-table clash and left the door wide open for the two-time reigning champions, who stormed through it later on Monday, sealing their victory over the Bulls at the WACA Ground.
Half-centuries to Ben McDermott and Jack Wildermuth slowed a WA charge that was kickstarted by Cameron Gannon on the final morning but the visitors were dismissed for 301— chasing 448 — with two hours remaining in the final day of the summer in Perth.
WA have returned to second — clear of Victoria — on the table with a draw at the Junction Oval in the match starting Monday likely to send them through to the final.
Corey Rocchiccioli snared the first of WA’s wickets late on day three. After an hour on Monday, they had four.
Jack Clayton flashed at a ball off former Queenslander Gannon and was caught behind for 13, Angus Lovell was done by the angle of left-armer Joel Paris and also caught at second slip. Then Gannon had Max Bryant trapped lbw in a morning romp.
Ben McDermott launched Rocchiccioli for six over long-on in his 59. Captain Jimmy Pierson fell for 20, but even after he was dismissed, Queensland’s shop remained open.
Towering all-rounder Wildermuth was willing to force the matter. Despite the monstrous target.
He also hit Rocchiccioli for a massive six and roared past 50. He was dismissed for 91 by the emerging off-spinner to bring about tea.
Soon after Gannon added Xavier Bartlett to his scalps.
Solidifying his stranglehold on WA’s spin spot over Ashton Agar, Rocchiccioli claimed the penultimate wicket of Gurinder Sandhu, who was caught at first slip.
Liam Haskett then rolled through Mitchell Swepson to seal victory.
Source Agencies
