NSW lose match but seal title
Hosts Victoria put a horror carnival behind it to cause an absolute boilover against the previously undefeated New South Wales on day nine of the Commonwealth Bank Australian Country Cricket Championships.
The Vics, seemingly with their backs to the wall after five bad losses and against an opponent in supreme form, showed some resolve in an even performance that delivered the surprise five-wicket win.
The day was a disaster for NSW, with skipper Jeff Cook taken to hospital with an abdominal strain.
His opposite number Brad Hauenstein fared far better and was delighted to have pulled off an elusive win after a tough tournament.
Despite their shock loss, NSW still sealed the country title after the only remaining challenger – East Asia Pacific – went down to Queensland by six wickets.
Defending a paltry 138, the pacific nations also struggled with the ball as Queensland cruised to 4/140 in reply.
The day belonged to Western Australia’s Mitch Green, who made a sensational century to guide his side to a 19-run win against Northern Territory.
Green compiled 104 at the top of the order in WA’s 9/223 from 44 overs in a rain-reduced match.
Northern Territory looked the goods while opener Grant Bell was at the crease but his demise for 68 and four wickets to medium pacer Shayden Bidwell turned the match in WA’s favour. NT was eventually dismissed for 204 in the final over.
Australian Capital Territory off spinner Daniel Rootes claimed five wickets to help his side to a comfortable victory against South Australia. Rootes claimed 5/26 from 10 overs as ACT dismissed SA for 138 to seal an easy win after Michael Spaseski guided the capital territory to 9/218 with a well made 56.
Just one match remains at this year’s carnival, with a series of one-day matches to round out the tournament on Thursday.
Selectors will name an Australian Country XI and award the title and awards to the carnival’s best players at a presentation function tonight.
ROUND SIX RESULTS
Western Australia 223 def Northern Territory 204
New South Wales 200 lost to Victoria 5/201
Queensland 4/140 def East Asia Pacific 138
ACT 9/218 def South Australia 136
Batting
1. Mitch Green (WA) 102
2. Brendan Rixon (NSW) 69
3. Grant Bell (NT) 68
4. Alex Cairns (Vic) 64
5. Michael Spaseski (ACT) 56
Bowling
1. D Rootes (ACT) 5/26
2. S Bidwell (WA) 4/39
3. R Bock (SA) 4/43
4. B O’Connell (Qld) 3/16
5. B Jones (Qld) 3/28
