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Bulls begin RYOBI Cup with bonus point

Western Australia were bowled out for 118 to crash to a hefty 84 run defeat to Queensland in a disappointing opening to their one-day cup campaign at Bankstown Oval on Friday.

Scorecard

The large victory margin meant last year's winners comfortably collect a bonus point in an encouraging start to their title defence.

Former Australian Test batsman Marcus North top-scored for the West Australians, compiling a laborious 33, with his side batting through only 43 of their 50 overs.

Queensland turned in a disciplined effort in the field and the West Australians were rarely in the hunt, suffering two disastrous runs outs inside the opening three overs of their run chase.

Spinner Jason Floros collected the best figures with 3-31, while Ben Cutting bowled with pace and accuracy in collecting 2-8 off seven economical overs.

Earlier, a century partnership from Chris Hartley and Nathan Reardon saw Queensland recover from a poor start to reach 4-202.

The Queenslanders limped to 3-44, before Hartley and Reardon put on 106 for the fourth wicket.

On a challenging wicket opener Hartley scored a watchful 64 off 112 deliveries, while Reardon top-scored in striking an unbeaten 92 off 111 balls, including three sixes.

Australia Test hopeful Usman Khawaja made a poor start to his interstate season and was the first wicket to fall scoring just 12, before spooning a simple caught and bowled to Ashton Agar's first delivery of the match.

Agar (1-30) and fellow spinner Michael Beer (1-34) kept a lid on Queensland's scoring before some late hitting from Reardon and James Hopes lifted the run rate.

All-rounder Andrew Tye collected the best figures for West Australia on his state debut capturing 2-32 off eight overs, and adding 22 off 26 balls with the bat.

"We knew it was going to be a tricky wicket, so it was important to contribute and me and Harts (Hartley) felt the longer we stayed in the easier it would get," said Queensland top-scorer Reardon.

"I think the 100 partnership we put on was the turning point of the game. It was pretty challenging out there. The first 40 or 50 it felt like I hadn't played cricket before."

Western Australia captain Michael Beer lamented his team's batting effort.

"All our bowlers did a good job so there are some positives, just our batting let us down. I don't think conditions played much of a part, I just think Queensland adapted better."

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Cricket Australia.