Bulls stay unbeaten after clinical chase

Queensland have made it three wins from three with an impressive five-wicket win against Western Australia in their rain-affected Matador Cup match at the WACA Ground in Perth.

Chasing 222 to win from 38 overs after rain earlier delayed the start of proceedings, Joe Burns (78no) and Nathan Reardon (61) combined for 116 for the fourth wicket in what proved to be a match-winning stand.

Queensland openers Charlie Hemphrey (26) and Jimmy Peirson (17) provided a solid foundation at the top of the order but it was the middle-order pair that provided the decisive contribution.

With 82 required from the final 10 overs, Reardon turned aggressor – at one point hitting a six from the bowling of Jason Behrendorff onto the roof of the Lillee-Marsh stand – while Burns continued to anchor the innings expertly.

Reardon and Ben Cutting (3) late in proceedings but by that point the Bulls looked in control, captain Jason Floros not out 12 at the end alongside man of the match Burns.

Earlier, half-centuries to Adam Voges and Cameron Bancroft helped Western Australia to what looked like a strong total of 6-221.

Warriors captain Voges won the toss and elected to bat, with Australia A allrounder Hilton Cartwright opening the batting alongside youngster D'Arcy Short.

Cartwright fell early without scoring, while Short made 17 before his wicket left the Warriors wobbling at 2-35 in the ninth over.

Michael Klinger looked in good touch in making his way to 37 as he and Voges (85 from 80) resurrected the innings before Klinger was bowled by young Bulls leg-spinner Mitch Swepson, who impressed with 1-31 from eight overs.

Voges then teamed up with Bancroft (65no off 60), the pair adding 117 for the fourth wicket to give the hosts a strong target to defend.

Luke Feldman was the pick of the Bulls quicks, taking 2-30 from seven overs.

Poor weather early in the day reduced the contest to 38 overs a side, with Queensland playing their first away match after opening their tournament with two wins at Allan Border Field in Brisbane.

The Warriors, led by Test batsman Adam Voges, had a tie with South Australia in their first encounter of the campaign.