Port move clear at top of Ray Stoddart Shield with convincing win over Mines

A 53-run victory over Mines has given powerhouse team Port Hedland breathing space on top of the ladder in the battle for the Ray Stoddart Shield.

In the round five clash at Kevin Scott Oval Port batted first with the side making a steady start before a middle-order collapse when four wickets fell for 18 runs had them reeling at 6-76.

The power club dug deep with the lower order adding 50 runs to finish their innings at 9-126.

Chasing just 127, a Mines victory was within reach before Port captain Jarrad O’Dea stepped up with a brutal bowling masterclass.

O’Dea took four wickets and bowled two maidens while conceding just four runs off his allotment.

The decisive spell of bowling steered his side to victory, with Port bundling out Mines for 73.

Meanwhile, in their second game of the round Mines bounced back with a six-wicket win over South Hedland.

South Hedland batted first making just 108 from their 20 overs with middle order batter Inayat Zaman the top scorer with 29 runs.

Mines fielders were a stand-out, cutting off the ball to limit runs and also securing three run-outs to keep the pressure on the batting side.

In the end, South Hedland limped to 9-108.

Mines refused to give up momentum. Wayne Stokes blasted 31 runs before a sharp piece of fielding saw him run out with Mines needing just 61 more runs for victory.

Matthew Christy (29 not out) and Ben Mackenzie (19) steered the side to an easy six-wicket victory in the 16th over finishing 4-111.

After the round five action, Port Hedland sit in first place on 12 points with three wins and one loss, while South Hedland are just two points behind in second.

Mines now sit in third place ahead of Rovers and the bottom-placed Hedland Lions.