Cricket: Deciding round sets up finals action

The final round of the Port Hedland Cricket Association was played at the weekend with Miners taking on South Hedland, and Port Hedland hosting Wanderers.

Miners won the toss at the west wicket and went about posting a solid total.

Every Miners batsman got a start as they built their way to a convincing 7-222.

Troy Morrissey (59) top scored and was supported well by Guy Potter (36), Dan Sheperd (31) and Brad Rixom (30).

South Hedland’s bowlers worked hard with Gary Beange (2-34 from six), Izzy Kalzee (1-35 off eight) and Abu Rafferty (1-32 off six) being the standouts.

South Hedland had to be patient to chase down the total set by Miners and set off in the right direction.

The match was evenly poised before some vital breakthroughs from Ross Haagman (3-22 off four) and Liam O’Brien (3-46 off 7.1) turned the match Miners’ way.

South Hedland were dismissed in the last over, posting a gallant 208.

Josh Townsend (47) top scored with Dean Lapham (32) and Abu Rafferty (29) contributing.

Rob Bigmore (1-34 from six) and Danny Palmer also bowled well for the Miners.

On the east wicket, Port Hedland won the toss and sent Wanderers in.

Port got off to a dream start, claiming four quick wickets to have Wanderers struggling at 4-20 due to some tight bowling from Sam Mason (1-6 off eight) and Peter Shephard (2-13 off eight).

That brought together Tamahau Canning and Leigh Krake(34), who swung the momentum back in the Wanderers direction with a 129-run partnership.

Canning was dismissed on 94.

Zane Robinson claimed the crucial wicket of Canning as he grabbed figures of 4-30 from four.

Wanderers posted a more-than competitive total of 8-187 from 40.

Port Hedland started their innings off well before Nathan Smith fell on 10 to have Port 1-27.

That proved to be the only joy for the Wanderers team, as Scott Leech (112 not out) and Phil Hayman (83 not out) belted the ball everywhere for a 189 partnership.

Port Hedland finished the day at 1/216 (28 overs) as the game was drawn closed.

Dan Wilson was the only wicket taker for Wanderers (1-27 from five).

This Sunday will see South Hedland play Miners in the semifinal on Sunday, with the victors to play Port Hedland in the grand final on September 3.

This Saturday will be the Police Legacy Twenty20 game followed by an Association All Star Twenty20 game.