Western Australia have won the Sheffield Shield for the first time in the 21st century after the final against Victoria ended in a draw at the WACA Ground.
A massive century from young allrounder Aaron Hardie ended any hope of a Victoria win on day five, and both captains agreed at the end of the morning session that an outright result was impossible leaving the match declared a draw.
WA secured more bonus points than Victoria during the first innings of the five-day contest meaning they only needed to draw the match to claim the title.
Western Australia had not won the Shield since 1999.
Hardie piled on further pain for the weary Victorian bowlers to be unbeaten on 174, as Western Australia reached 7-400 and 480 runs clear of their opponents.
WA were virtually out of sight at the start of the 90-over day at 3-313, a lead of 393.
Hardie, who resumed on 119, continued his momentum from the final session on day four, hitting 25 boundaries and a six in his 311-ball knock.
Needing quick wickets to have any hope of chasing a winnable target, Victoria’s only joy came after an hour when Joel Paris was trapped lbw by Jon Holland for 21.
WA opener Sam Whiteman was named player of the match with his first innings’ 85 followed by a marathon 123 over four sessions.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
Of the Australian U/19 One Day World Cup 2nd place side, that is.
badmanners
Roar Rookie
If I was in a sh&t stirring mood I would ask who was they're previous coach? But I'm not, so I won't. :happy:
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
Agreed Ace. My point is that the bonus point system only really enlivens the first innings
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
Not to mention,although I did, Cooper Connolly the captain.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
I see Chris Rogers is advocating Handscomb or Maddinson to replace Head for the Sri Lanka tests. Whiteman' average is better, his total runs are less than his average behind Handscomb from two fewer games. He's at the front of the list.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
When ya have itchy balls?
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
Zesers, Zoehrer and Zadow played in the same match in Adelaide in the 85/86 season, I think. Which one are you?
Ace
Roar Rookie
if it is a draw the bonus point comes into play. Vice certainly did not push for it..why I'm not sure but costly
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
Mouse sanders get into small spaces. What are these grope sanders?
Ace
Roar Rookie
Why not both youngsters??
13th Man
Roar Rookie
The first 3 and a half to 4 days was absolutely absorbing, but the last day fizzled after promising so much for the neutral observer at least. From a WA perspective it was absolutely glorious however.
matth
Roar Guru
Congratulations WA. Definitely the stand out team this year, in all formats. WA had the formula right this year for a tilt at the Shield. In general the winning side has the following: - enormous depth in bowling. Tick. - a veteran who is a class above other state players, ala Michael Bevan, Dean Jones, Usman Khawaja. Tick for Geoff Marsh. - a group of experienced batsmen who are at the upper end of the Shield talent, generally with test experience (but no always), but never completely nailed a national spot. Tick for Bancroft, Cartwright, Whiteman. I'm amazed WA have not won more in the past 22 years. In that time QLD and Vic won 7 each, 5 for NSW and 3 for Tassie. Winning two of the past 4 50 over titles (now 5 of 5 of course) probably showed something was building in the west.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Classic?
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
The only people pretending it was a good game are West Australians basking in the victory. Fair enough, bask away but trying to say it was a classic is downright delusional. Of course, from you, that's standard fare. When are you going into aged care again?
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Who else does? E-meter added his this morning. I wrote that last night. There's only you. You just don't get cricket that goes longer than one day. Maybe you don't get chess either. Marathon running? America's Cup?
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
Wrong again Don
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
This was WA's C side.
E-Meter
Roar Rookie
It was the epitome of a snooze fest. Or as mentioned earlier, "the fizzle". But that's not WA's fault. Deserved winners. Don't worry though, the mighty NSW blues B side will be back better than ever in their rightful No.1 spot soon!!
Choppy Zezers
Roar Rookie
Dont take it too rough, rowdy. It seamed okay when I wrote it. Maybe that deviated somewhat.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Your last comment was a bit abrasive. Did you think it was a bit against the grain?