WESTERN Australia has claimed its first win of the 2022/23 Marsh One-Day Cup after taking down Victoria by five wickets in the second match of the season, at CitiPower Centre on Sunday.

It was a performance that was sparked by the Warriors’ openers, with Josh Philippe and D’Arcy Short leading the way. Philippe was particularly impressive, notching a ton in his first outing for the season, and playing a match-winning role.

Josh Philippe vs. Victoria – 100 runs (96 balls), 104.17 strike rate

A notorious big-hitter, Philippe was powerful in his strikes over the course of his knock. He used his shoulders to put as much force through the ball as possible, finding the boundary 13 times, with 10 fours and three sixes coming.

Philippe favoured the leg side when playing his shots, showcasing his quick hands to flick and hook the ball across his body and punish some predictable bowling from Victoria.

He looked to be caught behind on 62, but escaped dismissal in dramatic fashion, before punishing the Victorian side by adding another 38 runs on top of that score.

Philippe was able to heap pain on the Victorian bowling outfit, and spoke post-game of the team’s plan to go hard at young off-spinner Todd Murphy, who took just one wicket and conceded 55 runs, as the emerging Western Australian batsman launched him down the ground for two massive sixes.

“He’s a very good bowler and we know that, so we had a plan to be aggressive to him early and not let him settle – that was plan and it came off,” Philippe said after the match.

“I wanted to be out there as long as I can and try to get the boys over the line, so it’s a bit disappointing to get out but obviously satisfying to get to a hundred because I think previously I’d get out a bit before.

“The last month leading into the first game has dragged on a bit so we we’re all very keen to get going and it’s nice to start the season with some runs and a win.”

He was not afraid to play shots across the other side of the ground, with a few back-foot cuts and reverse sweeps thrown in the mix too, as the bowling attack tried to push the ball across the wicket and force the leftie away from being able to play the ball down leg side.

Coming up against experienced bowlers such as Scott Boland, Philippe maintained his aggression and continued to pummel the rope despite relentless attacks from Victoria’s quicks.

He brought up his ton with a six, which was fitting given how easily he found the boundary throughout his time at the crease.

It was not to be unexpected, given his form for Australia in the off-season, where he was impressive as the Aussies claimed a victory against Sri Lanka after four days of play.

He was massive for the reigning champs, who were coming up against a Victoria side that claimed a win earlier in the weekend. However, Western Australia came into the season with more silverware on their mind, and started their campaign in ideal fashion, edging over the line with 14 balls to spare.