DESPITE being in a remarkably dire situation early in the innings, Western Australia has rallied in its Sheffield Shield clash against the Queensland Bulls, claiming a three-wicket triumph at the WACA over the past few days.

The home side looked destined to fall after a collapse at the top order saw the required total seem very unlikely. However, heroic knocks from a pair on the final day saw Western Australia lifted off the canvas as it stormed home to claim a famous victory.

Western Australia (115 & 7/196) def. Queensland (211 & 97)

Western Australia looked down and out when they were at 4-24 as they started their pursuit of 194 in worrying fashion. Queensland pace bowler Michael Neser ripped through the top order with figures of 5/36 and delivered a damaging performance that looked to be match-winning performance. Both openers were bowled for a duck, and their hopes of winning began to fade.

All-rounder Hilton Cartwright was the team’s last chance, and he was able to come onto the crease and steady the ship with a composed and crucial performance. He managed to work his way to the half-century mark in a mature knock, keeping Western Australia’s hopes alive with 69 runs from 148 deliveries. He combined well with Sam Fanning, who came in and delivered an important 27-run effort, not only for the score, but also to slow up Queensland’s dominance with the ball.

However, Fanning and it looked as if the comeback would fall short. Aaron Hardie came out to the pitch looking to give it his all with bat in hand to try and revive his side’s performance, and he did just that. Hardie and Cartwright combined for 71 runs, which was Western Australia’s best partnership of the match, before Neser broke through to claim Cartwright just after the tea break.

However, Hardie remained calm and composed and combined well with Joel Paris to steer Western Australia to its second victory of the season. His knock of 70 runs to go with three wickets for the match capped off an outstanding all-around performance, that proved to be match-winning.

The Bulls will be looking to bounce back when they take on Victoria at the Gabba on the 10th of November, while Western Australia will be eager to keep its winning ways rolling when it takes on South Australia at the WACA the following day.