Boland stars as Vics vie for Shield final
SCOTT Boland has made an immediate impact upon his Sheffield Shield return from the Australian Test side, starring as Victoria skittled Western Australia yesterday. The Vics rolled WA for 122 on day one at the WACA, with Boland claiming 4-29 as his side vies for a spot in this season’s decider.
Stand-in Victorian skipper Will Sutherland (3-33) and spinner Jon Holland (3-15) also got in the wickets column, while Hilton Cartwright and Ashton Turner each notched 27 to top-score for the Warriors.
In response, Victoria will resume on day two on 2-71, just 51 runs in arrears of the ladder leading lineup. Marcus Harris is two runs away from a half-century, with young gun Campbell Kellaway (3) alongside him as the Vics look to move the game forward quickly and make up crucial bonus points.
Meanwhile in Hobart, Tasmania roared to 5-325 at stumps as the Tigers look to play spoiler to Queensland. The Bulls, who lost Michael Neser to injury in the warm-up, also look to be without frontline seamer Mark Steketee after he pulled up lame on day one.
The home side was sent in to bat at Blundstone Arena, and opener Caleb Jewell very nearly took toll as he worked to 98 off 228 balls, before falling just short of a second century in as many innings. Allrounder Beau Webster is well on his way to triple figures, and will resume day two on 91.
At the other end at the resumption of play will be former Australian skipper Tim Paine (41), who could become to fourth Tassie batter to pass 50 after first drop Jake Doran (58) also did so. Liam Guthrie has done most of the damage for Queensland, claiming 3-69.
The dead rubber match of the round in Adelaide has New South Wales on track for a solid first innings total, with the Blues posting 6-299 on the first day. Debutant Ryan Hackney looked good for his 78 off 191 atop the order, while Matthew Gilkes (60) and Jack Edwards (64*) have steadied the ship.
South Australia’s Nathan McAndrew looks to be continuing his fine form with ball in hand, currently boasting 4-72. Opening bowlers Wes Agar and Spencer Johnson have claimed a wicket each, with New South Wales looking to avoid just its second-ever winless Sheffield Shield season.