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.
Warriors wrap up domestic triple-double
WESTERN Australia has secured its third consecutive Sheffield Shield title after defeating Tasmania by 377 runs at the WACA on Sunday. The Warriors sealed victory as day four drew to its crescendo, with Joel Paris sticking a screamer in gully to see Tasmania rolled for 160 in the final session. A dominant force on the […]
WA secures third-straight home Shield final
WESTERN Australia has locked in top spot on the Sheffield Shield ladder for a third season running, after roaring to a 138-run win over Victoria yesterday. Meanwhile, Tasmania spurned its chance to host the final in a 134-run loss to South Australia, but will face WA in the decider nonetheless. >> SCROLL for full scorecards […]
Tassie in trouble with home final on the line
TASMANIA is at risk of missing out on a home Sheffield Shield final, with South Australia doing a fine job of playing spoiler in their clash at Blundstone Arena. The Tigers were set 324 for victory on day two and went into stumps at 1-8, still requiring 316 runs to lock in top spot. >> […]
Boland back with a bang in must-win Shield clash
SCOTT Boland has made a timely Sheffield Shield return for Victoria, claiming 4-41 on day one against Western Australia as his side chases a spot in this season’s final. The seamer was released from Australia’s Test squad in New Zealand, where the tourists secured a 2-0 series sweep. >> SCROLL for full scorecards The Warriors, […]
The Contenders: 2023/24 Sheffield Shield final
TASMANIA is locked into a spot in the 2023/24 Sheffield Shield final, though hosting rights and one more place in the decider remain up for grabs next week. A mouthwatering clash between Western Australia and Victoria is likely to make all the difference – check out how as we delve into each contender. STANDINGS 1. […]
Tigers roar into Sheffield Shield final
TASMANIA will play in its first Sheffield Shield final since 2018 after beating fellow contender Victoria on home turf today. The Tigers will next play South Australia to earn hosting rights for this month’s decider having proven 57 runs too good for their counterparts at Blundstone Arena. >> SCROLL for scorecards, standings, and fixtures All-round […]
Vics left frustrated after double Shield draw
THE top two Sheffield Shield sides were left to settle for draws yesterday as a mixture of rain and plucky batting halted their final day quests for victory. Victoria will feel most hard done by after rain in Sydney left the visitors just two wickets shy of leapfrogging Tasmania into first place. Players left the […]
Puc puts Vics in box seat against Blues
WILL Pucovski has posted his first Sheffield Shield ton in over three years yesterday to put Victoria in the box seat against New South Wales at the SCG. The top order prodigy peeled off a patient 131 (302) as his side built its 202-run first innings lead on day three. Victorian skipper Peter Handscomb (114) […]
Vics, Blues made to work in thrilling chases
VICTORIA and New South Wales pulled off successful run chases in the Sheffield Shield yesterday, but not without their respective scares. While the Vics scraped past South Australia to shift into second spot, the Blues beat Western Australia to draw closer to the top two. >> SCROLL for scorecards from all three matches The equations were […]
