Tight contests across the board as Western Australia, Queensland and NSW prevail at National Indigenous Cricket Championships

Callan Morse Published February 26, 2023 at 6.00am (AWST)

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Victoria's Ryan Donovan in action during Round 3 of the National Indigenous Cricket Championships. Image: Chris Hyde/CA.

In a round of close encounters Queensland overcame South Australia and Western Australia beat Victoria, whilst New South Wales remained undefeated after three rounds at the National Indigenous Cricket Championships.

Queensland (3-141) defeated South Australia (4-127) by 14 runs

After being asked to bat first at Albrecht Oval, Queensland posted a competitive 3-141 on the back of a half century from Northern Districts opener Cruz Baker.

The right hander compiled a composed 51 (59) to anchor Queensland's innings, with big hitting wicketkeeper-batter Dylan McLachlan (49* from 26) damaging at the back end of Queensland's innings.

The pair put on 51 for the 3rd wicket, with Tyrell Sgroi (2-16) and Tyrell Sinclair (1-29) the only wicket takers for South Australia.

After losing the early wicket of Brodie Cameron (3) early in the chase, South Australia steadied through Andrew Miller (21 from 22) and captain Tyrell Sinclair (59* from 58).

Leading all scorers in the match, Sinclair struck a boundary and three sixes in his unbeaten 59 and was well supported by Jack Coppins (29 from 31).

However a three-wicket haul from Tyran Eggmolesse (3-18 from four) and economical spells from Kieran Gibbs and Jamieson Allen kept victory outside of the Boomerang's grasp, with South Australia falling short in the chase by 14 runs.

Western Australia (5-133) defeated Victoria (7-125) by 8 runs

Western Australia bounced back from consecutive losses to register their first win of the tournament, defeating Victoria in a tight contest at Albrecht Oval.

Michael Bailey's promotion to the top of the Western Australian order paid off, the experienced right hander smashing 53 from just 32 balls to see his side off to a flying start in the match.

He put on 44 for the opening wicket in partnership with Bevan Bennell (18 from 29) and an additional 36 with South Perth's Nic Taylor (24 from 25), before skying a wide Nathan Gardiner delivery halfway through the 13th over.

Following Bailey's dismissal, middle order batters Rhaiarn Cox (15 from 19) and Craig HJones (10* from 7) chipped in to see Western Australia set Victoria 134 for victory.

Crafty medium pacer Wade Jones (3-18 from 4) was Victoria's best with the ball, with Gardiner (1-18 from 2) and Essendon's Bailey Toseland (1-10 from 4) the other Victorian wicket takers.

Victoria stumbled early in the chase, slumping to 3-27 after the loss of openers Jhiah Baxter (6), Ryan Donovan (13) and captain Wade King (4).

However experienced NICC campaigner Nathan Gardiner steadied the Victorian chase, striking two boundaries and two sixes in his 32-ball 38 to bring the innings under control for Victoria.

After Victoria lost their fourth wicket in Tyler Nanson (13 from 30), Bailey Toseland provided a second run-rate boost, striking 36 from just 23 balls however the loss of Gardiner on the last ball of the 16th over hurt Victoria, who eventually fell eight runs short of the target score.

Opener Craig Jones (2-18 from 3) was Western Australia's best with the ball, with Cody Hoffmeister, Nic Taylor, Gordon Narrier and Jermaine Davis Jr also chipping in with a wicket each.

New South Wales (4-133) defeated Tasmania (9-132) by 6 wickets

Tasmania posted 9-132 at Jim McConville Oval on the back of strong contributions from allrounders Rhys French (42 from 38) and Brandon King (29 from 20).

After Tasmania slumped to 6-57, the pair put on 56 for the seventh wicket, striking four boundaries and four sixes between them.

Only two other Tasmanian batters registered double figures, with Josh Barry delivering a quick fire 18 (16) at the top of the order, and quick Ben Spinks chipping in with 13 (7) towards innings' end.

Leslie Smith (3-18 from 3) was the pick of New South Wales' bowlers, with Brynley Richards (1-14 from 3) and Jacob Murphy (1-5 from 2) also delivering economical wicket-taking spells.

Pat Rosser continued his consistent form at the top of New South Wales' order, striking 36 (39) alongside captain Tyran Liddiard (20 from 21) to see New South Wales reach a strong position of 1-69.

Tasmania then struck in consecutive overs, with Josh Barry (1-23) removing Liddiard before Rhys French (2-27) dismissed Rosser caught behind, tightening the contest with seven overs.

However Brynley Richards took the match away from Tasmania, scoring 41 not-out from just 26 balls to see New South Wales home with an over to spare.