Barrier Daily Truth

Magpies hit back

Tuesday, 14th February, 2012

LEADERSHIP: Cam Wells has captained his team successive wins.

By Darrin Manuel

Central has proven it has the hitting power to match it with West after winning the 20/20 grand final replay on Sunday afternoon.

The four-wicket victory over the league leaders will provide a welcome confidence boost for the Magpies with the first final of the regular competition just weeks away.

The win also gives Central the opportunity to represent the city in the Country T20 Champions Cup in the 2012/2013 season.

Central’s success was again speaheaded by captain Cam Wells and in-form all-rounder Jarred Paull, who backed up their good batting in Saturday’s regular 45-over match with more fine hitting.

It was West who took to the crease first, with Rhys Harding looking dangerous before being caught behind on 18.

The middle order then fell cheaply with several catches flying through to keeper Adam Rhodes as the Robins slumped to 5/35.

The arrival of Brenton Malthouse triggered a reversal of fortunes however, and he paired with Nick Christos and Rhett Collins to form solid partnerships and get the scoreboard ticking over.

West were eventually bowled out for 90 in the 19th over, with Malthouse top scoring on 27. Casey Paull (3/24) and Jarred Paull (3/15) were the best of the Magpies bowlers.

Central then embarked on its second well-controlled run chase in as many days, with Wells and Matt Jardine opening the batting and making a solid start to have their team at 0/25 after 5 overs.

Jardine fell after scoring 14 runs but was replaced by Jarred Paull who provided the backbone for the innings.

Wells finished with 20 runs before being bowled by Matt Handberg, while Alec Bray also made a good contribution with 15.

Central reached their target in the 19th over with Paull unbeaten on 27. Withers, Attard and and Christos all claimed two wickets with the ball for West.

Magpies captain Cam Wells said it was pleasing to see his players rebound well after a disappointing effort with the bat against West last week.

“We were happy with both games to be able to bounce after last week, we were very pleased with all the boys’ efforts,” he said.

“We bowled pretty well and we knew that if we batted sensibly and paced ourselves that we’d be able to get the runs, and that came to fruition.

“It would have been nice if a few of the guys could have gone on and made a bigger score like a 40 or 50 after a few of us got away to some good starts, but if everyone is contributing that’s all you can really ask.

One key contributor for the Magpies was Jarred Paull, who troubled the Robins with the bat and ball throughout both innings. 

“He’s a class cricketer, and he’s really crucial to our team,” said Wells.

“He’s been solid in the top order, he waits for the bad ball and his defence is rock solid.

“And with his bowling he puts it where you ask him to and always bowls to plan. He’s also a really good leader in our group.”

Wells said scoring wins over both North and West in the one weekend would provide an ideal preparation for finals.

“It shows them that we can compete with them, and we’ve got the side on paper and in the field that can match it with them.

“The spirits are high amongst all the guys and hopefully we can carry it through into the coming weeks.”