Mariners in form in BBL
Perth Scorchers’ third-time-lucky triumph had a local flavour, with Rockingham-Mandurah duo Craig Simmons and Sam Whiteman an instrumental part of the Big Bash League title.
The pair, who were Mariners Twenty20 title teammates in 2009-10, soaked up the Perth celebrations after the Scorchers’ 39-run victory over the Hobart Hurricanes at the WACA Ground last Friday night.
Whiteman, a regular in WA’s senior teams over the past two seasons, found his way into the Scorchers line-up in the last Champions Trophy match in India. After a 51 on T20 debut against Mumbai Indians, he did not look back.
The young wicketkeeper took a stumping from man of the match Brad Hogg’s bowling to leave the Hurricanes in trouble.
Whiteman’s clean hands during the tournament netted four stumpings with four catches as he handled the tricky Hogg with aplomb.
Whiteman made his presence felt with the bat earlier in the tournament, striking 53 in the Scorchers’ super over win against Sydney Sixers in January and shared a century-plus partnership against Adelaide in Mariners’ teammate Simmons’ break-out century.
Simmons’ story has intrigued since he bludgeoned the fastest BBL century against the Strikers, his 102 off a mere 41 deliveries saving his spot in the line-up and potentially catapulting him to an Indian Premier League contract.
The IPL auction will take place this week.
Whiteman will be back in the creams as the Western Warriors look to climb from third into the Sheffield Shield final.
Meanwhile, Simmons is likely to be back in maroon and blue on Saturday against South Perth at Lark Hill, helping the club attempt to chase down the visitors’ 333.
Jacob Rodgers gritted his teeth to claim 4-62 and WA under-17 leg spinner Kyle Gardiner passed a test of endurance in sending down nearly 30 overs to grab 3-125.
At 0-9, the Mariners have the firepower in the sheds to chase down South Perth’s total on the proviso they keep wickets in hand for the last session.
Third grade, a game outside the six, constructed 214 and have South Perth at 2-34 at stumps. Richard Dawkins’ 4-50 bowled South Perth’s fours out for 207, but at 2-17 will need to rebuild to stay alive in the race for the finals.
