GSCA 2023-24: Wanderers get off the mark with tense two-wicket Katanning derby win over Australs in sole game

Wanderers claimed Katanning derby spoils with a nail-biting two-wicket win over Australs at top oval in the Great Southern Cricket Association on Saturday. Power-hitter Caleb Keley smashed 57 runs for Wanderers in the run chase to drag his side over the line and to their first win of the season. Both teams had not won a game heading into the fixture and were eager to secure their first points of 2023-24. Australs scored quickly but continued to lose regular wickets and were dismissed for 161 in the 30th over to give momentum to the Wanderers’ side. But tight bowling from the Australs bowling attack saw Wanderers slump to 4-70 in the chase. That is when Keley strolled to the crease. His superb knock of 57 came from just 44 balls, including four fours and four sixes, helping his side claw their way back into the game. Australs skipper James Douglas handed his side some hope of a successful defence when he finally claimed the scalp of Keley with 25 runs up their sleeve. Axle Pearce then dismissed Nicolo Guazzelli (six) but with just nine runs to win, Wanderers had the advantage. One of Keley’s batting partners Chace Campbell remained at the crease to finish unbeaten on 15, hitting a four to win the game in the 37th over with two wickets in hand. Tyron Pinney (23) and Joshua Pinney (14) were solid contributors for Wanderers at the top of the order. Jonty Bolto was Australs’ pick of the bowlers, finishing with 3-29 from his nine overs, while Axle Pearce and Holly Pearce each claimed two wickets. Australs won the toss and chose to bat but their innings proved to be a mixed bag before ending abruptly in the 30th over. Crawford Bolto smacked a top score of 82 from 69 deliveries, with 11 fours and one six, while Douglas scored 35 opening the batting. However, their batting partners consistently struggled, with five failing to get off the mark. Quickly running out of partners, Crawford Bolto tried to up the ante before falling to Tyron Pinney, who claimed an impressive 3-14. Brock Green took 3-46 from nine overs and Guazzelli claimed 2-23 for the winners. The rest of the competition had a scheduled break for harvest. The GSCA will now break for Christmas and New Year and return in round nine to be played on January 6 and 7.