Wanderers prevail in Katanning derby to secure their spot in Great Southern Cricket Association finals

Australs’ finals hopes are officially over after Wanderers sealed their spot in the Great Southern Cricket Association top four with a commanding victory in round 12 at Quartermaine Oval on Saturday. Wanderers are now 12 points clear in fourth place with three rounds remaining but Australs’ slim chances of making the finals have ended given they have a bye in round 14. It’s the third time this season Wanderers have won the Katanning derby, as they prevailed by 141 runs to end their rival’s top four hopes. Wanderers posted a formidable target batting first as they set Australs 242 for victory, which proved to be too much. Captain Kyle Sinclair was dismissed cheaply and then Toby Quartermaine (17 runs) was the second wicket to fall as Wanderers fell to 2-40. Callum Froby and Jacob Morris shared in a 55-run partnership to take their side towards triple figures but both batters fell in quick succession. James Douglas dismissed Froby for 41 from 66 balls before Morris was caught for 19 with their side 4-102. Wanderers were able to surpass 200 thanks to a wonderful stand from Josh and Tyron Pinney, worth 95 runs. Brad Garstone broke the partnership removing Josh Pinney for 67 off 42 balls but Tyron Pinney and Ricky Marris continued on. Tyron Pinney finished unbeaten on 38 off 50 while Marris added 14 and Brock Green made 12 not out to help Wanderers post 6-241. Douglas snared 2-23 to be the pick of the Australs bowlers. The chase was always going to be tough for Australs and they lost constant wickets throughout the innings with Ryan Sinclair starring with the ball. Phil Pink and Yaqzhan Benson shared in a 21-run partnership before Marris dismissed Benson for a duck. Pink and Drew Argyle added 23 runs but it was all downhill from there as they lost 8-56 to be bowled out for 100. Pink was run out for 30 off 33 balls and then Ryan Sinclair took over with the ball claiming the next four wickets. Jack Wilson provided some resistance with 20 late in the innings but his side remain winless. Ryan Sinclair took 5-27 off seven overs in a terrific spell of bowling for the winners.