South Australia have smashed their way to a 9-wicket win against New South Wales at Karen Rolton Oval, moving themselves to second on the Sheffield Shield Ladder.
Fireworks from Travis Head in a chase of 95 made short work of the fourth innings after New South Wales fell victim to a Nathan McAndrew induced batting collapse.
Following on from claiming a wicket off the final ball of Day Two, McAndrew continued to show his class and relentlessness, finishing the innings with 6 wickets and removing any chance for a NSW fight-back. His mix of bouncers and good length deliveries assured he remained on top of the contest.
Jordan Buckingham and Ben Manenti both picked up two wickets to give all South Australian bowlers vital wickets in the contest.
Earlier, it was the Henry Thornton show on Day One. Winning the toss and bowling first, captain Nathan McSweeney left it to his bowlers to make first impact. Thornton did just that, bouncing his way to a maiden 5-wicket haul in First-Class cricket. The seamer was relentless, forcing the ball into the wicket and keeping the NSW batters on the back foot and uncomfortable at the crease.
Day Two belonged with Jason Sangha, who hit his first hundred of the season and reminded the crowd of his efforts in the Shield Final last year. Forcing blows off the back foot and punching through mid-wicket, Sangha left nowhere for the bowlers to go, as he saw to getting South Australia a strong 1st innings lead, and vital bonus points.
Head finally gave the crowd what they wanted, bludgeoning his way to a 50 and sealing the match before Day Three came to a close.
South Australia will now turn its attention to facing down table toppers Victoria at Junction Oval from Saturday 14 March.