South Australia have secured the Sheffield Shield title, winning back-to-back finals for the first time in the state's history.
Less than an hour of play was needed for the visitors to tear through Victoria’s bottom order on day five, with Henry Thornton taking the final wicket to bring Victoria’s second innings to a close, all out for 139 securing a 56 run victory.
South Australia were sent into bat first, and it proved to be tough going as the visitors lost three early wickets. Alex Carey and skipper Nathan McSweeney dug in, surviving through to the end of the first session. A continuous rain delay then resulted in stumps being called without another ball bowled.
Wickets continued to fall regularly for South Australia, while McSweeney pushed on to an innings top score of 52. Ben Manenti arrived at the crease and showed intent, striking five fours and a six before being dismissed for 28. Liam Scott then did his best to secure the batting bonus points for his side; however, the final wicket fell with South Australia finishing just shy of 200.
South Australia took the field needing an outright result to secure victory. The ever-reliable Nathan McAndrew ensured the Victorians were unable to settle at the crease, dismissing the dangerous-looking Sam Harper.
Jordan Buckingham then kept the momentum swinging in South Australia’s favour, removing Dylan Brasher in the following over. It was then back over to McAndrew as he claimed the key wicket of Peter Handscomb, the league’s leading run scorer, for just eight. McAndrew and Henry Thornton finished with three wickets apiece, while Liam Scott and Jordan Buckingham chipped in with two each.
South Australia began their second innings trailing by 63, but once again the loss of early wickets left them on the back foot. Nathan McSweeney and Jason Sangha both made promising starts before falling to Victoria’s dangerous bowling attack. With South Australia well behind the match at 7/122, a superb partnership between Alex Carey and Nathan McAndrew brought their side back into the contest. Carey top-scored with a magnificent 103, while McAndrew provided outstanding support with 60.
It was then over to the bowlers to defend a target of 195 with the Sheffield Shield title on the line.
McAndrew struck early, taking two wickets to swing the momentum back in South Australia’s favour. Jordan Buckingham, Henry Thornton, and Liam Scott each added one wicket of their own as day four concluded, with South Australia needing five wickets and Victoria requiring just 93 runs for victory.
The stage was set for a thrilling final day, and it was South Australia who rose to the occasion. The remaining Victorian wickets fell within the first hour of play as Liam Scott, Nathan McAndrew, and Henry Thornton each claimed three wickets, while Jordan Buckingham took one. South Australia once again found themselves holding the Sheffield Shield, celebrating alongside fans and loved ones.
Nathan McAndrew was recognised as man of the match after taking six wickets throughout, as well as what was an almost certain match saving effort with the bat in the second innings.