Star performers … Werribee’s Stephen Plumridge (left), Marcus Worrall, Kyle Andrews and Adam Duxson were members of this year’s Western Spirit team. 57489
By Luke D’Anello
WESTERN Spirit was bundled out of the under-18 Commonwealth Bank Cup pathway tournament at the semi-final stage on Friday.
After winning two of their three group matches and a quarter-final, the Spirit succumbed to Central Highlands in Darwin.
Batting first, Central Highlands compiled 7/163 from its 20 overs, with Stephen Plumridge (2/13) and James Freeman (2/43) the best of the Spirit’s bowlers.
Early wickets proved costly for the Spirit in their batting innings and ended their hopes of back-to-back regional titles.
The Spirit collapsed to be 3/17, with just one of the top six batsmen reaching double figures.
Werribee’s Marcus Worrall chipped in with 32 at number seven, while wicketkeeper Braedan Kight made 28 to add some respectability to the scorecard.
But there were several highlights for the Spirit during the rain-affected tournament.
Kyle Andrews, also from Werribee, struck an impressive 40 not out in the opening match against Mallee Murray Bulls to help his team reach a competitive total, which bankrolled victory.
In game two, the Spirit reduced Central Highlands to 8/42 before rain forced play to be abandoned.
Williamstown’s Daniel Popa claimed 3/6 in an impressive performance with the ball.
In the final group fixture, the Spirit’s batsmen plundered the Northern Cowboys bowlers to all parts of the ground as they reached 6/226 from their 20 overs.
Opener Jake Purton, a member of Footscray Edgewater’s second XI team, made a classy 97, while his Bulldogs team-mate James Freeman posted 56.
Sam Crea, of Werribee Centrals, was the star of the bowling innings with 4/19 as the North team was rolled for 111.
The Spirit then made short work of the Western Waves in the quarter-finals, restricting them to 8/92 from their 20 overs before reaching the target without the loss of a wicket.
Altona’s James Muirhead and Purton bagged three wickets apiece.
Purton then raced to 47 not out and was ably supported Adam Duxson (Sunshine United and Werribee), who scored an unbeaten 39.
The tournament final will be played on 24 January at the MCG between Gippsland Pride and Central Highlands.
