Tag: CoreyRocchiccioli

Western Australia’s dominance in Australian domestic cricket continued as they clinched a historic hat-trick of Sheffield Shield titles with a crushing 377-run victory over Tasmania at the WACA.

Resuming on day four with a commanding lead of 316 runs, WA’s batsmen extended their advantage to 537 before declaring their second innings on 376. Hilton Cartwright led the way with an unbeaten 94, while Cameron Gannon and Corey Rocchiccioli wreaked havoc with the ball for Tasmania.

Tasmania’s chase of an improbable 538 runs proved futile as they were bowled out for a mere 160 in just 40.5 overs. Gannon starred with a five-wicket haul, while Rocchiccioli claimed three wickets.

The Tasmanian innings imploded under a withering new-ball spell from Gannon and Joel Paris, who reduced them to 26 for 3. Beau Webster, the Shield’s leading run-scorer, provided a brief glimmer of hope with a spectacular diving catch to dismiss Aaron Hardie, but his dismissal late in the day ended any chance of a miracle.

WA’s victory cemented their status as the powerhouse of Australian domestic cricket. It was only the second three-peat over the past 20 years and WA’s first since the late 1980s. They are also the only team to have won three consecutive Sheffield Shield and Marsh Cup titles.

Tasmania, who needed an outright victory to end an 11-year drought, played aggressively but were outmatched by WA’s brilliant attack. WA dominated all facets of the match, while Tasmania appeared overmatched after missing their chance to host the final due to a last-round loss to South Australia.

Western Australia has seized control of the Sheffield Shield final against Tasmania, thanks to a relentless bowling attack that claimed crucial wickets on day two. Tasmania ended the day at 152 for 6, trailing WA’s first-innings total of 347 by 195 runs.

Cameron Gannon led the charge for WA, exploiting his height to devastating effect. He dismissed Jordan Silk and Beau Webster late in the day, leaving Tasmania in a precarious position. Spinner Corey Rocchiccioli, despite battling the flu, continued his impressive season with two wickets, including the dismissal of opener Caleb Jewell.

WA’s first innings received a boost from debutant Cooper Connolly, who fell just short of becoming the second-youngest Shield final centurion. Connolly’s 90, along with contributions from Hilton Cartwright (55) and Josh Inglis (50), helped WA post a formidable total.

Tasmania’s chase got off to a shaky start as Matthew Wade was trapped lbw by Gannon before lunch. Jewell and Charlie Wakim fought back with a 68-run partnership, but WA’s pressure eventually proved too much. Rocchiccioli dismissed Wakim and Jewell in quick succession, leaving Tasmania reeling.

In the final session, Aaron Hardie dismissed Jake Doran, while Gannon and Paris continued to exploit the conditions. Tasmania’s hopes of overtaking WA on bonus points are slim, meaning they must win the match to end their 11-year title drought.