Tigers Topple A-Grade Blues
Tassie Tigers
The Tassie Tigers have won their second game in the Ford Ranger Cup by beating a full strength New South Wales side packed with Australian international players, by six wickets.
Among the internationals playing for the Blues were: Phil Hughes, Dave Warner, Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Simon Katich, Brett Lee, Stuart Clark & Phil Jaques.
George Bailey won the toss and sent the Blues in & then took a risk early by opening with the spin of Jason Krejza. It payed off but not in wickets but in pressure. Krejza finished the game with no wickets but bowled tight against the powerful Warner and talented Hughes and finished with a strike rate of only 3.13.
With a slow run rate and the pressure mounting, Hughes was trapped in front with the score on 55, which triggered a minny collapse. The Blues found themselves at 5/108 & in trouble but some good late innings hitting from Pete Smith & the other tailenders, tallied a respectable 271.
Brendon Drew & Brett Geeves were the multiple wicket takers for the Tigers & new recruit Ed Cowan took the catch of the year to dismiss Haddin on the boundary.
The Tigers started off their innings quickly and with a touch of luck. Every batter scored some good runs but Bailey & Birt put the game to bed.
Bailey with a great captains knock scored 81 off 76, while Birt hit a quick fire 71 off only 51 balls.
