South Australia eye victory over limping Warriors

South Australia's brave push to stay in contention for the Sheffield Shield final may be futile despite their outclassing of Western Australia

Cricinfo staff

28-Feb-2009

Western Australia 243 and 5 for 149 (Robinson 46) trail South Australia 9 for 457 dec (Harris 124, Manou 85, O'Brien 55, Voges 4-97) by 65 runs
Scorecard
Points table

Graham Manou's batting has improved to the point where he narrowly missed three centuries in consecutive games © Getty Images

South Australia's brave push to stay in contention for the Sheffield Shield final may be futile despite their outclassing of the fourth-placed Western Australia. If Queensland or Tasmania win in the other matches, the Redbacks' chances will be over for another year, but once again they will be able to point to strong form at the end of the season.

Graham Manou's 85 and 55 for Aaron O'Brien continued the strong work of the South Australia batsmen as they declared at 9 for 457. Manou narrowly missed reaching three hundreds in as many games when he fell to the part-time spin of Adam Voges. Voges chipped in with 4 for 97 while Brett Dorey was next on the list with 2 for 86.

Carrying an advantage of 214, the visitors quickly strengthened their position with the wickets of the openers Luke Towers (0) and Liam Davis (24). David Bandy and Voges followed, leaving the Warriors at 4 for 64, and they also lost Wes Robinson for 46 before stumps. Luke Pomersbach was 43 as they finished the day at 5 for 149, needing 65 runs to make South Australia bat again.