Mennie and Ferguson bring South Australia back

A hundred from Callum Ferguson and a career-best performance from rookie fast bowler Joe Mennie gave South Australia a chance to avoid defeat against Western Australia at the WACA. Mennie took 7 for 96 to limit Warriors in their first innings, after which Ferguson's 113 whittled the Redbacks' deficit from 275 to 69.

After the second day was washed out, the third began with the Warriors in command at 183 for 1. Wes Robinson was batting on 71 and Craig Simmons on 52. Mennie, playing his third Shield game, struck early, dismissing Simmons for 60. Robinson followed shortly after, lbw for 91 to an inswinging yorker from Peter George. The Warriors were 223 for 3.

The next seven Warriors batsmen all made double figures but no one built on their start. Mitchell Marsh made a quick 38, off 30 balls, before he was bowled by Carl Tietjens. Mennie cut through the lower order, taking the last five wickets to dismiss the hosts for 368.

Facing a huge deficit, the Redbacks made a poor start to their second innings, losing both openers to Nathan Rimminton to slip to 11 for 2. Recovery, however, was around the corner. Ferguson and Michael Klinger put on an unbeaten 195 runs for the third wicket, steering their team towards drawing level with the Warriors. Ferguson ended the day on 113 off 176 balls - he had got to 100 off 146 balls - while Klinger was on 80 off 189.