Wright hammers Northern Territory

ROCKINGHAM-Mandurah's Ben Wright has helped Western Australia hammer the Northern Territory in their first game of the Commonwealth Bank Australian Under-17 Championship Series.

The young middle-order batsman cracked the first century of the Championship as WA took on the Northern Territory at Aquinas College.

WA made 5-370 declared with Wright 108 not out, Bayswater-Morley's Matt Debeaux offered excellent support in making 76.

The Northern Territory was no match for WA's bowlers making 168 as Wanneroo's Michael Ardagh took 2-24 and Subiaco-Floreat's Julian Goodall claimed 2-27.

In round two WA took on Tasmania at Scott Reserve, High Wycombe, where the visitors recovered from 4-73 to post a competitive 263.

Michael Ardagh was again the pick of the bowlers in taking 3-36 from 14 overs, he was ably supported by Joondalup's Chris Thompson who took 2-24 from seven overs.

Melville's Drew Porter put WA on track for their second win of the Championship by making 123 in their first innings. He was supported by Willetton batsman Matt Johnston's 66.

WA secured victory with 7-298 and go to the top of the table in their section. WA needs to finish on top of section two to make it into the semi-finals.