A horrible batting performance on day one saw WA concede the first innings result, but they turned it around on the second day with a stunning effort with the ball and in the field to gain maximum points.

 

With one match to play – against New South Wales at Park 25 on Wednesday and Thursday – WA sits on top of the table with 31 points, eight clear of the ACT. WA will only be denied victory at the carnival if they were to lose to NSW and the ACT defeat fourth-placed Victoria outright.

 

WA's chances of winning their first National Under 17 Championship in 31 years appeared dashed on the opening day. The ACT was dismissed for just 146 in their first innings, the bulk of their score made by opener Aaron Ayre, who batted for over three hours in scoring 91.

 

After the early loss of openers Steven Coniglio and Will Bosisto, WA was travelling well in reply at 2-49, but lost wickets at regular intervals from that point forward and were bundled out for 113, going down by 33 runs.

 

ACT went to stumps unscathed and with all ten wickets in tact, but their attempts to build a formidable lead were brought undone by Ben O'Regan. The Subiaco-Floreat paceman toiled hard in the searing South Australian heat to rattle through the ACT top and middle-order, finishing with 4-29 from 11 overs.

 

But the highlight of O'Regan's day, and possibly the high point of the tournament, came when he brilliantly run out first innings hero Ayre, who looked set to post another big total before O'Regan threw down the stumps on his knees and sent the in-form ACT Opener packing for 40.

 

Alex Ross made the other score of note for the ACT, posting 49, but they were eventually bowled out for 150. Bayswater-Morley's Ryan Wetherall took 3-20 in 5.5 overs to continue his excellent carnival, while Willetton product Simon Mackin (2-14 from nine) was the other successful bowler.

 

WA was faced with the task of chasing 184 for the outright points and they achieved the target for the loss of five wickets. Bosisto returned to form with a well-made 50, and he was backed up by skipper Ashton Turner (40), and Gosnells batsman Michael Bailey (37).

 

The bulk of this squad played in WA's victorious SchoolSport Under 15 National Championships win last March and are on the brink of another major accolade.

 

Meanwhile, WA's Under 17 girls have been beaten in both matches of a Twenty20 double-header at the National Championships in Brisbane

 

After inclement weather forced the abandonment of the Twenty20 double-header against South Australia and New South Wales last Friday, WA was hoping to continue the unbeaten run that saw them post victories over the ACT and Tasmania in the opening two matches of the competition.

 

But the host state Queensland proved too strong in the morning fixture, posting a 45-run victory after setting WA the imposing task of scoring 160 runs to take the points.

 

Queensland made 4-159 from their 20 overs after winning the toss and choosing to bat first. Opener Hayley Pattison led the way for the hosts with 69, while Taneale Peschel took 2-25 to be the leading wicket-taker for the visitors.

 

WA was gallant in the run chase but were held to 8-114 from the allotted 20 overs. Midland-Guildford youngster Maddison Smith struck an unbeaten 41 from just 34 deliveries, while South Perth's Peschel backed up her efforts with the ball by notching up 27 with the willow.

 

Victoria proved too strong for WA in the afternoon envounter, chalking up a 34-run victory at Dixon Oval.

 

Vics opener Anna Lanning (39) and number three Stephanie Townsend (52) were the main contributors to their team's total of 4-120, putting on an 86-run second wicket partnership. WA skipper Chloe Piparo was the only multiple wicket-taker (2-27), while South Perth duo Beth Mayne (1-17) and Shelby Vitali (1-12) were the other successful bowlers.

 

In reply, WA was held to 9-86 from their 20 overs. Subiaco Marist's Grace Taylor top-scored with 18, and three other players made it to double figures, but none were able to kick on and make the big score that was required to chase down the 121 needed for victory. Kirsty Lamb took 3-13 in four overs to be the best of the Victorian bowlers.

 

WA currently sits in fourth position with two wins, two losses and two draws from their six games. They have a bye tomorrow before finals day takes place on Tuesday.