Warriors claim first points, door open for outright

Western Australia secured first innings points but, with a second innings collapse, have left the door ajar for Tasmania to snatch outright points after day three of the Pura Cup match at the WACA Ground in Perth.

Resuming overnight at 5-145, the Tigers were soon on their knees again begging for mercy with Matthew Inness and Brett Dorey combining to send George Bailey (10) and Shannon Tubb (3) back to the pavilion.

Talk of the Tasmanians following on gathered momentum with the Tigers at 7-170, however a hero was called for and Scott Kremerskothen answered and blasted his way to 66 with nine fours. Beau Casson was introduced and ended the eighth-wicket stand on 46, striking Darren McNees (12) flush on the pads.

Adam Griffith's stay last three overs and 14 balls, though he didn't trouble the scorers. The Tasmanians were pleased to hear that the Warriors had decided not to enforce the follow-on after all, trailing by 171 runs many expected they would be batting again before lunch.

Kremerskothen was the last to fall with the Tigers all out for 234. Beau Casson picked up two wickets today, while Dorey and Ben Edmondson finished the innings with three each.

The Warriors reached lunch without loss, however the extended second session belonged to Tasmania's bowlers with the home side once again losing early wickets. First innings hero, Clinton Heron, managed just one run as Griffith struck shortly after the resumption. Marcus North woes with the bat continued as he finished with two for the match, one in each innings.

Adam Voges was third to fall, after a 55-run third wicket partnership with Rogers, who eased to 50 at a run-a-ball rate. The half-hour before tea however proved costly for the Western Australians when Kremerskothen returned and added the scalps of David Bandy, lbw for 12, and Ryan Campbell, second ball duck, to his earlier wicket of Voges.

At the tea break the Warriors were 6-133 with the last of the recognised batsmen, Casson and Dorey, at the crease. Adding 35 further runs for the seventh wicket until Dorey edged through to keeper Sean Clingeleffer.

Shaun Marsh (11) bravely took his place at the crease after a suspected broken finger injury suffered while fielding earlier in the day. Clingeleffer completed a hat-trick of catches with Inness dismissed for a third ball duck.

Kremerskothen and McNees shared the bowling honours with three wickets each, while Griffith and Hilfenhaus both snared two apiece as Western Australia were bowled out, for a second time, for 176.

Set 348 to win the Tigers made a good start in the hour before stumps to finish at 0-53. Skipper Di Venuto is 32 not out, again leading the run chase. His opening partner David Dawson is 17 not out.

Going into tomorrow's final day this match in evenly balanced. Tasmania need a further 295 runs with all 10 wickets in hand.

Full scorecard available here.

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