Left Arm Around

Brilliant bowling and a fabulous Nick Hobson knock secure Perth Scorchers a comprehensive 35 run win over Brisbane Heat at Optus Stadium.

Brisbane Heat suffered their first loss of the BBL season, meanwhile Perth Scorchers’ victory means they will play in the end-of-season play offs.

Replacement opener Stevie Eskinazi got off to a flier with a six and four in the opening opener, but his dismissal for 12 stalled the Scorchers batting effort as they slipped to 49-4 from 8.1 overs.

Sam Whiteman, captain Aaron Hardie and Josh Inglis all fell for single-digit scores looking to be aggressive.

An in-form Laurie Evans and Cooper Connolly set about building a partnership, however Evans’ classy display ended when an adventurous scoop shot went straight in the air and was easily caught by keeper Jimmy Peirson.

Connolly later departed for an entertaining 35 courtesy of an outstanding Michael Neser running catch, but it was Hobson who would propel their innings to a competitive total of 163-6.

His fantastic innings of 48 from 30 featured 2 fours and 4 sixes, including 16 runs off Paul Walter in the final over.

In reply, Josh Brown was given an early reprieve as AJ Tye grassed a regulation catch at mid-wicket, but he and Peirson were able to build a solid 55-run stand.

Brown was first to go as he skied a Lance Morris delivery to Ashton Agar, shortly followed by Nathan McSweeney, Matthew Renshaw and Peirson as the Scorchers’ bowling remained disciplined and the innings came to a screeching halt.

With pressure mounting and the required run-rate increasing, the Heat were never really able to recover as wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.

Max Bryant threatened with an enterprising 29 from 17, but Aaron Hardie ended his dangerous stay with a pinpoint yorker that trapped him plumb in front.

AJ Tye was the pick of the hosts’ bowlers with 4-14; yet he was ably supported by the rest of the pace quartet as Brisbane Heat finished 128 all out.