Cirulis and Wynhoven pave way for Rovers win against Lions in Ray Stoddart Shield round one clash

A joint bowling masterclass by Jordan Cirulis and Curtis Wynhoven paved the way for Rovers’ victory over Hedland Lions in the opening round of the Ray Stoddart Shield.

The 20-over game was held at Kevin Scott Oval on September 23 with Rovers winning the toss and electing to bowl.

The bold decision paid off when opener Bhavesh Patel was dismissed for just five runs.

However, Wayne Stokes (33) and Dhaval Prajapati (31) put together a 50-run partnership before Cirulis struck leaving the Lions at 2-65.

Cirulis, Wynhoven and Dylan Ross then proved menaces with the ball, with the trio taking five scalps for just 68 runs.

In the end the Lions finished their innings on 8/143.

Cirulis and Wynhoven had bowling figures of 2/22 and 2/15, respectively. Cirulis also showed off some skilled fielding, running out Viraj Mahida before taking a sharp catch to dismiss Dhaval Panchal for 16.

In reply, Jayden Stockbridge (46) and Ross (33) powered the Rovers’ run chase after the side got off to a shaky start at 2/5.

Lions worked their way back into the contest in the dying overs, taking regular wickets to have the batting side on 7/137 and needing just seven runs with 10 balls remaining.

In the end it did not matter, with Rovers finishing on 7/147 to defeat Lions by three wickets.

Meanwhile, Miners defeated South Hedland by 56 runs after skittling South Hedland for just 78 runs.

Miners batted first and powered their way to 7/134, with Taurean Williams (35) and Abu Rafferty (36) the standout batters.

South Hedland had five individual wicket takers including Balpreet Singh (2/35) and Rana Inderjeet (2/14).

South Hedland were unable to get going, with Miners putting on a bowling clinic to dismiss the side for just 78 to come away with the opening round win by 56 runs.

Williams was the standout bowler with figures of 4/9 and had support from Daniel Lockley with 3/23.

In the final game of the round, Port Hedland defeated Wanderers by 63 runs on the back of a hard-fought 47 by Chris Briody.

The final scoreline was Port Hedland 5/169 defeating Wanderers 106.