Port claim top spot in Ray Stoddart Shield after impressive win over South

Port Hedland stormed to the top of the Ray Stoddart Shield after a dominant 63-run victory over rivals South Hedland in round four of the 20-over competition.

The teams faced each other at Kevin Scott Oval on February 14. Port elected to bat, with openers Kevin Johnston (45) and Jarrad O’Dea (34) setting the tone before Jarrad Ams blasted 61 from just 35 to storm to 2-183.

South Hedland struggled to maintain the required run rate during the chase, with Port’s bowlers taking wickets regularly.

In the end, South crawled across the finish line 6-120.

In the final game of the round, Hedland Lions and Rovers battled it out over 20 overs with the game coming down to the final ball.

Lions batted first and were bundled out for 135, with Viral Patel top-scoring on 29 and Dylan Ross taking 4-17.

In reply, Rovers scored at a steady rate while keeping wickets in the bank but tight bowling meant the side needed 20 off four overs.

The Rovers continued to nudge the ball around to close the gap and needed just four runs off the final over.

However, the Lions refused to roll over, with Keval Patel taking the ball and delivering three dots off four deliveries.

Rovers tied the game off the second last ball before a rushed single off the final delivery secured the six-wicket victory, with Rovers defeating Lions 4-136 to 10-135.