THE Australian Country title is in reach for NSW on Tuesday, in what’s effectively a grand final against Queensland at Figtree Oval.
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A century to Dubbo-based opener Jordan Moran, after a 195-run first-wicket stand with Berry’s Kieran Gray set the Bush Blues on course for a thumping 150-run victory over defending champions South Australia.
It means NSW will seal carnival triumph by beating Queensland, while a loss will mean they need to beat East Asia Pacific in the final round on Wednesday and rely on the Brahmans falling to South Australia. “It all comes down to this game for us, it should be a great match,” NSW coach Jeff Cook said.
“We’ve just got to worry about winning (on Tuesday).
“Jordan and Kieran were outstanding, it set the tone for us. Kieran deserved to go on and make a hundred, he went back to his natural game after missing out a couple of times last week.”
With licence to thrill after the opening stand, NSW finished 4-311 off their 50 overs.
Outbacks star batsman Cameron Sumner led the response with 46, but his dismissal ended hopes of an unlikely win and South Australia were bowled out for 161.
Victoria then handed NSW the advantage by making 5-252, with Nathan Walsh scoring 136, before bowling Queensland out for 178.
- AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS
One-day matches
Tuesday (10am)
NSW v QUEENSLAND at Figtree Oval, WESTERN AUSTRALIA v SOUTH AUSTRALIA at Hollymount Park, VICTORIA v EAST ASIA PACIFIC at Keira Oval.