Port Adelaide’s Nick Benton produces 6/31 spell against Woodville to give team late finals hope

A former Big Brother contestant produced one of the best bowling spells this season to give his SACA Premier Cricket club a chance at playing finals.

An A Grade SACA Premier Cricket club has been given hope for a late finals push thanks to an outstanding spell from its Big Brother TV star bowler.

Just a month after claiming the Twenty20 title, Port Adelaide District could now make an unlikely push for two-day finals thanks to a Nick Benton masterclass.

The key quick took six wickets for just 31 runs in 20 overs against Woodville on Sunday, and also recorded eight maidens.

His innings had Woodville out for 237 as Port sits 1-34 heading into this Saturday’s final day of play.

“It was a good day’s cricket. The pitch had a bit in it which is a big help for me these days and I was happy with how I went,” Benton said of his performance.

Port Adelaide's Nick Benton has had a strong season in SACA's Premier grade competition, a welcome boost for his club. Picture: File

“The game is 50-50 at the moment.

“We’ll have a very tough first hour to get through with the bat on Saturday and if we can get through that without much damage we’ll have a strong chance to win.”

Benton has had a strong year upon return to Port Adelaide, taking 20 wickets and providing an edge to the team’s attack.

He said he had been thrilled by the club’s improvement in season 2021-22.

“It has been great to be back playing cricket for a great club, I’ve enjoyed every minute of the season,” Benton said.

Port Adelaide captain Austin Umpherston (left) and Benton with the SACA Premier Cricket T20 trophy. Picture: Simon Stanbury

“As a club we’ve had a good year. Finishing 11th last season to hopefully finishing among the top bunch has been a drastic improvement.

“Winning the Twenty20 premiership has obviously been the highlight and we hope to build off that.”

While it remains unlikely, Port Adelaide would have a slight chance of making finals after the final two rounds if they can grab a win against Woodville on Saturday.

The Magpies would need teams above them to lose and to win their remaining game against Northern Districts.

Port Adelaide would need Benton to maintain his form to make a late finals push. Picture: Stephen Laffer

Benton said the team was staying in the present and refusing to think about any finals chances.

“You do sometimes wonder ‘what if?’ at this time of year. We’ve lost some close games which could come back to hurt us,” Benton said.

“We don’t really speak about the future at all though because we need a lot to go our way and we just want to finish as best we can and let the rest play itself out.

“Our goal as a club remains to be competitive in every game we play and to stay relevant in the comp by winning premierships and I feel we’re not far off.”

A top four to six finish would be the club’s highest since playing finals in 2017.