Wests remain unbeaten, Diggers launches Harding-Madsen Shield charge with huge win

CRICKET: Western Districts have maintained a prominent position in the Harding-Madsen Shield with another surging victory at the weekend.

Sam Neale hits a six for Wests. Photo: Nev Madsen

Missing six players with Schaeffer Shield duties, an undermanned Wests were able to down University by eight wickets at USQ.

Inspired bowling from Matthew Spanner (3/40) and Rylan Martin (3/40) helped restrict University to 9/162 from their 45 overs.

A big-hitting cameo from Sam Neale (53 runs), along with an unbeaten 64 from Brian May saw them reach their target with 11 balls to spare.

Northern Brothers Diggers claimed maximum points after a 191-run demolition of Brothers at Rockville Oval.

Diggers scored at an impressive rate, reaching 9/272 from 45 overs on the back of 103* from Chris Hall.

Blake Anderson (3/17) and Ben Smith (3/17) were superb with the ball as Brothers could muster just 81 runs.

Metropolitan-Easts was able to scrape in to avoid three-straight defeats, defeating Highfields-Railways by one wicket.

Set a total of 204 for victory, the Trojans were able to reach the target with just three balls remaining.

Southern Districts put on an impressive showing at Bichel Oval against unbeaten ladder leaders Laidley.

A 99-run opening partnership, including 59 from Harry Meiklejohn, helped Souths to post a competitive total of 6/217.

Laidley showed why it remains on top, scoring at a strong rate to claim a four-wicket win with 11 overs remaining.

Originally published as Wests remain unbeaten, Diggers launches Harding-Madsen Shield charge with huge win