Hayden Kerr’s cool head prevents a Desert Blaze crisis v Southern Storm in NT Strike League

HAYDEN Kerr showed all the class which has seen him play five games for Sydney Sixers, enjoying a fine game with bat and ball in Desert Blaze’s two-wicket win over Southern Storm at Marrara on Sunday night.

Corey Rocchiccioli delivers for Desert Blaze. He stood out with 2-41 for the victors. Picture: Glenn Campbell

HAYDEN Kerr showed all the class which has seen him play five games for Sydney Sixers, enjoying a fine game with bat and ball in Desert Blaze’s two-wicket win over Southern Storm at Marrara on Sunday night.

Kerr took 3-44 and finished unbeaten on 38.

He was the steady influence as his side struggled to get to its target of 209 in the top-of-the-table one dayer.

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Deliveries were not an issue, Kerr’s side scoring the required runs in the 42nd over.

The Blaze were cruising at 1-124, before losing their next seven wickets for just 85 runs.

But Kerr, 25, anchored the chase, hitting three fours from the 42 balls he faced.

He was unflappable as PINT paceman Blade Baxter (3-52) never gave up on his team’s hopes of pulling off an improbable victory while starring for the Storm.

“I had a lot of faith in the guys who were coming in,” Kerr, who also struck 73 in his team’s three-wicket loss to the Storm in round 2, said.

“There was no stress.

“We bat pretty deep, so if we lose a couple of wickets it’s no stress.”

There is just one round of 50-over cricket remaining this Sunday, where the Blaze will take on Northern Tide at Cazalys Arena, and City Cyclones will face the Storm.

“We’re doing pretty well so far, so I was just happy to get us over the line,” Kerr said.

“It’s a good learning curve coming up to Darwin and playing in different conditions.

“I’ve never played here before, so I’m really enjoying it and it’s just nice to chip in.

“We’ve stuck with a similar plan for most of the tournament.

“That’s just going hard at the start with the bat.

“Same with the ball – we just try and keep it tight.”

Chris Tremain (2-27), Corey Rocchiccioli (2-41) and Jack White (59) also starred for the Blaze, while Ashley Chandrasinghe top-scored with 35 for the Storm.

Also on Sunday, Cyclones beat Tide by 72 runs.

Allrounder Jackson Edmondstone made a vital 89 at No.7, before picking up 1-45 from his 10 overs.

Ryan McElduff was the pick of the Cyclones bowlers with 3-46 from his 10 overs.

“It’s good to get on the board (with our first win),” Edmondstone said.