D’Arcy Short warms up for Big Bash opener with fast half-century

He’s feared by bowlers across the land and D’Arcy Short gave a reminder of why in the CTPL’s Twenty20 round in Hobart.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA - D'Arcy Short of the Hurricanes bats during the Hurricanes v Renegades Big Bash League Match at Blundstone Arena. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

MASTER blaster D’Arcy Short punched a brutal half-century for Clarence in its CTPL win over South Hobart-Sandy Bay at Queenborough Oval in his first official game back in Twenty20 mode just days out from spearheading the Hobart Hurricanes against Sydney Sixers in their Big Bash clash in Alice Springs.

One of the most feared BBL batters, Short punished first-class bowlers Gabe Bell, Simon Milenko and Hamish Kingston as he clubbed 51 off just 29 deliveries, including three fours and four sixes.

Cricket. CTPL T20. North Hobart celebrate the wicket of Ben McDermott. Lindisfarne V North Hobart. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Wade Irvine’s innings rivalled that of Short, the experienced Roo belting 56 off 44 balls, with five boundaries and a six on Clarence’s way to 8-177.

All rounder Milenko did his best to help run down the Roos with an equally-brilliant 57 off 33 balls, and four boundaries and three sixes.

But he did not have enough help from teammates as the Sharks replied with 141, which was still the third highest score among the eight teams.

Ladder leader Lindisfarne made a statement in its top-of-the-ladder clash with North Hobart at Anzac Park, downing the Demons in a game dominated by the ball.

The home side was sent in by North and worked hard for its 6-130, with only Mac Wright (28 off 32) and Keegan Oats (21 off 17) making it into the twenties.

Cricket. CTPL T20. Keegan Oates Lindisfarne batting with Jake Doran North Hobart keeping. Lindisfarne V North Hobart. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

As much as the Lightning struggled, North Hobart fared worse with the bat, pulling up short at 7-110.

Caleb Jewell (25 off 31), Corey Murfet (22 off 25) and allrounder Tom Rogers (24 off 18) made valuable contributions but Nathan Ellis (3-16) was miserly with the ball, backed by Jarrod Freeman (2-20).

Glenorchy thrived at New Town Oval, where it posted 7-156, despite Bucks bowler Alistair Denby taking 4-36 as the most successful bowler of the round.

New Town fell 60 runs short, with Hurricane David Moody finding early form with 3-19 and spinner Farzan Raja 3-24.

University had a comfortable win over Greater Northern at Uni Oval.

The northerners posted the worse score of the day (96), which Uni openers Sam Truloff (34 off 33) and Noah van der Werken (45 off 38) taking care of it themselves, with the help of 18 extras.

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