Albany young gun blazes his team home in Southern Smash under-21 exhibition match

A superb 50 not out from young gun Lorcan McNamara got the Plunkett Homes XI across the line in a thrilling inaugural under-21 exhibition match that opened this week’s Southern Smash tournament.

An addition to the second instalment of regional WA’s premier Twenty20 competition, the under-21 match was played on Sunday afternoon in the lead-up to the main two-day tournament.

The Cricket Great Southern All Stars set the Plunkett Homes outfit 131 to win but the damaging McNamara dragged his side to victory as he plundered 50 from just 33 balls.

McNamara hit two sixes and three fours in his man-of-the-match performance as the Plunkett Homes XI secured victory with two balls to spare in the run chase.

Plunkett Homes skipper Ted Batchelor also played a vital knock, his 39 runs off 30 balls helping rescue the team from early trouble at 5-51.

McNamara and Batchelor shared in a 56-run stand to set up the victory after Aubin Spurr (2-10) and Harry Crane (1-9) took early wickets. Ryan Davies made an unbeaten 34 from 40 balls to help the All Stars reach 6-130 batting first.

Troyden Thorp (17 runs off 14 balls) and Crane (23 off 19) got their side off to a flier but Colby Ireland snared the key wickets of Thorp and captain Aidan Dallimore to slow the scoring.

Ireland finished with 2-20 from three overs while fast bowler Tyler King removed the dangerous Crane during his spell that returned 1-22.