Big names, super over, hat-trick and large crowds all part of the second edition of Albany’s Southern Smash

The second edition of Albany’s Southern Smash cricket tournament delivered plenty. A super over to decide who made the grand final, a hat-trick, a couple of blistering batting knocks and two new teams were met by large crowds of spectators at the Centennial Sporting Precinct on Monday and Tuesday. Headlined by former Australian spinner Brad Hogg, who fittingly was named man of the match for his superb display in the final, the second year of regional WA’s premier Twenty20 competition was another huge success. Hundreds of fans gathered at Turf South on Tuesday afternoon to watch the epic finish to the semifinal between Retravision Warriors and eventual champions Inswing Ignition. Needing two runs to win off the final ball of the run chase, the Ignition could manage only one run to tie scores on 145 and send the match to a super over. The Ignition made 10 from their six balls but the Warriors were unable to clear the rope and finished on five runs as the Ignition progressed to the decider. Camtrans Bulldogs were comfortable 58-run winners in the other semifinal over Arc Infrastructure Aces, thanks to a wonderful Travis Birt innings. Birt smashed five sixes and nine fours in his wonderful 85 not out from 38 balls. Inaugural champions Elders Avengers won the wooden spoon play-off on Tuesday, beating the Albany Finance Fury by seven wickets. Dylan Kirk smashed 77 from 52 balls as the Avengers chased down 153 with one ball to spare. The Fury and Avengers both lost their two qualifying games on Monday. Aces’ Daniel Jones claimed a hat-trick, as he snared three consecutive wickets against the Bulldogs in their round one loss. His hat-trick included the scalp of Bulldogs star Birt for 67. The Warriors won a tense low-scoring affair over the Avengers on day one, chasing down 63 to win with only three wickets left. Former Ireland international Sean Terry made 50 not out as the Aces won by 20 runs over the Avengers in round two. Sam Fanning scored an impressive 60 for the Fury in their round two loss to the Warriors.