Southern Smash 2023: James Bracey brilliance leads Elders Avengers to deserved title in win over Ignition

Elders Avengers have been crowned premiers of the 2023 Southern Smash, extinguishing Inswing Ignition’s title run on Saturday. The Ignition, who feature Sri Lankan legend Tillakaratne Dilshan, have won the past three titles in regional WA’s premier T20 tournament in Albany but they were upstaged by a James Bracey-inspired Avengers. A brilliant batting display from the Avengers helped them on their way to their second Smash title. After being sent into bat Avengers posted an impressive 156 at the conclusion of their batting innings. Bracey was starved of strike early, only facing one ball in the first two overs while fellow opener Fraser Hay did most of the damage. But after working into the innings, Bracey manipulated the field with smart stroke play and put the wayward deliveries away. His cavalier knock included four sixes and two fours as the Avengers posted 6-156. Hay scored a quickfire 18 from nine deliveries which included one four and one maximum. The pair compiled a 100-run partnership before Bracey was caught by Guy Taylor off Dilshan during their power surge. Avengers’ middle order attempted to push the run rate along but none were able to cause lusty blows. When it came to bowling Albany young gun and WA contracted paceman Bryce Jackson and his brother Mitch ripped through the Ignition batting line-up. The pair combined for five wickets while Bracey took a catch and claimed a stumping on the way to a memorable triumph in front of a strong crowd. Ignition batter Shayne Wornes provided a gallant performance contributing 63 runs from 55 balls, while most of his teammates struggled. Kallen Bond opened the batting but after losing fellow opener Lincoln Joy in the first over to Bryce Jackson, the pressure compiled rapidly. John Sanders smacked a quick 15 off six but went one too many and was caught off Cruize Ciallella. The Jackson brothers built the pressure, bowling 13 dot balls between them in the opening power play. Mitchell Jackson opened from the other end and finished with a wicket maiden and claimed the huge wicket of Dilshan for two. Ignition failed to formulate consistent partnerships while maintaining the required run rate and were forced to play ambitious shots – to their demise. Ignition were bowled out for 124 in the 18th over, as Bryce Jackson skittled Daniel Rees for a duck to spark the title celebrations. Bryce Jackson finished with 3-22 from three overs while Mitch Jackson claimed 2-18 from his three. Bracey capped a superb tournament, which included three half-centuries, and was named player of the final and claimed player of the Smash honours. Earlier the round three games came down to a thrilling finish to determine the grand final-bound teams. Three teams finished on eight points, but after net run rate calculations, Avengers and Ignition were the two to do battle. Avengers played Camtrans Bulldogs in round three and claimed a 21-run win to earn their spot in the decider. Bracey top scored with 55, with seven fours, while Whiteaker contributed 33 as they posted a total of 136. Mitch Jackson took 4-17 in their defence and brother Bryce claimed the big scalp of Damien Burrage (50). The Ignition took on Fury, the other side who finished on eight points, and overcame a middle-order batting collapse to win by two wickets. After being set a meek 108 for victory, Ignition were cruising before a major collapse at the back end of their innings made things interesting. Sanders belted 50 off 22 balls, including five fours and four sixes, to set the tone for his side’s run chase. He shared a 65-run partnership with Bond (26) before being dismissed by Liam Renton. At 3-87 and needing 20 runs to win, Ignition lost five wickets in eight balls but experienced Paul Donaldson (10) held his nerve to steer his side over the line. Fury No.1 pick Will Bosisto claimed a five-wicket haul, finishing with 5-24.