Bush and ‘Burbs: Former WA spinner Hamish McKenzie powers Subiaco-Floreat into Premier Cricket finals

The West Australian’s sports reporters take a look at what’s happening in the country and amateur leagues around WA in this weekly column. A remarkable hundred from former WA spinner Hamish McKenzie has powered Subiaco-Floreat over Joondalup and into the Premier Cricket finals. The Centurions made a brilliant start on the first day of a virtual elimination final at Floreat Park, posting an imposing total of 6-336. But on Saturday, a brilliant 161 not out from McKenzie — who has also played for Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League — secured a five-wicket victory with nine overs to spare which vaulted the Lions ahead of Joondalup into sixth spot on the ladder, which is the last place in the finals. McKenzie hit 13 boundaries and four sixes in his outstanding knock, sharing a match-defining 180-run fourth-wicket partnership with captain Sam Smith (75). Fremantle were the other big winners of the final round of the home and away season, leaping from fifth to second on the back of their four-wicket victory over Melville and Mt Lawley, Willetton and Perth all suffering defeats. Perth Scorchers captain Ashton Turner managed only two but stalwarts Chris Davenport, Bayley Holman (both 74) and Jacob Headland (62) fired to help the Port Boys track down a victory target of 224 at Tompkins Park. Having already locked away the minor premiership, University cruised to a nine-wicket win over Mt Lawley at James Oval on the back of a brilliant 161 not out from WA Second XI regular Tom Murray, who played the leading role in a 224-run stand with veteran Will Bosisto (91). The Students also claimed the club championship ahead of Willetton, whose first-grade side fell agonisingly short of completing a recovery from 6-64 to track down a victory target of 255 at Burrendah Park, losing by 14 runs. Perth very nearly pulled off a remarkable comeback of their own to defend a modest score of 157 at Fletcher Park, reducing Claremont-Nedlands to 9-153 after the Tigers resumed on the second day situated at 1-86. Tail-ender Franklin Lough made himself the hero for the Tigers, smashing a six over mid-wicket to secure a one-wicket victory. In the first round of finals across Saturday and Sunday, University will play Subiaco-Floreat at James Oval, Fremantle will host Perth at Stevens Reserve and Mt Lawley will take on Willetton at Breckler Park. The three winners will progress to semifinals, along with the losing side who finished the regular season highest on the ladder.