University, Subiaco-Floreat make it back-to-back titles

A superb century from Captain Will Bosisto guided University to a second consecutive WA Premier Cricket title, scoring a 30-run win over Subiaco-Floreat at the WACA Ground over the weekend.

After rain threatened to wreak havoc across the two days, there was still enough time for the defending champions to force a result, having been sent into bat by the sixth-placed Subiaco-Floreat on the opening day in overcast conditions.

The Lions started opening bowlers Lucas Martin and Conor Moldrich had University on the back foot early, removing opening batters Ben Melville and Tom Murray in quick succession respectively.

Bosisto and Vivian Paver were required to steady the ship, which they did stylishly, putting on 115 for the third wicket.

Subiaco-Floreat struck late on the opening day to leave the Students at 6-202 off 62 overs.

University’s tail, alongside Bosisto, kept the Lions in the field for 27 overs on the second day, before they were eventually dismissed for 295.

Needing to chase the runs Subiaco-Floreat’s response got off to the best possible start, with opening batters Bailey Gregson and Guy Taylor putting on 117 for the first wicket.

WA spinner Corey Rocchiccioli eventually got the all-important breakthrough when he bowled Taylor for 45.

Rocchiccioli then had WA teammate Jayden Goodwin caught and bowled for 21 with the score on 160 to keep his side in the hunt.

When Gregson (110) worked spinner Jay Chislett through the leg-side for two runs to bring up a terrific century, Subiaco-Floreat were firmly in the driver's seat.

Subiaco-Floreat’s hopes quickly put paid to when Chislett had Geremy Fatouros and Gregson removed in quick succession, leaving them 4-214 with time running out.

University took wickets at regular intervals from that stage, with Chris Sabburg (4-18) taking the prized scalp of Hamish McKenzie (35) to seal the win.

The win capped another successful season for University, who won the T20 Final last December and were named Club Champions earlier this month.  

While they fell just short of success in the men’s final, Subiaco-Floreat’s women’s team capped a dominant season with a six-wicket win over Midland-Guildford in their season decider at Floreat Park.

Having won the toss and elected to bat, WA pair Ines McKeon Chloe Piparo got Midland-Guildford off to a fast start, before they were both removed by star WA allrounder Heather Graham.

When fellow WA players Lilly Mills (7) and Shay Manolini (6) were removed in quick succession Midland-Guildford were reeling at 6-64.

An unbeaten 26 from Alisha Kozma was the shining light for Midland-Guildford, who could only manage 101.

Subiaco-Floreat’s chase got off to a shaky start when Maddy Darke (1), Niamh Walsh (0) and Graham (0) were all dismissed cheaply and left them 3-17.

An 81-run partnership by Mikayla Hinkley (40) and Megan McColl (47*) helped Subiaco-Floreat wrestle back momentum and seal the title for a second straight season.