Central West’s Ben Mitchell’s proved almost unstoppable as the Illawarra Flames crashed out of the Regional Bash tournament on Sunday.
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Mitchell blasted 12 boundaries on his way to 81 runs before producing three wickets and a direct-hit run out in his side’s 73-run win.
The all-rounder and Matt Corben (45 not out) produced a century stand for the fourth wicket to help the Wranglers reach 5-176 at the end of their 20 overs.
Mitchell then produced team-best figures of 3-24 to help roll the Flames – who had beaten the Orana Outlaws on Saturday – for 103 in the 18th over.
“It was great fun out there today. I really enjoyed it. I had to steady the ship at the start then look at getting on with the job later in the innings,” Mitchell said.
“Corbs batted really well and helped release a lot of the pressure on me and I helped him out too. It was a great partnership.”
Illawarra’s Rhys Voysey repeated his effort from his team’s earlier victory against the Orana Outlaws when he terrorised the Wranglers’ top order.
He had Ben Sheehan (4) and Nic Broes (4) both caught behind and Adam Ryan’s promising innings came to an end on 20.
Corben arrived at the crease alongside Mitchell with the score at 3-36.
Mitchell was granted an early reprieve when he was dropped at short mid on and he immediately punished the Flames with back-to-back boundaries.
The Flames started the tournament in style, beating the Orange-based Orana Outlaws by 23 runs on Sunday morning.
Blake Owen made 32, while while Uni’s Rhys Voysey took 3-20 off four.