James Benning helped Perth Cricket Club recover from their first loss of the season last weekend by smashing a typically dominant innings in the middle order, to help his side to victory in the Perth derby.

Taking on neighbours South Perth, Benning smashed a match winning 40 from just 37 balls to guide his side to victory in a low scoring One Day match in the Western Australian Premiership.

Earlier in the day, Stewart Walters lost the toss and South Perth elected to bat first. A slow start by his opposition allowed Walters to dictate proceedings in the field. He introduced Benning into the attack and the right arm medium pace bowler did not let his Surrey team mate down. His two devastating spells with the ball in the middle and at the end of the innings produced economical figures of three for 18 from his six and a half overs, finishing South Perth’s innings on just 121.

In reply, Perth slumped to 47 for three, which brought Walters and Benning together. Sadly what seemed like the makings of a good partnership ended when the Perth skipper was caught for eight. Benning, however continued to blitz away and took his side up to certain victory before he was caught for 40. His breezy innings came off just 37 deliveries and included four fours and two sixes. The victory keeps Perth in touch with the top, just two points behind Scarborough on 107 points.

Meanwhile, over the other side of Australia Matthew Nicholson is continuing his good run for New South Wales. Surrey’s overseas player last season picked up figures of one for eight in the second innings of a rain interrupted Pura Cup match against Melbourne. New South Wales remain at the top of the table after five matches in this year’s competition.

Although Pedro Collins was selected as part of the squad for the West Indies tour of Zimbabwe, he was not picked in any of the five One Day Internationals, as his country won the series 3-1.

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