A tied encounter

Playing in a reduced 20-over game, the tied result saw the Scorpions progress through to the Final as the higher ranked team.

Having won the toss and electing to bat, the Central Highlands started well with Pat McKenna again shining with the bat.

The opening batsman piled on 70 off 43 balls, topping the tournament table with 324 and claiming the Highlands’ record for the most runs in a series.

Despite McKenna’s efforts, the Scorpions’ Arron Wheatley tore through the batting line-up, scalping a tournament and region high of 7-29 from four overs and dismissing the Highlands for 9-146.

“It was a great performance from Wheatley, who produced one of the most polished performances that I have seen in the 20-over game,” Inner South East Scorpions coach Shannon Young said.

In reply, a 66-run partnership from Josh Bartlett (51) and Nicholas Blaich (29) put the Scorpions in good stead.

“Josh has been an incredible part of our success this week and today he continued that,” Young said.

With the Highlands missing some crucial opportunities in the field, a handy late innings contribution from Lachlan McRae (24) saw the Scorpions require just three runs off the last ball to win.

A two from Jordan Brambleby saw the Scorpions tie the game and advance through to the Championship Final at the MCG.

With today’s semi-final between the Outer East Eagles and Southern Pioneers being abandoned, the Scorpions’ opponents will be decided when the match is rescheduled.

To see a full scorecard, click here.