A game-ending six from nerveless left-hander Nathan Philip saw South Launceston edge a one-wicket win over flagholder Westbury in the Greater Northern Cup.
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Chasing 147, the Knights made a dream start with Doug Ryan (17) and Sisitha Jayasinghe (27) seeing off the opening spells of Jono Chapman and state quick Tom Rogers.
Fresh from taking 6-21 against the Greater Northern Raiders last weekend, Rogers (3-27 from 10) had better fortune in his second spell as a clump of wickets evened up the contest at 6-102.
A 30-run stand between Philip (40*) and Brodie Jarrad and two late-wickets to Kieren Hume (2-21) brought the total to 9-145 before Philip's heroics ensured victory in Sean Harris' first game as captain.
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"Nathan Philip, he's just class - he managed to farm the strike a little bit and finish with a six," Harris said.
"He's a very calm character and he just sums up the situation really well.
"Without being arrogant, he's very confident in his ability and he knows if he gets a ball in his area he can hit it for four or six regardless of where the fielders are."
Nick Spencer was the tightest of the Shamrocks bowlers with 2-15 off seven.
Earlier, the spin combination of Jayasinghe and Jarrad (three wickets apiece) helped skittle Westbury's last seven wickets for 50 runs.
Only Rogers and Hume made scores of 20-plus as a team fielding effort secured the Knights' first opening round win since 2017.
"We're just really stoked with that start," Harris said.
"We often drop games at the start of the season and to get a good win over a quality side who we know are going to be up there again is really pleasing."
Westbury captain Dan Murfet said his side had done well to stay in the game after a below-par batting display.
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"We really weren't able to build one key partnership in our batting innings and that was the difference in the end," Murfet said.
"Really pleased with our efforts in the field and with the ball, we never gave up and gave ourselves every chance of pulling off a win."
Launceston host Riverside at the NTCA No.2 on Sunday.
SCORECARD
- Westbury 147 (Hume 26, Rogers 23, Murfet 18, Jarrad 3-24, Jayasinghe 3-25, Donaldson 2-26) 45.2 overs
- South Launceston 9-151 (Philip 40*, Jayasinghe 27, Harris 25, Rogers 3-27, Spencer 2-15, Hume 2-21) 45.3 overs
Hamish Geale
Hamish Geale is a senior reporter at The Examiner. Got good news? Email: hgeale@examiner.com.au
Hamish Geale is a senior reporter at The Examiner. Got good news? Email: hgeale@examiner.com.au
