Pioneers clinch state title

Pioneers’ opener Zach Allen led the way with 83 from 97 balls – his highest score of the tournament – as the side posted 8-219 from their 50 overs.

A fiery opening spell from Jordan Hammond (2-28) and Josh Dowling (1-27) left the Scorpions at 3-9 and despite 82 (122) from Victorian under-17 batsman Jacob Serry, the side never recovered and were bowled out for 140 in the 39th over.

Earlier, after Pioneers captain Tanner Stanton had won the toss and elected to bat, Adam Amin was dismissed from his first ball by Josh Bartlett (2-26).

Allen and Stanton (48) then combined for a century partnership Jordan Brambleby had Allen run out.

A mini collapse saw the Pioneers lose 4-14 with Dean Krelle claiming two wickets and Krishna Padmanabhan one scalp.

A quickfire 22 from 16 balls from Brayden Lambden late in the innings helped the Pioneers reach their final score of 8-219.

After the Scorpions had slipped to 3-9, Lachlan McRae helped Serry steady the side with a 59-run partnership before Stanton picked up McRae’s scalp for 18.

Wickets regularly fell after that dismissal with Travis D’souza picking up 3-13 before a run out ended the Scorpions innings in the 39th over to hand the Pioneers the title.