Western Spirit remain undefeated

With games being reduced to 35 overs, the top-of-the-table clash saw the Pioneers win the toss and send the Spirit in to bat.

A 48-run knock from Hayden Castle and support from opening batsman Will Morrison (33) saw the Spirit reach a total of 5-173.

Despite a half-century from Ashan Wijayakumara (55), a potent Spirit attack saw them restrict the Pioneers to 142, with wickets being shared between Humza Ali (2-18), Brett Muirhead (2-20) and Stefan Sidari (2-31).

The Northern Falcons and Inner South East Scorpions also join the Western Spirit in heading into the quarter-finals unbeaten.

A half-century from Jonty Rushton (54) provided the Falcons with an 83-run win over the South East Sharks.

Chasing a target of 5-200, the Sharks were unable to reach the score, completing their innings on 7-117.

At Monash University, the Inner South East Scorpions continued their good form with Arron Wheatley (3-15) and Mikoto Quinn (3-23) leading the way to restrict the Mallee Murray Bulls to 129.

In reply, the Scorpions’ batting line-up started shaky, however, solid contributions from the middle order saw the team reach 7-132.

Being sent in to bat, the Central Highlands set the Inner East Emus with a target of 8-196 with Rowan Stott (55) and Ash McCafferty (43) leading the way.

In return, a three-wicket haul from Commonwealth Bank Bushranger rookie Matt Short (3-43) saw the Emus fall short of the target, completing their innings on 7-179.

In another close encounter for the Northern Rivers, a 62-run knock from Luke McComb saw the Outer East Eagles pile on a score of 8-179.

Despite contributions from Brayden Stepien (42) and James Billington (40), the Rivers fell two runs short of the total, completing their innings on 7-177.

A 62-run knock from Ben Threfall saw the Western Waves complete their innings on 6-184.

In a nail-biting finish, contributions from captain Taylor Tatterson (62) and Will Patterson (37) saw the Gippsland Pride clinch victory with a four off the last ball of the day, finishing on 9-188.

The South East Sharks set the North East Knights a target of 9-157 with Jack O’Toole top-scoring on 32.

Contributions from Isaac Willett (47), Callum Nankervis (39) and Matthew Crawshaw (33) saw the Knights reach 3-158 to claim a seven-wicket win.

At Windy Hill, a 69-run knock from Justin Galeotti (69) saw the North West Wizards complete their innings on 8-191.

Despite a half-century from Blake Troy, a four-wicket haul from Clayton Campbell (4-13) saw the Wizards restrict the Barwon Rockets to 145, claiming their first win of the tournament.

To see full results from the Under-18 Victorian Bushrangers Pathway Championships, click here.