Experience prevails for All-Stars in first T20 Slam

Years of experience helped the Nutrien Upper Great Southern All-Stars team secure bragging rights, as they won the inaugural Upper Great Southern T20 Slam played on Friday night at Clayton Road Oval against their much younger counterparts.

The region’s best under-23 players faced off against the All-Stars team in an exhibition match that included all 12 Uppers A-section country week players.

The All-Stars batted first but the under-23s were on fire as two early wickets from Andrew Harris helped reduce them to 3-43.

Arron Quartermaine and David Wilson regained control of the innings with a 59-run partnership.

Wilson was removed for 22, while Quartermaine continued to a half century before falling for 55 with his side finishing on 7-141.

Quartermaine provided plenty of entertainment with four sixes in his innings that lasted 47 balls.

Harris finished with figures of 4-20 while Liam Sweeney claimed two scalps.

The under-23s had an exciting batting line-up but dangerous opener Linclon Joy was run out early and Peter Kirby was stumped to leave the youngsters 2-32.

Dylan Kirk and Tom Blechynden added 38 runs together but their efforts were in vain.

Kirk made 25 and Blechynden was removed on 48 from 43 balls, including two big sixes, but the side fell behind the run rate and went down 5-116 from their 20 overs.

Grady Francis led the way for the All-Stars with 2-22 off four overs.