Old Dogs and Brad Hogg fall short against Young Guns in Upper Great Southern Cricket Association T20 Slam

The Young Guns of the Upper Great Southern Cricket Association have exacted revenge on their older rivals, prevailing in the T20 Slam at Narrogin on Friday night. The Old Dogs won the first two editions of the Twenty20 showcase but even with the inclusion of Narrogin-born Australian cricket champion Brad Hogg they weren’t able to make it a three-peat at Clayton Road Oval in front of more than 300 people. The Young Guns were out for redemption in the marquee match and with the inclusion of WA Premier Cricket star Iszak Milentis they finished 21-run winners. Batting first the Young Guns posted a match winning total of 6-128 from their 20 overs. Jacob Schorer and captain Dylan Kirk had a 28-run partnership for the Young Guns before Schorer fell for 18. Milentis, who plays first grade for Willetton, joined Dylan Kirk and they added 25 before Kalan Joyce ran out Milentis for 12. The 38-run partnership between Dylan Kirk and Joe Dowling proved decisive as they took their side towards triple figures and regained control. WA Country Cricket Board chairman Rob Marshall picked up Dylan Kirk for 39 to break the partnership and two balls later Jordan Hughes was trapped in front for a golden duck. Dowling continued to score freely for the Young Guns as he added 24 with Nick Corner but both were removed in the same over by Scott Fowler. The Young Guns set their opponents 129 to win, with Dowling top scoring with 42 off 31 balls. Fowler finished with 3-17 off three overs and Marshall snared 2-9 for the Old Dogs. Brad Hogg went wicketless in his spell, finishing with 0-30 from his four overs. The Old Dogs were undone by a poor batting display, slipping to 8-91 in the chase. Perrin Quartermaine and Matt Trevenen put 22 together for the opening stand before Quartermaine was run out. Trevenen was the next man to go for 18 and soon after Bailey Parsons removed the dangerous Rodney Ford (5). Hughes snared the next two scalps with Carl Garrick and Ben Ball both dismissed in single figures. After providing some resistance Joyce was bowled for 17 bringing Brad Hogg to the crease. Brad Hogg whacked 26 not out off 14 balls but he lacked support and despite a 16-run partnership with Mitch Hogg the Old Dogs could only manage 8-107 off their 20 overs. Hughes finished with 2-8 from two overs and Brock Pockran claimed 2-17 to help secure the win for the Young Guns. Brian Evans, one of the event organisers, said the event was highly successful. “It was a very successful night for the Upper Great Southern Cricket Association,” he said. “Brad Hogg proved to be a very popular fella and drew a huge crowd by local cricket standards. “The weather and conditions were perfect for watching night cricket. “The Young Guns got the chocolates but it was still a relatively close game and kept the crowd entertained.” Liam Sweeney from Towns Cricket Club won the running between the wickets competition in full batting kit, winning $250 cash. A little blasters match on the centre wicket was also played at the innings break.