W. Aust. in K.O. final

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33741, 14 January 1975, Page 24

W. Aust. in K.O. final

I.VZ. Press Assn—Copyright) PERTH.

Western Australia, the title-holder, won its way into the final of the Gillette Cup knock-out competition with a resounding six-wicket victory' over Queensland in a semi-final in Perth.

Rodney .Marsh, the Australian test wicket-keeper, was at his rumbustious best and earned the 8100 “man-ot-the-match” award with a dazzling display of batting.

Marsh, who kept wicket superbly and took three fine catches, scored an unbeaten 74, including 11 thumping tours and a soaring six over mid-wicket. He hit the winning boundary through the cover field with 12 overs and four bails to spare. In a memorable innings that lasted for 78 minutes in searing heat, Marsh mad: his runs oft only 55 deliveries. Western Australia was 51 for three, chasing Queensland’s score of 168 for nine, when Marsh took over. He survived an early buffeting from Jeff Thomson.

Western Australia will now play in the final in Melbourne on February 2. Its opponent will be the winner of the second semifinal between New Zealand and Tasmania in Melbourne next Sunday .

Scores: Western Australia 171/4 (Marsh 74 n. 0., W. Edwards 54; M. Francke 3/26), Queensland 168/7 (M Kent 26, P. Carlson 57. D. Rathie 26 n. 0.; Baker 4/35, G. Watson 2/«7).