The defending champions reignited their season with an impressive performance at the Gabba

AAP20-Feb-2025Reigning champions Western Australia have revived their quest for Sheffield Shield history, trouncing Queensland by an innings and 12 runs to rise from last to third on the ladder.WA paceman Lance Morris claimed three wickets as Queensland were bowled out for 153 in their second innings on day three at the Gabba on Thursday.Related

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WA, seeking to become the first state to win four consecutive shields since Tasmania entered the competition in 1977-78, started the fixture at the foot of the ladder. But they rose to third with NSW (32.87) taking second spot after defeating Victoria, while Queensland (28.45) slid from third to fifth.WA’s victory came only 11 days after being humiliated on home turf by SA when they posted scores of 120 and 66 in a six-wicket loss.”We had a good little reflection … but you can only talk so much,” captain Sam Whiteman said. “To put some actions into place and perform really well with both the ball and the bat is pleasing – it’s a tough spot to win at, the Gabba. It gives us the best chance heading back home for the two final games.”Morris tore through Queensland’s tail and was on a hat-trick after dismissing Xavier Bartlett and bowling Mark Steketee for a golden duck. He sprayed his hat-trick attempt, sending a delivery to Mitch Swepson wildly down the legside to miss the milestone.Queensland made 147 in their first innings when offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli took a career-best 7 for 52. WA, with Sam Fanning (95) falling just shy of his maiden first-class century, replied with 312 to take a stranglehold on the fixture.Queensland’s batters struggled again in their second innings with Ben McDermott and Lachlan Hearne top-scoring – both made 33. Angus Lovell, his opening partner Matt Renshaw and Michael Neser were the only other batsmen to reach double-figures.WA’s Morris collected 3 for 35 from 13 overs – he also removed McDermott with a brute of a short ball which reared at the batter, who edged to wicketkeeper Joel Curtis.Rocchiccioli finished with his best first-class match figures of 9 for 79 while paceman Joel Paris and Cameron Gannon also took multiple second-innings wickets.”Awesome reward for him to get his first 5-for,” Whiteman said. “He has taken over 100 Shield wickets without a five-for, so to finish with nine for the match is amazing. He’s such a weapon for us on day one when it’s spinning.”After this round, all states have two games remaining before the final. WA host NSW from March 6 and Victoria from March 15 at the WACA Ground in Perth.Queensland will be on the road for their remaining fixtures, against Tasmania at Bellerive Oval and South Australia at Karen Rolton Oval on the same dates.