Western Australian fast bowler Jhye Richardson has taken another significant step in his return from long-term injury, claiming three crucial wickets for Fremantle in Premier Cricket action on Saturday.
Building Momentum After Shoulder Surgery
Playing his second match of the season, the three-Test quick finished with impressive figures of 3-38 from his full 10-over allocation at Stevens Reserve. His performance helped the Port Boys secure a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Rockingham-Mandurah.
Opening the bowling alongside fellow state-contracted seamer Albert Esterhuysen, Richardson worked his way into the game gradually. He remained wicketless through his initial five-over spell but returned with impact through the middle stages of the innings.
The 28-year-old's breakthrough came when he induced former Zimbabwean First Class cricketer Charles Kunje into a top edge that was well caught by Kaiden Cookson on the leg-side boundary. Richardson then claimed another two victims in his final two overs to finish strongly.
Wyllie Defies Attack With Unbeaten Century
While Richardson enjoyed success with the ball, WA batter Teague Wyllie provided stiff resistance for the Mariners. Wyllie carried his bat through the entire innings, finishing 117 not out from 131 deliveries to guide his team to a total of 213.
Fremantle's response was led by WA's Sheffield Shield captain Sam Whiteman, who matched Wyllie's century with an unbeaten 103 from just 115 balls. Whiteman's commanding innings ensured the hosts chased down the target comfortably in the 47th over.
WA Stars Shine Across Premier Cricket
The weekend's Premier Cricket action featured several other notable performances from Western Australian representatives.
Cooper Connolly showcased his all-round talents for Scarborough, clubbing seven sixes in a brisk 87 from 78 deliveries before taking two wickets in his team's 86-run victory over Melville at Tompkins Park.
Recent Perth Scorchers signing Brody Couch complemented Connolly's effort with four sixes in his knock of 62 from 46 balls, finishing with 2-41 from his 10 overs.
At Fletcher Park, Cameron Bancroft remained unbeaten on 80 while Aaron Hardie contributed 21 runs and 2-23 with the ball to help Willetton defeat Perth by 28 runs.
University's Corey Rocchiccioli delivered a miserly bowling spell of 2-18 from 10 overs in his team's dominant 140-run victory against Wanneroo at Kingsway Reserve.
The final round of pool stage games also determined the Premier T20 competition quarterfinalists, with Perth, Rockingham-Mandurah, Willetton, University, Claremont-Nedlands, Midland-Guildford, Scarborough and Subiaco-Floreat all progressing.
Hinchliffe Returns to WAFL After Decade
In other sporting news, Swan Districts announced the signing of former WA, Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Stars all-rounder Clint Hinchliffe for the 2026 WAFL season.
Hinchliffe returns to football after more than 10 years following a promising junior career where he averaged 25.4 disposals per game and kicked 21 goals in his top-aged colts campaign with West Perth in 2015.
The left-arm leg-spinner played one Sheffield Shield game in 2018 and featured for the Scorchers three times the following year before his 24-appearance BBL stint with the Melbourne Stars.
Since returning to football in 2021, Hinchliffe has starred for Ocean Ridge in the Perth Football League, finishing second in last season's CJ Jamieson Medal count for the A-grade competition's best and fairest player.
He continues to impress in Premier Cricket for Mt Lawley, having scored 180 runs and taken 11 wickets across the one-day and T20 competitions this season.
