NOT even the presence of retired Australian paceman Mitchell Johnson could earn Wanneroo a winning finish to the season against Fremantle in the final round of WACA Premier Cricket on Saturday.
Johnson took 3-41 as he looks to stay in shape ahead of the Indian Premier League, but Fremantle’s 174 was beyond the visitors who replied with just 89 in an 85-run loss in the one day match at Stevens Reserve.
Surprisingly, Australia’s fourth-highest wicket taker did not lead figures for the Roos.
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READ NOWThat honour went to Jake Fawcett, who bettered Johnson’s return with 4-18, albeit an effort that took out the tail compared with Johnson’s scalp of openers Jake Carder and Chris Fenner as well as No. 5 Chris Davenport.
Fawcett landed his second victim via a rare mode of dismissal claiming WA rookie Jhye Richardson for hit wicket.
Fremantle looked in trouble at 6-84 but an unbeaten 47 from No. 9 Joel Crosswell helped guide the side to a defendable total.
Wanneroo’s Rob Richards (46) was the sole shining light in a hapless display from the Roos’ batsmen, Johnson (10) being the only other player to reach double figures.
The loss dropped the visitors to a season finish of 14th, the Roos very much in a development stage with a young squad.