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Excitement high in Perth

01/21/2012 10:25:59 PM

Perth Scorchers skipper Marcus North said he is excited by the prospect of trying to secure Western Australia's first domestic cricket trophy in eight years.

The Scorchers enjoyed an 11-run win over the Melbourne Stars at the WACA on Saturday night in their Big Bash League semi-final, giving them the right to host the event's inaugural final, as well as securing qualification for the Champions League Twenty20 tournament.

With the state's last silverware coming in the form of the 2003/04 one-day tournament, North is relishing the chance to add to the cabinet against either the Hobart Hurricanes or the Sydney Sixers.

"Pretty excited," was how North described his feeling after Saturday's match.

"I felt we played certainly one of the better teams in this competition today. It's just pleasing to put an all-round performance in and to play under pressure, playing in front of your home crowd."

"I was so proud that the guys got through that, and we've been playing some good cricket and we deserve it."

"It's a matter of getting ourselves right this week and repaying all the support and faith we've got from the west Australian supporters and win a competition, because it's been far too long in between competitions that we've won."

"I think (it) is 2003/04 (since) Western Australian cricket domestically has won a final."

"It's going to be fantastic week leading into the final and, like I said, if we keep doing what we've been doing over the last six weeks we'll be a good chance of winning it."

The Scorchers put on 3-174 from their 20 overs on Saturday night, and in reply the Stars were looking good at 1-75 in the eighth over.

But the introduction of veteran spinner Brad Hogg proved the game's turning point, with the 40-year-old breaking a dangerous partnership between Luke Wright and James Faulkner in his first over as well as snaring the wicket of George Bailey later in the Stars dig.

"Hoggy had a big grin on his face as he tried saying he wasn't looking at Australia selection, but he must be going close," North said.

"There's no doubt that he's been one of the in-form bowlers of this competition and I've said all along that he's bowling as well as he had when he played his international career."

Hogg, who has taken 12 wickets at an average of 13.5 in the Big Bash League, said it was hard to comprehend how well he has been playing given his extended break from the sport.

"Being out of the game for two and a half years, three years, to get that kind of reception is mind boggling," Hogg said.

"I didn't expect it and it's an absolute honour to be able to achieve something like this. I'd just like to thank the Perth supporters. And when I've travelled as well the crowds have been nice to me."

"I've been out of the game for three years at this level and to have a Perth team in a final - we haven't been in a final since '07 - and we haven't won one since '03. So it's a big thing for us. We'll be enjoying this week and having as much fun as possible."

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

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