Sandhurst products Todd Murphy and Nick Gladman have helped keep Victoria Country's title hopes alive at the National Under-19 Cricket Championships in Perth.
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After losing two straight games to the Cricket Australia XI and Queensland, Victoria Country bounced back with wins over the previously unbeaten NSW Metro and Tasmania on Sunday and Monday respectively.
The victories secured Victoria Country second place in pool A and a semi-final berth on Wednesday.
Sunday's win over NSW Metro was Victoria Country's best bowling performance of the carnival.
After winning the toss and batting, Victoria Country was dismissed for 184 in the 47th over.
Murphy was elevated to number four in the batting order and he made 34 off 45 balls before being run out.
Gladman finished three not out.
In reply, NSW Metro overcame the loss of three early wickets to be cruising at 3-105.
Murphy (2-31 off 10 overs) and fellow spinner Jonathan D'Rozario struck twice each in quick succession to turn the game Victoria Country's way.
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Gladman (2-26 off seven overs) returned to the bowling crease and picked up two crucial wickets as NSW Metro was dismissed for 163.
Monday's win over Tasmania was a nail-biter.
Murphy continued his good form to take 2-29 off his 10 overs, while Gladman picked up 1-29 as Victoria Country bowled Tasmania out for 154.
Victoria Country crashed to 2-1 and then 4-28 when Murphy fell for six.
When Gladman walked to the crease Victoria Country was 7-99 and in danger of losing the game and its top-two berth.
Gladman and Triyan De Silva produced a crucial partnership of 32 for the eighth wicket before Gladman was dismissed for 14 off 13 balls.
De Silva (38 not out) and Cam McClure (7 not out) saw Victoria Country over the line for a two-wicket win.
Tuesday is a rest day ahead of Wednesday's semi-finals.
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