ROCKINGHAM-MANDURAH cricketers Sam Whiteman and Craig Simmons have helped Western Australia to its first one-day cricket title in 11 years over New South Wales at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The Warriors batted first and posted 6/255 thanks to a classy 96 from man of the match Michael Klinger.
The Blues looked in control at 3/151 from 34 overs, until Ashton Agar dismissed Shane Watson, caught behind by Whiteman for 83.
Seamer Jason Behrendorff took a career best 5/27, with the first wicket of the game before he finished off the tail.
Opener Simmons set up the match for the Warriors, scoring 47 from 71 balls in an innings which included four fours and one six.
He was eventually caught by Ryan Carters off fast-bowler Pat Cummins.
Although Whiteman was out for a first ball duck, the wicket of Watson helped start the Blues' collapse to lose 8/66.
In the previous match against Queensland, Simmons scored 98 off 114 deliveries to put him in good form going into the remainder of the Western Australian Cricket Assoication Grade Cricket season with Rockingham-Mandurah.
Whiteman finished the Matador Cup tournament with eight catches, second only to New South Welshman Peter Nevill.
The Warriors begin their Sheffield Shield campaign against the Tasmanian Tigers this Friday at the WACA.
