Cameron Bancroft hit his first century of the summer but rain and a stubborn knock from Liam Scott ended Western Australia’s bid to secure victory against South Australia.

Bancroft struck an unbeaten 105 off 255 balls as WA declared at 3-243 in their second innings, setting South Australia a victory target of 364 off 90 overs.

South Australia were precariously placed at 5-170 after 60.1 overs when a rain break wiped out 17 overs.

The loss of Harry Nielsen in the first over after the rain break meant WA needed just four more wickets with 12.2 overs remaining.

But Scott (33no off 106 balls) and Ben Manenti (21 off 34) guided the hosts to 6-208 before the game was deemed a draw with three balls remaining.

Bancroft resumed on Tuesday unbeaten on 71, bringing up his century with a hook shot to square leg off Spencer Johnson from his 247th ball faced.

The 32-year-old raised his bat and helmet to the sky upon reaching triple figures, with the knock ending a difficult start to his 2024-25 domestic campaign. 

Cartwright (33) and Ashton Turner (24no) provided support prior to the declaration on day four with Johnson (2-60) claiming two of the three wickets to fall in WA’s second innings.

WA young gun Jayden Goodwin was named man of the match for his scores of 139 and 69. Having also struck 94 against Tasmania, Goodwin now sits ninth in the competition for runs scored with 357 runs at 51. 

Turner (79 in the first innings), Joel Paris (5-34 & 1-31) and debutant Keaton Critchell (3-33 in second innings) also made noteworthy contributions. 

Speedsters Jhye Richardson (3-47 & 1-38) and Lance Morris (1-32 & 1-43) also looked dangerous, playing their first Shield games of the season. 

The pair combined for a team hat-trick in the first innings, with Richardson removing opener Conor McInerney and No.3 Daniel Drew for golden ducks before Morris dismissed Jake Lehmann to complete the trifecta after Richardson briefly left the field to have his shoulder assessed. 

WA retained the Rod Marsh Cup (main picture) after winning the inaugural contest for the perpetual trophy last season.

The three-time reigning champions (23.2 points) sit second on the Sheffield Shield ladder at the halfway point of the season, behind Victoria (27.06 points).