The match was billed as the ultimate clash of two of Australia’s most famous sporting brothers, and it certainly didn’t disappoint.
Shaun Marsh made his return to Perth to take on his old Scorchers teammates, who included none other than his younger brother, Mitch.
It was Mitch who stole the limelight early, crashing 56 off 23 balls at the end of the Scorchers innings to help drive them to 7-196 at the close. He cleared the fence six times en route to a strike rate of 254.54 and ensured the ‘Gades had plenty to think about in reply.
Fortunately, Shaun, the new Renegade, came to the party. Walking out to the crease to the boos of his old fans, the one-time Scorcher put together an innings of 55 from 38 balls that was a mix of composure, class and occasional brute strength.
He teamed with Beau Webster (67 runs off 37 balls) to put on 92 for the fourth wicket and, together, they looked set to clinch a famous victory.
Unfortunately, it all came unstuck when paceman Chris Jordan took what is sure to be one of the best catches of BBL|09, diving at full stretch like Superman to hold onto another Marsh hit to the boundary to end his innings and, with it, effectively snuff out the Renegades’ hopes.
So, this is happening #GETONRED pic.twitter.com/8o3o80BcJP
%E2%80%94 Melbourne Renegades (@RenegadesBBL) December 21, 2019
A Rich vein of form
Kane Richardson continues to go from strength to strength.
Fresh off being named in the Australian squad for the ODI tour to India, he captured 4-22 from his four overs at Optus Stadium.
Those figures stood out like a sore thumb considering the Scorchers amassed 7-196, and his final wicket was the most impressive of the lot, catching Ashton Agar off his own bowling.
Richardson has now taken 77 wickets in 62 BBL matches, a tally bettered only by Ben Laughlin (97 wickets) and Sean Abbott (89 wickets).
We finally got our Renegades reaction speed from Richo's catch. Wait for the replay to see just how quickly he caught it #GETONRED 😉 pic.twitter.com/z7parxU4mk
%E2%80%94 Melbourne Renegades (@RenegadesBBL) December 21, 2019
Making a difference
Coming into the new season, Beau Webster had played 17 BBL matches, made two 50s and boasted a very impressive strike rate of 130.96.
He featured in six games last year and although he may have missed the final, he is quickly making up ground in BBL|09.
Batting at No. 5, Webster hammered 67 runs from 37 balls, and remained undefeated at the end of the innings.
A tall man with long arms, he struck four fours and three sixes and was the key reason why the ‘Gades still had fighting chance as late as the final over.
The 26-year-old looms as a player to watch this season.
Beau Webster, take a bow. A 50 to remember. Nine more balls left to get 32 #GETONRED pic.twitter.com/qmS8COuExq
%E2%80%94 Melbourne Renegades (@RenegadesBBL) December 21, 2019
Got a quirky fact for us?
A Richardson opened bowling for both sides. That’s got to be as quirky as it gets, right?
Kane took the new ball for the Renegades in the first innings and Jhye for the Scorchers in the second innings.
52 off 22 needed + this is how we're feeling #GETONRED pic.twitter.com/8YgY1flqjN
%E2%80%94 Melbourne Renegades (@RenegadesBBL) December 21, 2019
What comes next?
The Renegades will be keen to notch their first win for the season when they travel to Hobart to take on the Hurricanes at Blundstone Arena on Tuesday 24 December. The match is scheduled to begin at 2.45pm (AEDT).
Always a fan favourite on both sides of the nation #GETONRED pic.twitter.com/fD5PvGQ18F
%E2%80%94 Melbourne Renegades (@RenegadesBBL) December 21, 2019