North praises Noffke

Ashley Noffke proved to be the match-winner in his first match for Western Australia against his former Queensland team-mates and captain Marcus North can't speak more highly of him.

The Warriors did well with the ball in Sunday's Ford Ranger Cup game at the WACA restricting the Bulls to 9-161, but then had a near-disastrous collapse with the bat to be 5-62 and then 7-110 when Noffke was joined at the crease by fellow opening bowler Brett Dorey.

The pair put on a 49-run stand to ensure the Warriors beat the Bulls with three balls to spare with Noffke top-scoring with 43 after earlier claiming 1-19 with the ball.

North enjoyed Noffke's presence out on the field during Queensland's innings and feels he adds plenty. He also has no doubt there was some added spice for Noffke to perform against Queensland.

"His character, desire, passion and knowledge about the game is huge. He has a passion to win, is a competitor and that mixed with 10-plus years of experience is a pretty good package. We saw that in this game," North said.

"He complemented the bowling attack beautifully and he put in a great all-round effort with the bat at the end. I'd be surprised if he wasn't a little motivated to face his old state. I'm sure he would have liked to perform well and he did. Without a doubt it would have inspired him."

Noffke didn't feel that it was extra special for him to perform well against Queensland, but to contribute to a close win is always rewarding.

"It's not extra sweet, it's always nice to get a win in a situation where the game is in the balance. It was a little bit disappointing not to finish the job and be there for the winning runs, but it was a good performance from the guys," Noffke said.

"We bowled and fielded exceptionally well and let ourselves down a little bit with the bat to let Queensland back into it, but that's the way cricket goes. We reacted quite well."

Noffke's bowling is sure to be suited to the WACA this season and he enjoyed the bounce in Sunday's pitch even though it didn't seam. He's now looking forward to Tuesday's Sheffield Shield game with the Bulls.

"It didn't actually seam, but the bounce was beautiful. It was a little bit two-paced but that's exactly what you want. You want good carry so that if guys make a mistake and nick it they get caught, and that's what this pitch does. I definitely am happy with the situation of playing on the WACA," he said.

"It's going to be exciting like the first game in each competition always is. The boys are really keen for it, we've trained hard and the best part about it is that we get to come out and show our skills."

After restricting Queensland to 161, WA appeared on its way to a comfortable win at the innings break, but it turned out anything but. North was just happy to record the win.

"Ideally you want to win games a lot easier than that, but from a bowling point of view it was an excellent all-round performance. The tempo in the field was fantastic, the standards we set were great and all four quicks complemented themselves beautifully," North said.

"Again I thought there was a little bit in the wicket with the overnight rain, but we still had to put the ball in the right area and put on pressure for long periods of time. We did that throughout the 50 overs, which was pleasing."

All of WA's bowlers did well, but Steve Magoffin could come back in for Tuesday's Shield contest.