Premier Celebrations!

The weekend capped off an incredible season for Norths, winning first, third and sixth grades. All three teams were also crowned champions in the One Day competition, as were the Redlands who took out both fourth grade formats. 

At Allan Border Field, Ipswich resumed their second innings 3/66 and looked to move the match forward quickly. With an unfavourable weather forecast, their batters knew they had to try allow their bowling unit enough time to take 10 wickets. It wasn’t long before the counterpunch approach saw wickets fall for Ipswich, Noah Emmerson (17 off 23) and Harry Wood (23 off 20) dismissed in consecutive deliveries. 

Trailing Norths by 102, Jack Wood and Anthony Wilson paired at the crease and played freely. After hitting a few in the middle, Wilson (78 off 55) opened the shoulders and very quickly hit 5 maximums. The partnership then started to resemble that of a recognised batter shielding a tail ender, Wood (7 off 18) facing a mere 18 balls out of the 54 they batted together. Despite Norths attempts to drag Wood on strike, Wilson managed to continue his onslaught. Eventually, Noah McFadyen (7/96) broke through with the wicket of Wood to have Ipswich 6/151. Wilson and Jake Cross (41 off 40) continued, however McFadyen was able to continue taking wickets for his side, dragging any lost momentum back the way of the Vikings. 

Ipswich were eventually dimissed for 225, Norths requiring 35 for victory. Josh Brown (26 off 11) continued his first innings form, blasting 3 sixes and a four to help see Norths chase it down in 3.2 overs. 

Norths win caps off a stellar season, winning both the One and Two Day finals, while finishing runners up in the T20 Max. The win sees the Cam Battersby Cup return to Shaw Road for the first time since the 2017/18 season. 

Valley capped off a dominant performance in Second Grade at Yoku Road against Norths. Captain Jack Beath (115 off 77) launched 8 maximums and 6 boundaries in his brutal innings. Beath helped extend Valleys already healthy lead to beyond 500 runs. Ethan Du Payne (82 off 89) also contributed strongly to their second innings total of 339. Norths were 2/133 when hands were shaken on Sunday. The win is Valley’s first Second Grade Two Day title in 20 years.

Playing on the next field over at Valley, Norths managed to flip the Second Grade result and secure their second premiership of the season. Resuming Saturday, Valley were 5/109 needing a further 107 for victory. It was a steady start to the day’s play as Valley captain Kade Horan (18 off 94) looked to settle in. Norths captain Haydn Murray then opened the game up, his direct hit leaving Valley 7/129. 

Queensland Indigenous fast bowler Daley Martin (5/35) then rolled through the Valley batting order, his seam bowling unplayable as Valley lost 5/24 to be all out 133. Norths, led by Ryan Miskella (67 off 122) and Michael Lloyd (44 off 50), then reached 5/226 at stumps Saturday. No play was had Sunday as teams shook hands and Norths fittingly claimed the Norm McMahon Shield on Norm McMahon Oval.

A magnificent run chase saw Redlands claim the Bob Spence Shield on Ian Healy Oval. Resuming 4/46, Redlands managed to only lose one wicket before passing the century mark in their pursuit of 187. Redlands skipper Matt Fay (82 off 138) and experienced campaigner Adam Pearson (39 off 99) combined before Pearson fell, Redlands 6/106. Norths then looked in control at 7/131, however Fay and Harley Friske (16 off 67) managed to withstand the pressure. 

Fay then began to capitalise, hitting 4 sixes and 8 fours in his match winning innings. His innings led the Tigers past Norths score 7 wickets down, before eventually being dismissed for 213. Norths finished their second innings 5/70 when the match was called. It was a satisfying win for Redlands, their second against Norths in finals in this grade this year. This this match was certainly a great addition to the catalogue of finals these teams have played against each other across recent seasons.

Wests managed to hold onto victory against a surging University of Queensland side. Jack McLaughlin oval proved difficult for batting as Uni fought their way from 1/32 to all out 209. Lower order players James Klaasen (40 off 16) and Senith Dissanayake (30 off 35) helped to set Uni a lead of 146. Wests were 2/18 off 9.1 overs when players left the field, weather inhibiting any further play. While the second innings may have been thrilling, Wests were minor premiers and deserving winners.

Norths Sixth Grade managed to quickly wrap up the last three Souths wickets to claim first innings. Veteran duo Darren Roy (5/34) and Craig Holmes (3/37) managed to stifle Souths batting, the Magpies all out 105 chasing 186. The match looked to have taken an almighty turn, Norths quickly 5/20 in the second innings. However, the young pair of Will Illott (33* off 173) and Tom Stubbin (42 off 139) settled into their innings and pushed the lead to 200 when rain stopped play. The win is Norths first Sixth Grade victory since the infamous Prestwidge/Healy/Ovenden father/son side won in 2010/11.