South-East Queensland's big wet has continued to test the patience and resilience of KFC Queensland Premier Cricket clubs, players and volunteers. But as LAURA SCHEIWE outlines, cricket is still getting played despite the challenging conditions.
Clubs Resilient Despite Weather
With rain around yet again in Round 12 of the Mens competition, overs were affected and runs continued to flow. The Christmas break is near with just one weekend remaining.
Using an array of bowlers, Wynnum-Manly were unsuccessful in regards to early breakthroughs against the Ipswich Hornets. Opener Harmon Sandu took 1/22 to dismiss Ipswich star Noah Emmerson for just 1 (8).
On the contrary, an openers paradise for Bryn Llewellyn as he struck 59* off 90 including 6 fours and 1 maximum. Ethan Ramsbotham supported as well with 39* off 89 as the Hornets finished on 1/101 having just 31 overs played.
The matches began to get shorter and shorter as the rain surrounded the inner Brisbane suburbs.
Norths won the toss sending the Gold Coast in to bat as only 23 overs went ahead. It was difficult for the batters to score freely in bowler friendly conditions as Flynn Thomasson and Connor Carroll each took one wicket. Opener Ashton Gumm (35 off 77) got through some tough conditions but he was unable to hold on as the Dolphins finished play on 2/76.
A trend continued as the home team, Sandgate-Redcliffe opted to bowl first against South Brisbane. With a run rate of 3.7 during their 17 overs at the crease, Souths did well to stick around. Opening batsman, Aryan Jain started off strongly fighting for his 31* (56). Josh Creevey was the sole wicket taker taking 1/23 off 7 to dismiss John Isoardi (20 off 37). The Gators contained there opposition to 1/64.
In a crucial match with both teams floating in the top four, University of Queensland took on Toombul at WEP Harris Oval. Even with one of the best drainage set ups in the competition, the Students' home ground went underwater as 23 overs were played.
Toombul were sent in to bat first as Amritpal Grewal (36 off 50) scored freely before getting out to medium pacer, Bryce Street. Toby Snell (24* off 65) will need to continue his knock when play resumes next Saturday. Another notable mention is opening quick Matt Willans who bowled tightly at an economy of just 1.80 as Toombul made 1/72.
The shortest days play saw Valleys and Redlands get throrugh 14 overs as the bowlers did not take advantage of pace friendly conditions. Valleys skipper Hugh Weibgen and Josh Neill had an important partnership as the team finished on 1/52.
The Western Suburbs vs Sunshine Coast fixture saw day one abandoned.