Fine Weather Boosts Premier Cricket

Weekend Wrap 18/19 January

Highlights Hit Premier Cricket

It was a bumper weekend of premier cricket as the weather finally held off enough for the men’s First Grade matches to be completed. Unfortunately, all matches for the Katherine Raymont Shield were abandoned due to weather on Sunday, with better conditions hopefully in store this weekend.

In a Men’s Premier Cricket first, Toombul hosted Redlands in a pink ball match played under the brand new lights of Ken MacKay Oval. The highly anticipated fixture didn’t disappoint, boasting plenty of highlights under the International and Domestic quality.

Sent in on their home deck, Toombul’s openers Addy Grewal (53 off 114) and Toby Snell (53 off 107) had their side off to a strong start before a middle order collapse of 6/50 stifled momentum. Redlands bowlers Bailey Stewart (4/46), Tom Biggs (2/61) and James Pullar (2/39) led their side to have Toombul 6/160. Some big hitting from Toombul captain Dan Cranitch (62 off 76) then helped push his side to a highly competitive total 272.

Redlands class batting line up went about their run chase, however the Toombul bowlers were able to take key wickets at crucial times. The wicket of Jimmy Peirson (32 off 50) was a significant point in the match, leaving Redlands 3/96. Overseas pro Tom Bevan (43 off 85) combined with Sam Heazlett for a strong partnership, however was undone by spinner Jack Balkin (4/30).

With Redlands 4/170, the sun was going down, lights coming into effect, and local crowd coming into play. Toombul soon gained momentum as Jack Balkin continued taking wickets. Connor Sully (3/72) then came back into the attack to help the Bulls charge home. When Balkin dismissed Sam Heazlett (75 off 116), Redlands were 8/226. Toombul managed to wrap up the last two wickets, Redlands all out 246 chasing 272. A fantastic game of cricket befitting the first pink ball match in Men’s First Grade.

The Sunshine Coast Scorchers continued their hot form against Wynnum-Manly on Bill Albury Oval. Chad Soper (5/50) was again sensational for the Scorchers, taking his third five wicket haul for the season.

Dismissing four of the top five, Soper helped have Wynnum reeling at 8/60. Jehan Daniel (62 off 56) provided a lone hand counterpunch, taking Wynnum to all out 128.

Wynnum’s quicks Liam Guthrie (3/41) and Harmon Sandhu (3/55) tried their best to defend the total, however Cody Pyne (37 off 66) and the Sunshine Coast’s middle order were able to scrape their way to 7/138.

The win leaves the Scorchers on top of the Men’s Two Day ladder, an extraordinary turnaround for the side who struggled throughout the two white ball campaigns.

University of Queensland showed their premiership credentials, posting a strong win against Ipswich on Wep Harris Oval. UQ fast bowler Don Whyte (5/24) proved unplayable in his 9.1 overs, gaining a season best return in his new club colours. Fellow fast bowlers Will Sanders (3/28) and Will Crook (2/12) also had strong days, helping dismiss Ipswich for 98.

In response, captain Angus Lovell (68 off 79) continued his fine run form to surge his side past the total. Alecz Day (88 off 60) then cashed in, belting 10 four and 4 sixes as Uni reached 271. The important win takes Uni back into the top four as they look towards a finals charge.

Joining Uni in the top four is the Gold Coast, who also had a dominant victory against Sandgate-Redcliffe. Dolphin seamers Kane Hurley (5/21) and George Garrett (2/14) ripped through the Gators batting line up. Garrett bowled an impressive 9 maidens from his 13 overs, while Hurley’s 5 wickets came from only 12.4 overs.

Dismissing Sandgate-Redcliffe for 84, Dolphin’s opener Lachlan Crump (131* off 136) dominated to score his maiden First Grade century. Crump and captain Hugo Burdon (60 off 62) helped their side post 3/241d. Sandgate opener Daniel Fielding (105* off 254) then scored an important century, preventing an outright result and batting his side through Sunday.

Only his second score above 50 this season, the knock should give both Fielding and the Sandgate top order plenty of confidence in games moving forward. Sandgate finished their second innings 3/242.

Wests completed a resounding outright victory against Souths to put them firmly back in finals contention. Wests bowlers were relentlessly led by Glamorgan County Pro Dan Douthwaite (3/18), who made a big impact in his first match for the Bulldogs. Douthwaite, Steve McGiffin (2/35) and Angus Tolhurst (3/16) saw Souths consistently lose wickets, eventually bowled out for 131. Batters struggled on the wicket, Zanden Jeh (29 off 60) top scoring.

In reply, Wests batters Pranav Susarla (61 off 65) and Tom Campbell (50 off 126) were seemingly cruising to the target score. However, Zanden Jeh (5/57) and Chathura Kaluthanthri (2/38) took three quick wickets to have Wests 4/94. Fortunately for Wests, Campbell was still at the crease and guided them past the score. Wests batted on and managed to reach 199 before being dismissed.

In their second innings, Souths batters again struggled. Only Jeh (48 off 51) was able to past 20 as Tolhurst (4/25), McGiffin (3/15) and Douthwaite (2/39) again dominated for Wests. Remarkably, Souths were dismissed for 131 in both innings. Needing 64 for an outright win, Wests opener Susarla (47* off 28) blasted his side to 2/67. The win sees Wests move into fifth place and less than one win from the top four.

Valley and Norths played out a draw at Peter Easton Oval, with rain washing out the second day of their fixture. Valley opener Josh Neill (95 off 211) impressed for his side, as did Paddy Cotter (61 off 62) and Tighe Morris (62 off 119). Valley reached 8/280d, while Norths did not start their batting innings. Norths Sam Neale (2/42), Ryan Walker (3/75) and Louis Morris (2/54) led the wicket takers.