As we enter the last month before Finals, things are heating up in both Mens and Womens Grades in the KFC Queensland Premier Cricket competition. As LAURA SCHEIWE and CAM VELLACOTT outlines, there is much to play for as the competition's season end-point looms.
It’s the third last round of the men’s two-day competition, and the finals race is heating up! From young stars to experienced campaigners, there were strong performances around the grounds. Let’s take a look at all the action.
Despite a high scoring weekend, Ipswich’s Baxter Oval produced a low scoring thriller in the first innings of the Hornets vs Gold Coast. Batting first, Ipswich’s batters struggled against the seaming duo Sam Chapman (6/29) and Kane hurley (2/36), who quickly put the Dolphins in front as Ipswich fell to 5/38. The Hornets lower order managed to get their score to 9/92, before numbers 10 and 11 Jared Adamski (30 off 41) and Sean Lutter (10* off 34) paired for a 45 run 10th wicket partnership to get their score to 137.
After being in similar early trouble at 5/45, the Dolphins Bailey Sewell (35 off 72) and Bailey Garnham (24 off 48) looked to steer their side out of trouble as they reached the century mark without further loss. However, Ipswich’s emerging leaders Jem Ryan (6/42) and Noah Emmerson (2/19) stood up for their side, taking 5/15 between them to rout the Dolphins for 116. In what has been a tough season for the Hornets, Saturday’s play will undoubtedly be one of the finest moments in 2024/25. They will resume 2/43 in the second innings.
Reigning Peter Burge Medallist Preston White returned to top form for Toombul, blasting an unbeaten 162* off 193 against Sandgate-Redcliffe. White was at his brutal best as he deposited 10 maximums, mainly off the Gator’s trio of leg spin including Heat and Queensland star Mitch Swepson (2/133). Alongside White was Addy Grewal (59 off 148), Tom Balkin (46 off 73) and Dan Cranitch (38 off 29), who helped Toombul to 9/346d. Sandgate are 0/33 at stumps.
Redlands enjoyed fine batting conditions at Peter Burge Oval against Souths, posting an immense score of 8/380. An intriguing scorecard, Redlands had 6 batters dismissed between 25 and 50, while Jimmy Peirson (81 off 117) and Leigh Drennan (57 off 51) were the only two notch half centuries. Additionally, no batter was dismissed for below 25. Souths bowler Sam Geyer (5/58) again showed his class, leading his side’s bowling attack.
University of Queensland took on Wests at Wep Harris Oval in a match which could likely preview a final. Batting first, Uni’s powerful top three Bryce Street (87 off 188), Angus Lovell (45 off 99) and Jack Clayton (42 off 85). The trio saw Uni to a strong position, 3/193, however Wests were able to curb their momentum through Angus Tolhurst and Steve McGiffin. Tolhurst (5/66) continued his breakout season, taking his first 5 wicket haul in First Grade, while McGiffin (3/30) was again at the forefront of the attack. Uni finished the day all out 306.
Norths notched a strong first innings win against Wynnum-Manly on Bill Albury Oval. Batting first, Wynnum lost two early wickets as Norths captain Sam Neale (5/28) proved hard to play. Out of 56 overs, Norths bowlers managed to bowl an impressive 22 maidens, led by Neale’s 7. The pressure proved too much, with Wynnum’s batting unit unable to have anyone pass 30. Wynnum fell to 134 all out. The Sea Eagles fought hard with the ball in response, however Connor Carroll (40* off 40) and Prestwidge (62* off 38) quickly powered Norths from 4/65 to 4/169 at stumps.
Top of the table Sunshine Coast batted first against a star studded Valley line up on Peter Easton Oval. Despite the class of Valley’s bowling, which featured Mark Steketee (4/59), Jack Wildermuth (1/19), Cam Boyce (3/63) and Benji Floros (1/64), the Scorchers batters were able to stand up and deliver. Cody Pyne (85 off 134) and Nicholas Fletcher (65 off 80) led their scoring, with a number of smaller scores helping the Coast to 273 all out. Sent out to swing, Mark Steketee fell late in the day to leave Valley 1/17 at stumps.
Whereas in the Katherine Raymont Shield, as the One Day season draws to a close, each match is certainly important with only three fixtures remaining. A low scoring weekend did not stop exciting finishes and big game players.
Sandgate-Redcliffe travelled south to the Gold Coast in what turned out to be an absolute nail-biting finish. Winning the toss and electing to bat, the Gators got off to a shaky start. A beautiful straight drive caught the fingers of Dolphin Emma Taylor to run out star batter Caity Mair for just 3. Following this, Taylor's (3/12 off 8.5) superb spell brought Sandgate to 3/10 after the first 6 overs. A well timed partnership between Tess Cooper (47 off 66) and Darcey Johnson (34 off 72) was much needed. The fightback guided Sandgate to a total of 152 before being bowled out in the 43rd over.
Beginning the innings off in a commanding position, Gold Coast did not seem to struggle getting to a comfortable 4/127. As wickets fell rapidly, Gold Coast lost 6 wickets for 27 runs in a large collapse. On a deteriorating wicket, the off-spin bowling from Darcey Johnson was clinical. Bowling in the backend of the innings, Johnson single handedly turned the game in Sandgate's favour with turn, drift and little bounce. The 19 year old was awarded with figures of 4/16 off 8 as Sandgate bowled the Dolphins out 2 runs short of the target.
Sunshine Coast continued their good form against Valleys DCC. A continuing struggle for Valleys as they collapsed for just 101 as spin continued to dominate the round. Peyton Meredith took 4/18 off 5 after taking two 5 wicket hauls last month at the Under 16 National Championships. Meredith is sitting third in the overall wickets column across the competition with 22 wickets at an average of 14.26. Across all games this season in different leagues, the leg spinner has 58 dismissals. Tarah Staines bowled well once again with 2/20 off 10 overs.
Coming back from injury, Georgie Boyce continued where she left off last season smashing 51* (59) to guide her team to an easy victory. At a comfortable rate, Sunshine Coast chased the total with 7 wickets remaining and 26 overs to spare.
In another low scoring match, University of Queensland won the toss and elected to bat first against Wynnum-Manly. A steady first 11 overs for the Students as they made it to 0-40 before a few quick wickets saw the skipper, Katelyn Beaumont to the crease. A hard earned 41 off 71 to guide her team before a backend knock from Abbey Harvey (29 off 59). As spin continues to lead the Katherine Raymont Shield, Amreen Kahlon took an economical 4/21 off 10 supported by Hannah Tuckers 2/18 as UQ were bowled out for 156.
Another start for Wynnum fizzled out quite quickly after Abi Mcray was dismissed on 24 (48). A great spell from Tara Wheeler (5/30 off 10) shows why the leg spinner is leading the competition with the ball. This was supported by a great opening performance from Lucy Williams (4/18 off 7.3) Single figures from the entirety of the middle order made it difficult as the Sea Eagles scraped to 111.