Premier Comp Heating Up

In the men's First Grade competition, clubs competing for the Kookaburra One Day Cup have experienced weather related challenges, with points at a premium.

A rain affected round sets up an exciting weekend in the men’s One Day competition. With one weekend to go, matches will offer a finals like feeling for the sides fighting for a spot in the semi’s.  

University of Queensland continued their unbeaten run in a strong win against Souths at Norman Gray Oval. The Students sent Souths in, looking to make the most of bowler friendly conditions.

New recruit Don Whyte (4/38) continued to impress in his new colours, taking the first three wickets to leave Souths 3/40. After the big wicket of Ben Cutting (31 off 39) fell, Souths middle and lower order were unable to gain back momentum, eventually dismissed for 163. Despite Luke Wegner (2/31) dismissing Uni openers Bryce Street (4 off 28) and Angus Lovell (6 off 14) early, Uni’s Jack Carty (65 off 73) and Max Clayton (60 off 86) were able to guide their side to within 20 runs of victory. Uni eventually won, 5/164.

Wests also continued their unbeaten run in this competition, not only defeating Toombul but also likely their finals chances.

Queensland Academy player Tom Campbell (73 off 70) led his sides scoring. His innings was particularly impressive for its leadership qualities, the young allrounder standing up despite Snell, Truloff and McGiffin all falling around him. Harry McNeilly (45 off 46) helped see Wests to a very strong 7/228 off the shortened 36 overs. Connor Sully (2/30), Preston White (2/35) and Tom Balkin (2/40) each took two wickets.

Needing more than a run a ball from the outset, Toombul’s Addy Grewal (47 off 55) and Sam Wilson (78 off 60) fought hard to put their side in a position to chase the runs. Tom Campbell (2/19) (pictured above) was too hard to score from, and the pressure of the chase brought on a flurry of wickets for fellow spinners Steve Paulsen (3/29) and Angus Tolhurst (2/36). Toombul finished all out 176 off 32 overs.

In last year’s Grand Final rematch, Valley took on Norths in a match reduced to 35 overs. Valley opener Tom Collier (53 off 53) showed his class after being elevating to the top grade. Collier and Jack Beath (72 off 89) pushed the opening score past the century mark, in what can only be described as a match winning partnership. Norths left arm leg spinner Ryan Walker (3/31) was effective for his side, however his fellow bowlers struggled to restrict Valley. Valley posted 7/191.

Norths chase was then all but over before it could start. Benji Floros (3/20), Joey Pratt (4/25) and Cam Boyce (2/20) ripped through the Norths top order. Norths quickly went from 2/36 to 8/65, which included a collapse of 5/11. Some lower order hitting salvaged their score to make it appear a closer match than it was. Norths finished all out 133.

The remaining fixtures were washed out without a ball being bowled. Currently, Sandgate sit in fourth spot on equal points with Norths, Redlands sit one point behind them both. The top three of Uni, Valley and Wests are locked in for finals, and how Sandgate, Norths and Redlands matches unfold will dictate who takes the final spot in the four. Stay tuned for an exciting weekend of Premier Cricket!

Rain delays, low scores, and bowling conditions. A weekend filled with last wicket dramas, batting collapses and economical spells were on show in the third round of the Katherine Raymont Shield.

In an exciting last wicket win, the Gold Coast strung together their first win of the season against the Sunshine Coast. The new look team involving an overseas professional and former Ipswich Hornets players completed a nervous chase. In this low scoring match the Sunshine Coast won the toss and elected to bat, being undefeated so far this season. A rain effected start made it difficult for the top order to find their groove after being called off the field on multiple occasions. Scores between 10 and 18 proved vital as the Sunshine Coast were bowled out for 145. Emma Taylor took 1/15 off 10, unable to bowl a loose ball all day. On australian debut, Ava Lee took 3 important wickets to dismiss the entire top order. The Sourthern Vipers (England domestic league) player bowls right arm off spin having also represented England U19s.

The second innings produced a shaky run chase with the Gold Coast giving great responsibility to their number 11 batter. Again, the entire team chipping in with scores of 10 proved important. Catherine White (3/39 off 9.5) bowled some superb outswingers making it very difficult to score during the middle overs. At the other end bowling into the wind, Peyton Meredith (3/26 off 10) turned the ball considerably. The Gold Coast's Olivia Winter, got her team over the line with 26* off 42 deliveries. A well timed innings partnered by Taylors 6* off 13 got the Dolphins over the line, 9 wickets down.

Cross town rivals University of Queensland and Valleys DCC relived last years final although this game was not as nail biting. Valleys won the toss and suprisingly elected to bat on a green wicket in bowler friendly conditions. Tight bowling from UQ saw Valleys skittled for 67. The attack was led by Charlotte Atkinson's opening spell of 2/19 off 5 and debutant Abbey Harvey's 2/8 off 6 overs including 3 maidens.

With minimal runs needed, UQ made light work of the run chase. Opening bowler, Meg McCartney (1/4 off 4) was the standout in an unsuccesful innings for Valleys. Captain, Anlo Van Deventer struck 42* off 30 including 2 huge sixes and 7 boundaries. The score was achieved in just 12.4 overs.

Sandgate-Redcliffe Gators had an important win over Western Suburbs on being the only team across the league to defend their total last weekend. Getting her team off to a strong start, skipper Tess Cooper whacked 67 runs against a strong Wests lineup. Darcey Johnson was once again in the runs hitting 65 (78) with an average of 50.5 for the season. An economical spell from Caitlyn Lutvey (3/14 off 6) helped Wests restrict the opposition to 9/205.

A lonely innings of 42 (49) for Ruby Strange wasn't enough to get her team over the line as Wests fell 51 runs short of success. Both opening bowlers from Sandgate, Kianna Dunn and Mia Croucamp took 3/34 being absolutely vital in defending their total. The Gators also restricted a late fightback from Sophie Whittaker (21* off 80).