HEAZLETT IN RUNS BUT RACE TIGHT |
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The last hour of play proved fateful for Queensland, both in their game and another one across Hobart, as they battled for the Australian Under 17 Championship today. Needing to beat NSW and hoping for WA to upset leaders Victoria, the Queenslanders were reasonably placed, particularly with the Victorians at 8-164. However, just as they did against the young Maroons, the Victorian tail wagged to reach 236 and then Ejaaz Elavi, who made 49 batting at No.8, grabbed wickets in consecutive balls to have WA 2-1 at stumps. Meanwhile Queensland reached a competitive 225 against the Blues but then were unable to make an early breakthrough despite openers Nathan Lyons and Trent Arnold bowling well. Matthew Kuhnemann eventually made the breakthrough in the shadows of stumps as the Blues grafted their way to 1-46 through 25 overs. Queensland's total was built around a rapid-fire 80 by skipper Sam Heazlett and a gutsy half-century by keeper Tom Healy. Openers Matt Renshaw and Nick Selman again saw off the opening ball but both departed with the score on 40. While Heazlett lost partners at regular interviews, he spanked 13 fours and two sixes in a powerful display from just 96 balls before being bowled. Healy added 47 with Heazlett after coming in at 5-122 and was the ninth man out, trapped lbw. The bowlers will launch an all-out assault on the batting in the morning and hope WA can rebound against NSW. If Queensland and Victoria finish level on points, the Maroons currently have the superior run quotient. |
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