The southern end of the venue was today officially unveiled as the Katherine Raymont End of the ground, with the prominent signage to be proudly on display on Sunday when University of Queensland and Sunshine Coast play off for the right to hold high the Katherine Raymont Shield as premiers.
Raymont, who played some of her early club career with University of Queensland, was joined by friends and family today for the official unveiling of the latest aspect of the Allan Border Field complex named by QC.
A leading light for women’s cricket in Queensland Cricket, Raymont was awarded Life Membership in 2017 for her efforts as a player, coach, administrator and mentor.
Affectionally known as ‘Farmer’, the Laidley product and long-time Gatton resident only took up cricket competitively at the age of 19, going on to represent Queensland from 1980-81 to 1993-94, captaining the side for 10 seasons.
In 1990, she became the first Queensland women’s cricketer in 34 years to represent Australia at Test level, and the first Queenslander to play a one-day international.
Her post-playing days saw her serve as a State selector for more than a decade and act in a variety of volunteer roles, including on QC’s Premier Cricket committee, and with her beloved Western Suburbs DCC where she played, coached and mentored a generation of young players.
Raymont would not be drawn on a tip for Sunday’s Final: “Two very good cricket teams with some really exciting talent. It should be a great match.”
The Scorchers, premiers in their debut season in First Grade, overcame Western Suburbs last week at Landsborough in their semi-final, with Australian Under-19 representative Lucy Hamilton producing a player of the match performance.
The Bundaberg teen claimed 2-26 off 9 overs and scored an important 23 not out from 32 balls.
University of Queensland, winners of this year’s KFC T20 Max women’s competition, went through to the Final after their semi-final against Valley was washed out.
The match-up features strong batting and bowling line-ups from each teams.
English import Georgie Boyce has led the way with the bat during the summer, scoring 900 runs for the Scorchers, which also boast Queensland Fire duo Ellie and Ruth Johnston.
Queensland Under-19 players Mikayla Wrigley, Hamilton and her Bundaberg compatriot Tarah Staines have also been key performers for the club along with Ruby Orchard, the competition’s leading wicket-taker with 37 dismissals.
One to watch is Boyne Island (CQ) allrounder Mahli Rea, this year’s recipient of the Jodie Purves Young Cricketer Development Scholarship which is funded by the Queensland Cricket Foundation.
UQ have enjoyed consistent performances across the season by New Zealand product Anlo van Deventer (625 runs) and fellow top order bat Emma Jackson (618 runs).
Fire and WBBL Heat players Charli Knott and Nicola Hancock will boost the squad which also contains reigning Kath Smith Medallist Ruby Strange and young Warwick spinner Laura Scheiwe (28 wickets) and fellow spinner Charni Bloxsom (32 wickets).
The match will be streamed live on Kayo Sports from 10am, with former Fire and Heat captain Kirby Short and ex-New Zealand player Nicola Browne in commentary.
Admission is free with canteen and bar facilities in operation.
Follow scores athttps://matchcentre.premier.qld.cricket.com.au/match/12832-4124527/scorecard/