There's been plenty of action in the KFC Queensland Premier Cricket space, with the opening day of round three of the men's first grade competition producing some interesting outcomes. CAM VELLACOTT runs his eye over last weekend's results.
Premier Wrap-Up
There were a number of strong performers in the first weekend of the two-day season’s third round last weej. Jem Ryan, Nick Selman (pictured) and Preston White continued their strong seasons, while Queensland batter Max Bryant returned to his hard hitting best for his new home at Ashgrove.
It didn’t take long for Ipswich to gain ascendancy against home side Sandgate-Redcliffe. Bowling first, Ipswich openers Adam Smith (2/41) and Jem Ryan (5/40) both broke through early to have the Gators 2/9.
Ryan continued his unstoppable form, removing three of the top four en route to his second 5 fa in three games.
Dismissing Sandgate for 115, Ipswich batters Noah Emmerson (62 off 57), Jack Wood (32 off 22) and Jake Cross (28* off 17) each hit a trifecta of maximums to help launch their side to 8/204d off only 31.3 overs. Adam Smith (2/16) and Sean Lutter (1/10) both struck in the 20.2 overs bowled in Sandgate’s second innings, the Gators 3/53 at stumps.
Toombul’s batters followed up their big score from last game with another stellar batting innings.
Playing Wests at Wests, Toombul’s new recruit and renowned white ball player Addy Grewal (112 off 211) notched his maiden First Grade century.
After losing last games double centurian Lachlan Hearne to be 2/31, Grewal was joined by skipper Preston White (104 off 181). Grewal and White paired for a 211 run stand, the hard hitting batters taking a more cautious approach than bowling attacks have become accustomed to from them.
Jack Webster (42 off 45) and the remaining middle order saw Toombul reach 6/362 at stumps. Wests bowler Hassan Ibrahim (3/59) was the pick of the bowlers.
Much like Toombul, the Sunshine Coast enjoyed a good day’s batting following the 424 run tie last match.
Taking on Norths at Ken Emery Oval, the Scorchers got off to a positive start through openers Josh Matthews (43 off 77) and Alexander Maidment (38 off 70).
A steady run of wickets then fell through Noah McFadyen (2/108), Sam Neale (2/57) and Blake Maher (3/27) to have the match on an even keel at 5/155.
Nick Selman (97 off 204) fell just short of his second consecutive century, partnering with Tom Engelbrecht (102 off 126) in a 160 run partnership. T
he pair took their side past the 300 run mark, shifting momentum well and truly back in their favour. The Sunshine Coast finished 8/330 at stumps.
Big name Valley recruit Max Bryant (88 off 86) registered his best return so far in new club colours.
Coming in early at number three, Bryant hit 2 maximums and 13 boundaries before falling to Wynnum-Manly bowler Tom Eyley (2/59). Batters Connor Nowlan (64 off 110) and Jack Beath (54 off 105) continued to keep up their side’s scoring rate, before the lower middle and tail enders saw Valley reach 7/300d.
With 15 overs to bowl, the competition’s leading wicket taker Benji Floros (1/5) didn’t take long to add to his tally. Callum Vidler (1/19) also snared a wicket caught behind, Wynnum Manly 2/38 at stumps.
Souths openers Aryan Jain (27 off 46) and Lucky Peterson (19 off 43) were starting to settle against the Gold Coast bowlers on Norman Gray Oval, before a direct hit run out from Matt Kuhnemann removed Peterson.
Jackson Smith (3/57) soon after removed both Sam Geyer and Brandon Faber within three balls.
Kuhnemann (2/36) then dismissed Jain, before Smith took his third wicket. Souths quickly falling from 0/45 to 5/52. The trouble continued for the home side Souths, Kuhnemann taking his second and Matthew Revis (3/46) taking his first for Souths to be 7/67. Numbers 8 and 9 batters Connor McMillan (57 off 130) and Ed Leslie (40 off 80) dug in for their side,
McMillan the final wicket to eventually fall - Souths all out 178. Souths struck twice early to have the Dolphins 2/26, however Ashton Gumm (59* off 54) and Caleb Ziebell (39* off 84) were able to get through to stumps and take a handy sum off the total. Gold Coast are 2/119 at stumps.
Peter Burge Oval saw a rematch of last seasons two day grand final, Redlands taking on University.
After electing to bowl first, Redlands bowler Bailey Stewart (2/23) managed to take Angus Lovell’s outside edge, Lovell leaving for one.
It was déjà vu in the first ball after drinks, this time Jack Jarvis (3/44) taking the outside edge through to keeper Leigh Drennan for another excellent catch. Wickets fall for University as they slumped to 5/94. However, Uni number three Max Clayton (90 off 174) was still at the crease and able to put on a solid partnership with Hamish Gardener (30 off 73).
Leggie Jasper Sumner (3/25) then broke through to dismiss Gardener before left arm ortho James Pullar (2/52) trapped Clayton in front. University’s last 5 wickets coming for only 20 runs, Redlands dismissing them all out 186. Redlands are 2/55 in reply, Liam Smith 41*.
KFC Queensland Premier Cricket TOTW
- Ruby Strange 86 (55) Western Suburbs
- Amritpal Grewal 112 (211) Toombul
- Georgia Boyce 86 (51) Sunshine Coast
- Nicholas Selman 97 (204) Sunshine Coast
- Preston White 104 (181) Toombul
- Zoe Cooke 2/24 (4), 49 (42) Wynnum-Manly
- Tom Engelbrecht 102 (126) Sunshine Coast
- Christina Coulson 4/13 (4) Valley
- Tyler Skelson 4/78 (13.3) Sandgate-Redcliffe
- Jem Ryan 5/40 (13.5) Ipswich
- Maddie Duncan 4/17 (4) & 3/26 (4) Sunshine Coast
Each week The Courier-Mail covers the Premier Cricket round with 3-2-1 points from matches. Their latest reports are available here (note subscription required):