Weather continues to dog the KFC Queensland Premier Cricket competition, with last Saturday’s play in the men’s First Grade competition limited due to untimely rain. As CAM VELLACOTT outlines, most matches are poised in such a way that supporters could see a raft of sporting declarations and thrilling finishes as teams hunt results, as long as the weather plays ball.
Players Lift Grade Cricket
It was two State stars who shone brightest for Norths on Saturday at the Gold Coast. As the Gold Coast’s seamers Jackson Smith (4/42) and Brad Munro (2/12) ran riot through the top order, Joe Burns (87 off 83) managed to continue scoring freely for his side. It was a contrasting state of affairs, Norths slumping to 4/33 as no other of their top 7 passed 15 with the bat.
Known for his express pace, it was Will Prestwidge’s (50* off 89) maturing batting which was on display Saturday. Prestwidge came in at 6/90 and helped guide Norths to 8/215 at stumps. With both teams separated on the ladder by half a point, it looms as being a high stakes run chase that has big ramifications on the final four placings.
Ipswich escaped what could have been a tough position against Wynnum-Manly, opener Bryn Llewellyn (94* off 193) having his best return of the season to date. Wynnum seamers Chris Lloyd (3/37) and Harmon Sandhu (1/4) took four quick wickets to decimate the strong Ipswich middle order, Ipswich 4/110. However, Llewellyn was steady while Jack Wood (29 off 39) and Anthony Wilson (35* off 38) provided a counterpunch to have their side 5/223 at stumps.
The University of Queensland had their best day of the two day season so far, ripping through an in form Toombul outfit on Ken Mackay Oval. It was a day out for tall left armer Matt Willans (5/29). Willans (pictured above) sent down 17.2 overs, proving nearly unplayable on a wicket which had a bit on offer for the bowlers. Preston White (46 off 92) continued his stellar season, top scoring for Toombul.
The last hour of play couldn’t have been better for the students, young leggie Brayden Meegama (2/7) chipping in nicely as the match turned very quickly in Uni’s favour. Toombul lost 6/5, including two golden ducks. The collapse was highlighted by Toombul captain Dan Cranitch shouldering arms first ball, only for the Willans’ delivery to gently clip off stump. Toombul are 9/116 at stumps.
Souths allrounder Sam Geyer (58* off 137) continued his form with the bat, guiding his side to 5/167 against Sandgate-Redcliffe. Sandgate skipper Adrian Lascu (2/26) led his side from the front and kept them in touch. Despite the match playing the most number of overs (69.1), it was a slow scoring day at Norman Gray Oval. Souths debutant Lachlan Biggs (27* off 90) will resume with Geyer at the crease this Saturday.
Redlands are 2/41 against Valley and there was no play between the Sunshine Coast and Wests.
On Sunday, Third to Sixth grades played for their first silverware of the season in the One Day Grand Finals. It was a carnival atmosphere at both Norths and Redlands, as the Tigers hosted Norths in both Third and Fouth Grades, while Norths hosted Wynnum-Manly and Wests in Fifth and Sixth Grades.
Norths took out both Third and Sixth Grades, while Redlands won in Fourth Grade and Wynnum-Manly won in Fifth Grade.
The Katherine Raymont Shield also enjoyed better conditions, with results in all matches and some stand-out individual efforts.
Sandgate-Redcliffe strode to a comfortable win over the Gold Coast, which delivered a competitive total of 9-144 (with a fine 50 to Olivia Winter) in spite of veteran seamer Meagan Dixon snapping up 4-12 from 10 overs. But a fiesty 92 by experienced batter Tess Cooper saw the Gators to 1-147 from 23 overs.
Half centuries to Queensland squad member Ruth Johnston and former NZ international Rachel Priest was enough for the Sunshine Coast (4-154) to overcome Valley (153), despite a exceptional knock of 74 by rising allrounder Sianna Ginger. Her effort though was matched by fellow young gun Lucy Hamilton, with the left-hand pace bowler snaring 4-19 from 10 overs for the Scorchers.
Experienced UQ batter Anlo van Deventer (68) proved the difference for the Students in a tight clash with Wynnum-Manly. The Sea Eagles made 141 and UQ was able to reach 7-142 on the back of the half century from the New Zealander.
Wests (2-66) had a big win over Ipswich (65) in the other match.
TOTW 10th & 11th
- Bryn Llewellyn, 94* (193), Ipswich, Mens 1st Grade
- Tess Cooper, 92* (74), Sandgate-Redcliffe, Womens 1st Grade
- Joe Burns, 87 (83), Northern Suburbs, Mens 1st Grade
- Sam Geyer, 58* (137), South Brisbane, Mens 1st Grade
- Sianna Ginger, 74 (90), Valley, Womens 1st Grade
- Anlo van Deventer, 68* (95), University of Queensland, Womens 1st Grade
- William Prestwidge, 50* (89), Northern Suburbs, Mens 1st Grade
- Matt Willans, 5/29 (17.2), University of Queensland
- Jackson Smith, 4/42 (12.0), Gold Coast, Mens 1st Grade
- Meagan Dixon, 4/12 (10.0), Sandgate-Redcliffe, Womens 1st Grade
- Lucy Hamilton, 4/19 (10.0, Sunshine Coast, Womens 1st Grade