Queensland Indigenous Women’s side have fallen 42 runs short of back-to-back NICC Titles, defeated by NSW in this year’s final on Tuesday in Alice Springs. Despite the loss, the Championships have displayed both the continued development and talent of Queensland’s cricket’s male and female First Nations athletes.
Maroons Celebrated At NICC
Queensland's Indigenous cricket teams have showcased remarkable talent and resilience at the recent National Indigenous Cricket Championships, held for the 2023-24 season. Despite facing tough competition, both the men's and women's sides produced outstanding performances and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. QLD Men’s side winning the Spirit of Cricket Award.
The women's team faced off against New South Wales (NSW) in a thrilling grand final rematch. After finishing second in the round games and losing both encounters against NSW, Queensland fought valiantly to defend their trophy. The bowling attack led by Grace Abdy, Tracee Williamson and Shareene McGuiness all collected two wickets to restrict NSW to just 121 runs. However, Queensland's top-order collapse hindered their chase, with Vice-Captain Clodagh Ryall's resilient 29 runs not enough to secure victory, as Queensland fell short by 42 runs.
The men's team entered the tournament as underdogs due to a shortage of batters in the squad, this was compounded by the late exclusion of recent Bulls debutant, Dylan McLachlan. Despite this, they managed to secure a win against South Australia in the round games. They faced South Australia again for 5th place and finished their campaign on a winning note, securing a six-wicket win.
Despite the challenging campaign, the Queensland playing group produced some spectacular results, with several players featuring across the top performers of the tournament. Grace Abdy took the most wickets in the tournament, with 12 at an impressive average of 9.17, whereas Tracee Williamson was the third-highest run-scorer, contributing 157 runs at an average of 26.17. In the men, division, Daley Martin took the third-most wickets, with 12 at an average of 11.25, and Cruz Baker was the ninth-highest run-scorer, with 115 runs at an average of 19.17.
Queensland players received recognition, with several selected in the teams of the tournament. The Queensland Cricket Indigenous pathway continues to grow, offering opportunities for players to get involved. For those interested, contact Kieren Gibbs at Kieren.Gibbs@qldcricket.com.au
Awards and Recognition
- Women’s Player of the Series: Dharmini Chauhan
- Men’s Player of the Series: Brock Larance
- Women’s Player of the Finals: Dharmini Chauhan
- Men’s Player of the Finals: Brock Larance
- Women’s Most Dismissals: Roxsanne Van Veen
- Men’s Most Dismissals: Koby Jackson
- Women’s Most Wickets: Dharmini Chauhan
- Men’s Most Wickets: Brock Larance
- Women’s Most Runs: Dharmini Chauhan
- Men’s Most Runs: Brock Larance
- Women's Spirit of Cricket Award: Western Australia
- Men's Spirit of Cricket Award: Queensland
Team of the Tournament - Women:
- Tracee Williamson (QLD)
- Tahlia Meier (VIC)
- Anika Learoyd (NSW) (C)
- Emily Bowden (WA)
- Grace Abdy (QLD)
- Ella Hayward (VIC)
- Dharmini Chauhan (NSW)
- Callee Black (NSW)
- Roxsanne Van Veen (NSW) (wk)
- Carys Underwood (QLD)
- Aimee Ravot (NSW)
Team of the Tournament - Men:
- Clinton Hinchcliffe (WA)
- Kobe Ross (NSW)
- Brock Larance (WA) (C)
- Brayden Devries (TAS)
- Blake Smith (NSW)
- Ben Patterson (NSW)
- Koby Jackson (WA) (WK)
- Wade King (VIC)
- Brandon Kopper (TAS)
- Liam Connors (SA)
- Bailey Toseland (VIC)