StreetSmarts Schools T20 Challenge Showcases Regional Talent

The competition has two divisions, an Open and Intermediate bracket for both boys and girls with regional teams winning three of the four finals. 

Rockhampton Grammar School defeated All Saints Anglican School in the final of the Opens boys division with 15 balls to spare, highlighting the talent across regional areas of Queensland.

A series of competitions were held earlier in the year for regional schools to qualify for this year's finals. 

Head Coach of Rockhampton Grammar School Mr Todd Wells, praised the team’s effort in a process that began back in February this year. 

“We’re extremely proud of the efforts of our First XI,” Mr Wells said. 

“We played in a Rockhampton T20 competition in term one against eight other schools to get down to a final winner in Rockhampton.

“A couple of weeks ago we played the Mackay regional winner to then qualify to come down here and play in the semi-final and then final.”

Ben Van Bael starred with the ball in the first innings for Rockhampton Grammar, taking 4/18 off his four overs, well supported by Riley McDonald (2/7 off 4) and Archie Clifford (2/22 off 4) who both collected wickets. 

Captain Rory Connor steered the side home scoring 37 off 44 balls while Cayden Kent scored an unbeaten 32 off 30 deliveries, finishing the game in style with a six down the ground. 

“Set up by our bowling and fielding effort, to keep All Saints to 100 runs was a great effort which laid a platform for us to bat well and get the victory,” Mr Wells said. 

Queensland Cricket’s commitment to promoting and growing participation ensures all Queenslanders have the right to play, participate and enjoy the game of cricket. 

“This competition is extremely important for regional schools so that we get an opportunity to play at this level of competition,” Mr Wells said. 

“Queensland Cricket along with major partner StreetSmarts have done a fantastic job putting this competition together and have made a significant difference to the lives of the young men and women in our First XI.”

Joanna Robinson, General Manager (Land Transport Safety and Regulation) from the Department of Transport and Main Roads offered her congratulations on behalf of StreetSmarts. 

“StreetSmarts is proud to sponsor a competition that is producing the next generation of cricketing superstars and we congratulate not only the winners but all the teams that have taken part this year,” Mrs Robinson said. 

“These students also represent our next generation of drivers. We look forward to seeing them continue to excel on the cricket field and on our roads as drivers or passengers.”

WINNERS 

Open Boys Division Winner: Rockhampton Grammar School 

Open Boys Division Runner Up: All Saints Anglican School 

Open Girls Division Winner: St Patrick’s Mackay 

Open Girls Division Runner Up: Matthew Flinders Anglican College 

Intermediate Boys Division Winner: St Augustine’s College

Intermediate Boys Division Runner Up: Matthew Flinders Anglican College 

Intermediate Girls Division Winner: Malanda State High School 

Intermediate Girls Division Runner Up: Shalom Catholic College