Premier Comp Starts With A Flourish

KFC T20 Max premiers Valley continued their excellent white ball form with a dominant victory over Souths. Australian superstar Usman Khawaja (114 off 119) notched the first century of this year’s competition, classy as ever in challenging conditions. Khawaja and Paddy Cotter’s (43 off 65) century stand for the fifth wicket proved the difference in the match and helped Valley reach 258. Souths allrounder Sam Geyer (4/40) led his attack, while young Saxon Jeh (2/58) impressed against his former club. Valley then proved far too dominant with the ball, Benji Floros (3/46), Cam Boyce (3/27) and Mark Steketee (2/18) dismissing Souths for 131. 

It was a battle between emerging talents as Wynnum’s Rueben Burger and Toombul’s Lachlan Hearne led their sides batting in a tight match. Burger (82 off 100) combined with Grayson Jones (78 off 87) to drag Wynnum from 3/58 to 4/178, the Sea Eagles eventually reaching 8/252. Reigning Peter Burge Medallist Preston White (2/36) once again was at the forefront for Toombul. 

Wynnum then quickly had Toombul reeling at 5/106 (26.2). However, Queensland squad member Lachlan Hearne (90 off 110) managed to mitigate pressure before turning momentum back in his favour. Hearne and Brandon Honeybrook (67 off 65) led the Bulls to victory, winning 7/253 with 13 balls remaining.

Reigning One Day premiers Norths headed to Sandgate to take on the KFC T20 Max finalists and full of confidence Gators. Batting first, all batters bar one for Norths managed to reach double figures. However, none were able to best Blake Maher’s 38 (34) as the emerging Sandgate-Redcliffe bowling unit toiled effectively to dismiss Norths for 207. Josh Creevey (4/51) led the attack, just as his dad Brendan did for Sandgate in their legendary ‘90s and ‘00s era.

After dismissing set batter Jet Liebke (48 off 65), Norths looked to have all but won the match. However, a last wicket partnership of 29 soon had the home side within 6 runs of victory. It wasn’t to be as a Sam Neale (4/27) yorker knocked over Mitch Buckley, Sandgate all out 202.

Wests proved far too strong for a rebuilding Ipswich outfit at Laidley. It was a near perfect start for Wests, as openers Darcy Murphy (3/21) and Tom Whitney (2/16) quickly reduced the Hornets to 5/18. The match was all but over after the first hour, Wests bowlers refusing to let Ipswich back into the game. Tweaker Tom Campbell (2/15) came on and helped his side dismiss Ipswich for 109. Campbell (38* off 36) and Steve Paulsen (52* off 49) then led Wests to victory, 2/113 in 18.1 overs.

Redlands travelled down the coast to take on the Dolphins on their home deck. Openers Liam Smith (57 off 89) and Sam Heazlett (53 off 64) set up their innings perfectly as their middle order then went to work. Carter Pearson (52 off 45) was crucial in seeing their score reach 7/246. Kane Hurley (3/41) and Zac McDermott (2/42) were the pick of the Gold Coast bowlers. 

James Bazley (2/19) then got Redlands off to a great start with the ball, GC 4/77. Queensland contracted off spinner Jack Sinfield (3/28) then took the two big wickets of Hugo Burdon (41 off 59) and Michael Neser (11 off 22) to have the Dolphins in big trouble at 6/101. They weren’t able to recover, Redlands winning by 99 runs. 

The University of Queensland’s fast bowling quarter fired a warning shot to the competition, completely dismantling the Sunshine Coast batting unit. Uni’s Don Whyte (2/21), Matt Willans (1/17), Callum Henderson (2/21) and Will Sanders (4/22) dismissed the Scorchers for 83 in only 20.4 overs at Wep Harris Oval. Uni’s batters then chased the score 3 down, also in 20.4 overs.

A shift in focus has been made to the women’s one day scene for both the Katherine Raymont and Jodie Purves (née Fields) Shields. Convincing wins from front running teams have gotten the season off to a bang.

Sunshine Coast started their summer off against Western Suburbs. A sharp opening spell from Ruby Orchard (0/34 off 10) and Lucy Hamilton (0/27 off 10) made it difficult for Wests to put a defending tally on the board against a strong opposition. Coming in at number 5, wicketkeeper Chelsea Sonter was able to hold the innings together with 50* off 90. Tarah Staines’s economical 2/37 off 10 was vital in restricting Wests to 6/201.

Sunshine Coast made light work chasing down the total. This was led by newly contracted Queensland Fire player, Mikayla Wrigley who struck 92* off 130 deliveries. Hamilton contributed yet again with the new skipper hitting 71* (76). The total was comfortably chased with five overs to spare.

Sandgate-Redcliffe Gators won the toss and elected to bat against Wynnum-Manly following their grand final loss in this years KFC T20 Max Final.

In just 39 overs, the Gators put on a strong total of 241 before being bowled out. Georgia Voll hammered a quick-fire ton off just 53 deliveries. Last season's Queensland Fire Player of the Year will be playing a few more games before returning to domestic duties. Falling just short of 50, Darcy Johnson’s knock also contributed to her team's solid total. Wynnum’s Sam Smithers and Amreen Kahlon both taking 4 wicket hauls for their side.

Tight bowling again from Voll (3/15 off 10) accompanied by young left arm leg spinner, Jess Cremin (4/42) kept the home team to 179. Strong starts from Caitlin King (56 off 73) and Grace Collins (45 off 90) weren’t enough to get Wynnum home.

University of Queensland ventured south to the Gold Coast, securing another comprehensive win. After a strong KFC T20 Max campaign, opening batter Emma Jackson struck a quick fire 47 (26) accompanied by Charli Knott’s 82 (70). UQ finished with a promising score of 6-339.

The second innings saw Gold Coast post 111 in an unsuccessful chase. Kiwi international, Jess McFadyen was struck on the helmet and unfortunately retired hurt on 17. Brisbane Heat star, Nicola Hancock featured yet again for Uni taking 4/27 (6.5).