The big wet that swept south-east Queensland last week saw just a handful of fortunate cricketers in action across the KFC Queensland Premier Cricket competition. But as LAURA SCHEIWE and CAM VELLACOTT outlines, there is much to play for as the competition's season mid-point looms.
Players Overcome Wet Weather
Following an exciting T20 finals series, the One Day portion of the Katherine Raymont Shield continued last Sunday. However a week consisting of some serious rain saw only one match go ahead.
Wynnum-Manly (pictured above in the KFC T20 Max) took on the Sunshine Coast at Bill Albury Oval as the 50 over format returned.
After winning the toss, the Scorchers sent their opposition into bat proving a smart decision.
Early trouble struck Wynnum with a consistent flow of wickets from one end. Holding the innings together, Toowoomba local Abi McCray struck an important 48 (67). Moving to the opening position, McCray played an array of shots although the other Sea-Eagles were unable to stick around.
An impressive spell from Catherine White (4/15 off 7.2) prevented Wynnum from putting together a competitive total as they stumbled to 10/112.
White also competed for South Country this week in the Jonassen-Kimmince Shield and was awarded selection in the Queensland Country Side. This side will travel to the Barossa Valley in January for the National Country Championships.
Although only chasing a small total, Sunshine Coast struggled at times due to some superb bowling from Wynnum-Manly.
Ruby Orchard top-scored for her team as she hit 22 off 39 deliveries before being dismissed by Queensland Under-19 leg-spinner Amreen Kahlon (2/24 off 8.3).
Hannah Tucker has continued to go from strength to strength this season with 3/14 at an economy of just 1.75. Tucker has already taken 19 wickets this season and is averaging 31.14 with the bat.
A crucial tailend effort from Peyton Meredith (15* off 44) and Carys Underwood (11* off 43) saw the Sunshine Coast chase down the total in the 37th over.
The University of Queensland are holding onto top spot in the 50 over format on 22 points after recently winning the T20 Shield as well.
Sandgate-Redcliffe are tailing closely also on 22 points, only behind on net run rate. Sunshine Coast sit at third place on 13 points. Western Suburbs, Wynnum-Manly, and the Gold Coast are all sitting on one victory while Valleys are yet to register a one-day win.
In the men's two-day competition, a successful return to bowling by Gurinder Sandhu off the back of a frustrating battle with a calf injury, was a highlght on an otherwise dismal Saturday with rain a constant threat around Brisbane.
The Gold Coast hosted their coastal counterparts on Bill Pippen Oval. Batting first, Dolphins skipper Hugo Burdon (84 off 112) played almost a lone hand at the top of the order to get his side to 5/149. However, just as the Scorchers looked to gain some ascendancy, Callum Taylor (61 off 102) and Brad Munro (96 off 77) combined to steer the Dolphins to 6/286.
On debut in First Grade, young Scorchers quick Zac Murray (7/90) had a remarkable day and led his side’s attack brilliantly. His contribution left the Dolphins 9/304d. With only two overs to bowl in the day, the Dolphins managed to snare a wicket. The Sunshine Coast will resume 1/1.
Souths won the toss and sent Ipswich into bat on Norman Gray Oval. In trying conditions, only one Ipswich batter, Jack Wood (48 off 39) managed to pass into double digits. Gurinder Sandhu (7/26) was simply unplayable, the former Australian quick back to his seaming best. Sam Geyer (3/42) chipped in to help have Ipswich all out 108.
Souths batting unit then fought their way past the score through Logan Duval (34 off 50), Aryan Jain (33 off 73) and Sandhu (26 off 42). Souths were eventually dismissed for 167. The day comprised of 20 wickets for 275 runs – 17 batters failing to pass 10 runs. Safe to say spectators saw plenty of action! This match is a fantastic opportunity for either side to claim outright points and gain some confidence heading into the last two games before Christmas.