Limited overs action was at the forefront for KFC Queensland Premier Cricket teams last weekend, as CAM VELLACOTT and LAURA SCHEIWE capture the highlights
The final weekend of the men’s Kookaburra One Day competition promised thrilling matches and it certainly delivered in spades. Wins to Redlands and Valley locked in their second finals appearance this season, while Wests and Uni bounced back to the top after disappointing KFC T20 Max campaigns.
Top three sides Wests, Uni and Valley each finished the One Day competition undefeated, separated only by one bonus point and net run rate. Redlands were one of three sides to register two wins from four matches, finishing three points clear of fifth placed Toombul thanks to bonus points.
University knocked over last year’s one day premiers Norths after an almost costly stumble. Norths batter Scott Palombo (66 off 72) continued to show his class. However, Matt Willans (4/30) and the Uni bowling outfit managed to continuously find wickets when needed, limiting Norths to 211. With a top four finish already locked in, the students looked to chase the score within the 40 over mark in pursuit of a bonus point.
After cruising to 2/152, Uni lost 4/12 before a further two wickets had them 8/179. Fortunately for Uni, set batter Max Clayton (48* off 51) was able to hold down one end as Don Whyte (20* off 8) quickly wrapped up the win. Norths Marcus Bean (3/31) and Ryan Walker (3/46) led the wicket takers.
At Valley, a similar story unfolded as the lower placed Ipswich gave the KFC T20 Max premiers a big scare. Ipswich keeper Matt Andrews (43 off 49) managed to pair nicely with his side’s lower order, guiding them to 223. Joey Pratt (4/42) led the bowling unit, Charlie Thomas also picking up two wickets. In reply, Valley’s top order was ripped apart by Jared Adamski (3/29) and quickly fell to 4/25. Step up Paddy Cotter (117 off 96), who was simply unstoppable in what was one of the best knocks so far this season. Cotter and Tighe Morris (52* off 84) guided Valley to victory, 5/226.
Redlands managed to secure their place in the finals after a strong run chase against Souths. Souths batters Brandon Faber (46 off 44) and Sam Geyer (66 off 63) guided their side to 6/243 at Peter Burge Oval. Redlands lost Jimmy Peirson early, however it mattered little as Sam Heazlett (135 off 130) (pictured) and Liam Smith (79 off 83) put on 190 for the second wicket. Redlands middle order then wobbled in pursuit of the bonus point, however managed to get home 6/247 off 39.5 overs.
Ladder leaders Wests continued their strong form with a comprehensive win over Sandgate. Sandgate’s Jack Cooper (53 off 45) had his side off to a strong side, however it was again Wests spinners who proved hard to play. Soham Sane (4/22), Tom Campbell (1/25), Angus Tolhurst (2/34) and Steve Paulsen (1/5) helped take 8/41 as the Gators collapsed, all out 143. In reply, Wests cruised to victory 3/146, Sam Truloff (52 off 70) and Tom Campbell (40 off 43) leading the scoring.
Toombul finished their campaign with a comfortable win against the Sunshine Coast on Ken MacKay Oval. Peter Burge Medallist Preston White (4/23) returned to top form with the ball and was supported nicely by brothers Jack (2/36) and Tom Balkin (1/37). Scorchers skipper Nick Selman (49 off 97) top scored as his side was dismissed for 209. Toombul managed to chase the score in 30.4 overs thanks to two class knocks from Addy Grewal (74 off 47) and Lachlan Hearne (79* off 61). Grewal’s dismissal was the highlight for the Scorchers, bowler Sam Gardiner flicking the ball back onto the stumps for a very clever run out at the bowlers end.
The Gold Coast finished off their white ball year with a victory against Wynnum-Manly. Hugo Burdon (57 off 79) again led from the front for the Dolphins, while Lachy Aitken (40 off 59) and Brad Munro (35 off 31) helped push their score to 243. Wynnum’s fast bowlers Amitoj Sidhu (5/53) and Thando Ntini (3/32) both impressed for their new club.
Wynnum’s batters Jehan Daniel (47 off 58), Ruben Burger (39 off 51) and Dakota Rodgers (36 off 41) toiled hard, however the Gold Coast’s bowlers proved too strong. Kane Hurley (3/53) and Callum Taylor (3/22) helped dismiss Wynnum for 206 and secure the win.
In the Katherine Raymont Shield, last weekend marked the completition of the 50 over match segment now until January. The weekend results proved vital with University of Queensland and Sandgate-Redcliffe battling for top of the table status. Strong bowling performances were shown by every team once again with bigger scores to come as the competition races into T20 mode next week.
Sangate-Redcliffe travelled north to the Sunshine Coast to claim a successful victory. Winning the toss and opting to bat first, the Scorchers scrambled to a total of 9/172 making it through their 50 overs. A last wicket partnership of 67 from Camryn Barnett (29 off 55) on first grade debut and Carys Underwood (22* off 38) was a club record. The innings though was dominated by in form spinner player, Darcy Johnson takinig 5/21 at an economy of just 2.1 runs. Jess Cremin supported this, only going for 1.8 runs per over with one wicket. Spin was vital in this innings taking 7 of Sandgate’s wickets.
Getting the team off to a strong start, opener and captain Tess Cooper struck 69 runs. Leading from the front, Cooper got her team to 130 runs off the first 24 overs before being bowled by medium pacer, Alexis Lanskey. Coming in at number 6, young Matisse Easton (33* off 31) was able to get the job done with the Gators cruising to victory in the 32nd over.
A strengthened Western Suburbs also travelled to the beach, this time being the Robina home of the Gold Coast Dolphins. Queensland Fire player, Courtney Sippel returned from injury although Ruby Strange stole the show, crunching 52 off 64. Wests were able to post a score of 166. This was helped by a backend knock of 23 from Olivia Steel. Gold Coast quick, Olivia Winter was almost unplayable taking 2/23 off 8 beating both sides of the bat. In form Emma Taylor also picked up 3 wickets.
Gold Coast were unable to follow up their solid performance with the ball, falling 62 runs short. A player of the match performance continued for Ruby Strange as she took 4/19 off 8.5, continuing to get bounce out of a dying wicket. Off spinner, Lilli Hamilton also bowled a very economical spell of 3/29 off 10 straight overs.
Valleys DCC were again unable to string together their first win of the season after being sent in to bat first by Wynnum-Manly. Last years finalists struggled to put on a decent score with newly contracted Queensland Fire athlete, Lucy Bourke top scoring for the side on just 21 off 34 deliveries. Multiple ducks and single figure scores were unlikely to get Valleys over the line as they put on a total of 95. Sea Eagles captain, Clodagh Ryall took 3/15 off 8 dismissing the entire middle order. Spin again proved successful taking 7 wickets in this innings as well.
Wynnum kept spectators on the edge of their seats as they chased the small target, 8 wickets down. Scores under 20 were vital for the Sea Eagles as extras proved costly. Giving Valleys DCC hope towards the backend of the match was Jordan Spilsbury (3/13 off 5). However the off spinner’s three dismissals were not enough to defend such a small total for the second week in a row.
The Courier-Mail has continued with its extensive coverage of men’s and women’s Premier Cricket, as well as the Taverners’ Queensland Under-17 competition.
Their latest report from all the grades is available at:
Taverners Rd 5 report:
