By Casey O'Connor
The weather had a big say in cricket outcomes in both Warwick and Stanthorpe last weekend.
Rain forced the cancellation of the final of the T20 competition in Stanthorpe on Friday night On Saturday, the CF White turf proved a sticky wicket for some as old rivalries were reignited in the much anticipated Stanthorpe City Country clash.
The 50 over contest determining who would have bragging rights for the remainder of the season. Each team had their share of talented players keen to impress.
Captaining the City boys was Ben Staley while Jamie Carnell led the Country team.
City won the toss and elected to bat first on a drying CF White wicket.
City’s innings could hardly have got off to a worse start when opener Neil Perret (8) was back in the clubhouse in the second over caught by Danny Folkers off a Sandro Stefanon delivery. His dismissal brought captain Ben Staley to the wicket. Staley and Jordan Lanza took the score to 35 before Lanza (7) was run out by Lachlan Pill.
Nick Lawer was returned to the clubhouse for a duck egg after facing only three deliveries – the score 3/35 in the 11th over.
Liam Lanza join his captain in the middle with City needing a solid partnership. The pair added 17 runs before Lanza (27) was out LBW to a delivery from Danny Folkers.
As Lanza continued to hold up his end the next batsman, Barry Bulow faced just two balls before he was bowled by O’Reilly for five. With the score at 5/67 in only the 22nd over Sam Dowie came to the wicket. Dowie is noted for his ability to change the face of a game but it was not to be on this occasion. He was out without troubling the scorer stumped by Adrian Hill off a delivery from Tim Harslett.
It was a grim picture for City supporters – the score 6/68. Brendan Barker added 11 from 14 deliveries before he was bowled by Wallis. The final two wickets fell in quick succession. City all out in the 31st over for 105.
Country made quick work of the run chase. Opener Tom Garland (54) set a great platform for his side. His opening partner Lachlan Pill retired midway through the seventh over with the score at 58. Aiden Halford joined Garland in the centre. While Garland was seeing the ball well, Halford was out for a duck. The score in the ninth over 1/68 and Country looked on track for a win.
The dismissal of Halford brought Danny Folkers to the wicket. Andrew Einam did a good job containing Folkers while Noah Mackenzie picked up the important wicket of Garland with only his third delivery. The score was 2/78 in the 14th over and Country had a stranglehold on the game.
Captain Jamie Carnell, not out 13 and Folkers not out 17 sealed a big win for Country in the 23rd over to claim those all-important bragging rights for remainder of the season for the Country lads.
It’s back to business this weekend as regular fixtures continue. Wanderers take on RSL on the CF White oval while on Sheehan Oval Valleys and Souths go head to head.
