By Casey O'Connor
Teams from Warwick and Stanthorpe were in action on Sunday playing Mitchell Shield games.
At Slade Park, Warwick hosted Central Downs while Stanthorpe hosted Lockyer on the CF White Oval.
In Warwick, the visitors won the toss and sent the home side in to bat. Warwick made tough work of it early losing their top four batsmen Captain John Clearly steadied the ship scoring another half century before he was caught by the opposing captain James Sinclair for 52. Warwick were all out for 135 in the 40th over.
The score 7/115 midway through the 33rd over. Chaz Cheatley was the best of the visiting bowlers finishing with 3/20 including the important wicket of opener Mick Bourke (7).
In a thrilling finish Central chased down the required runs with a wicket to spare in the 45th over.
Central looked to be in trouble on a couple of occasions throughout the bat but managed to put together partnerships when it counted most. Rahul Suresh batted well for his 26 while down the order Mac Frizzell’s 22 was invaluable.
Warwick proved to be their own worst enemy with 38 extras giving the visitors a real leg up in the game. Steve Grogan bowled well for Warwick. He took four wickets from his 10 overs which included one maiden and conceded only 26 runs.
It was an exciting game that could have gone either way at any stage. Warwick put up a brave fight despite being down on troops due to Covid.
In Stanthorpe the home side sent Lockyer in to bat after winning the toss. The visitors were 4/38 after but s overs and looked to be in trouble. Captain Josh Raddatz batting in the middle order top scored with 28 as batting partners came and went with the bowlers clearly in control. Lockyer were dismissed for just 68 in the 27th over.
It was a good all-round bowling effort from the Stanthorpe bowlers however Lachie Pill was a standout finishing with 3/5 from five overs.
Stanthorpe were able to chase down the required runs midway through the 13th over without the loss of a wicket.
Chris Perry (n/o 9) was content to watch from the other end as his opening partner Lachie Pill picked up where he left off with the ball scoring a fine half century and dominated the innings. His 50 not out coming off 43 deliveries and included four boundaries and two sixes and wrapped up a good weekend of cricket for the allrounder.
Stanthorpe sit at the top of the Mitchell Shield table with three rounds to play. On Sunday Warwick host Stanthorpe at Slade Oval and will be looking for their first win of the competition.
