Fusion run riot for fifth in a row
Angus Warnock’s performance with the bat a standout for Far North
LUSTY late-order blows from Dan Freebody and a standout tournament from Angus Warnock have led the Far North to their fifth consecutive NQ Championship after skittling North Queensland out for a paltry 72 runs yesterday.
After starting off the tournament with a dashing 88 against hosts Mackay, Warnock again set the tone in the final match with a blistering 45 off 50 balls as the reigning champions amassed 200 in the first innings.
The keeper’s assertive starts and safe hands kept the Far North on the front foot all weekend, skipper Mick Salerno said.
“Gus has been around the scene for a long time and has been fantastic with the bat this season locally too,” he said. “He got great starts and took pressure off our middle order.
“With Dan Freebody at the back end of the innings, he really put us over the top with some big hits that really helped late in our innings.
“He showed he belongs at this level, I think.”
Warnock’s good form was rewarded with selection in the North Queensland representative squad alongside fellow Far Northerners Jake Roach, Chris Stanger and Salerno.
But coach Wade Frazer said he was disappointed opening bowlers Wade Matthews and Blake Raper weren’t named in the team.
“They’re probably both a little unlucky,” Frazer said of the duo. “We bowled every team out within our allotted overs, and they had a big hand, taking wickets and building pressure throughout.”
With the squad unable to catch a direct flight from Mackay to Cairns, Salerno said the side would have plenty of time to savour its three wins in three days.
“We’re all a bit sore but to be undefeated is great,” he said.
“We spoke about momentum and the importance of putting competitive scores on the board.
“Because we finished early, we’ve had a chance to soak up the sense of occasion in the change rooms.
“We’ve got a couple of flights now though, so we’ll have a few more beers at the airport to celebrate.”
Atherton batsmen Paul Nasser was named in the North Queensland under-21s team.
GUS HAS BEEN AROUND THE SCENE FOR A LONG TIME AND HAS BEEN FANTASTIC WITH THE BAT THIS SEASON LOCALLY TOO
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