Dragons ready to breathe fire

INDOOR CRICKET: A new season of the National Indoor Cricket League has dawned, as the men’s Dragons aim to repeat their 2017 heroics.

Last year the side took home the South East Queensland title, before injuries hit during the national championships in Melbourne.

Toowoomba Dragons representative Katrina Teske said the men were keen to earn redemption for the season.

“The men’s side is a little stronger than last year’s. A few younger players are in the mix,” Teske said.

“Kieran Gibbs has moved from north Queensland back home, and he has played at a national level.

“Jackson Tinney has played at the nationals and is only 18. He’s another of the young players coming through.

“The boys are out to make amends for the national carnival. They had a few horrible injuries and were barely able to compete in Melbourne. They would have been one of the pick of the teams down there.

“They have been training hard and are keen to get out there and get started again.”

They won’t be the only ones lining up for the Dragons this season, with an open’s women side to line up.

Teske said the time was right for the women’s Dragons to make a return, with an exciting crop of youngsters and state representatives coming through.

“It’s a brand new side,” she said.

“Most of the U14s team is in the open ladies side, and it’s exciting to have them.

“We’ve always had a couple in the state side, but not enough to make up a side to play. Everything has fallen into place.

“It’s pretty fantastic to have such a young side. They’re going to do lots of developing over the next couple of years, and we’re going to be in a good space if we can keep them playing.

“The ladies are really keen. The older members haven’t played for Toowoomba for the last couple of years or at all.

The NICL season for the men and women begins tonight at Action Indoor Sports, with the women commencing at 6pm and the men at 7.30pm. Both teams will take on Victoria Point.