Uni cements third spot
Strong first day helps seal finals
CRICKET: University has all but secured the third and final place in the TCI A-grade finals after a dominant opening day against Highfields-Railways.
Round seven action at USQ Oval was initially delayed with surface water on the pitch, however once the covers were removed, it was one-way traffic.
Adrian Delaney and Andrew Johnston launched a two-pronged attack at the Bulldogs batsmen, with the pair bowling all 30 overs as Highfields were dismissed for 69.
Captain Tully Willson said determination from the quick duo was the reason behind letting the pair bowl out the innings.
“We lost the toss and were sent in to bowl after the delay,” Willson said.
“It was a really good effort with the ball and we only had to bowl our opening two bowlers.
“Both took a couple of early wickets, and when they got to about three or four, both didn’t want to come off, and they wanted to get that five-wicket haul.
“It was definitely the plan to come out aggressive. We really needed to put our best foot forward to cement our spot in the finals and get a bit of momentum going into it.”
Delaney finished with figures of 6-23, while Johnston took 5-46 from his 15 overs.
In response, University finished the day at 1/39 with Bryce Priebe unbeaten on 30.
Minor premiers Western Districts showed no signs of letting up against last-placed Southern Districts at Heritage Oval.
Being sent in to bat, Wests found themselves in a minor spot of bother at 3-54 as Darryl Pettit tore through the top order, however they were able to bounce back in style.
Brian May (40) helped lay a platform, as Luke Neale finished the job to score an unbeaten 110 as they declared at 4226 from 42 overs.
Shaun McCarthy was unstoppable with the ball as Souths batted out the remaining 15 overs of the day, taking two wickets and finishing with six maidens from his seven overs.
Northern Brothers Diggers effectively ended the post-season hopes of MetropolitanEasts with a staunch display of batting.
Lifted by Blake Anderson (116*) and Jack Potter, Diggers found themselves in the unbeatable position of 6-271 at the close of play, ahead of day two on Saturday.
IT WAS DEFINITELY THE PLAN TO COME OUT AGGRESSIVE. WE REALLY NEEDED TO PUT OUR BEST FOOT FORWARD.
TULLY WILLSON