Lightning hopes to strike twice
CRICKET: As we enter the second round of the Darling Downs Bush Bash League, anticipation is already high for a genuine blockbuster.
Opening week victors Livewired Lightning and Hip Pocket Rockets will get proceedings under way at Cahill Park in Gatton tomorrow.
In a league of intrigue, the two sides showed plenty of promise to start the season, with the batting attack of the Lightning posting the highest score across the board, and the strike power in the bowling ranks of Jared Sippel and Darcy Murphy coming to the fore.
Lighnting bowler Paul Toohey said they were able to make an impact on both sides of the ball.
“We’ve got a really balanced side. We have good options with the bat and ball which makes a big difference in a format like Twenty20,” Toohey said.
“The wicket was good at Captain Cook, and we were able to build some good partnerships with the bat and take some early wickets.
“If you put a total on the board that makes them chase close to eight an over, a good couple of overs with the ball will make it difficult to chase down.”
He expects a strong showing from the Rockets tomorrow, who possess depth across the board.
“They’ve actually got a really good side,” Toohey said.
“They’ve been touted as one of the stronger sides in the competition. They’ve got quality bats with Gillo (Chris Gillam) and Blake Anderson, so they tick a lot of boxes.
“In saying that, we’re happy with the way we were able to build partnerships last week.
“Jack Potter carried his bat through the innings, Anthony Wilson did his job up the top and Watton (Aidan Watterson) finished it off.”
The significance of being a part of the Lightning stretches beyond the pitch for Toohey, who is relishing the opportunity to play with nephews Sam and Luke Neale.
In the later game at Cahill Park, the Valley Raptors will look to take their record to 2-0 when coming up against the Liebke Lions.
The Raptors were spearheaded by the bowling of Ben Gibson in their defeat of the George Banks Umbrellas, who finished with figures of 4-14, earning him gold cap honours.
The Lions fought their way back from a seemingly hopeless position against the Rockets, before going down on the final ball of the match.
Closer to home at Captain Cook Reserve, both the Aidacare Aztecs and Umbrellas will look to pick up their first win of the DDBBL season.