Downs pads up for shot at Twenty20
CRICKET: The Darling Downs Bush Bash League will take a rest this weekend with the Darling Downs preparing to launch its Bulls Masters T20 Country Challenge tilt.
The 12-man squad heads to Bundaberg for the three-day carnival, starting tonight and featuring the best regional teams in Queensland.
Coach Kent Reimers said he was confident in the squad that would be making the trip north, confident the blend of youth and experience could get the job done.
“There’s plenty of experience in the side. You look at the likes of Brian May and Troy Gurski, and even Cameron Brimblecombe, who is only in his late 20s, but brings that first-class experience,” Reimers said.
“Then we have a 17-yearold in Sam Neale and another young player in Regan Hoger who is based down in the Lockyer, but his performances in the DDBBL have got him into the side.
“Brendan O’Leary went away but is back now and makes his return to rep cricket here. He brings first grade experience from Brisbane as well.”
The Darling Downs Suns will have to wait until tomorrow to get its campaign under way in three T20 matches, starting with Wide Bay.
Reimers said the side was in good stead, with players having ideal preparation games through the DDBBL’s T20 format.
“It’s one of the reasons we started the DDBBL when we did,” he said.
“Going to a T20 carnival, we have had the chance to seem them in action before we go away, something we haven’t been able to do before.
“A lot of players will have three games under their belt in T20 mode, and with specialist bowlers and batters having a month to adjust, it holds us in good stead.”
The Suns are keeping a lid on their chances heading into the campaign, however are hopeful of a semi-final berth.
A win in the semi-finals would see them progress to the final, which is played prior to a Brisbane Heat BBL match at the Gabba in January, something Reimers said they had their sights firmly set on.
“We know we’ve got the side to go deep into the tournament, and the carrot at the end is playing at the Gabba,” he said.
“That would be massive for our guys.
“There’s a quiet optimism, and there’s definitely expectations there, but we’re trying to keep a lid on it.” DARLING DOWNS SUNS SQUAD: Kris Glass, Cameron Brimblecombe, Brian May, Troy Gurski, Chris Gillam, Matthew Hallas, Sam Neale, Regan Hoger, Shaun McCarthy, Blake Anderson, Kieren Gibbs, Brendan O'Leary, Daniel Pollock, Kent Reimers (coach), Troy Anderson (manager), Gaylene Anderson (scorer), Gavin Fitness (mentor). SCHEDULE: vs Wide Bay (tomorrow 2pm), vs Central Queensland (tomorrow 6.30pm), vs Far North (Sunday 9am)