No fourth title but TSS upbeat for future

THEY came within a few runs of a fourth straight GPS title, but The Southport School are confident their cricketing dynasty will live on despite being robbed of the chance to complete a memorable quartet.

The GPS cricket season was brought to an abrupt halt late last week due to coronavirus fears, two rounds shy of its natural conclusion. Gregory Terrace and Brisbane Boys College were joint winners of the First XI competition.

TSS fell four points short and could have placed one hand on yet another premiership last weekend with a win that wasn’t to be against Brisbane Boys College.

Despite not getting the chance to play out the season, TSS director of cricket Steven Baker said the First XI threw everything at the title tilt.

“There’s lots of disappointment left, right and centre with people missing sport but it is what it is and bigger things are happening in the world,” Baker said. “In reality, we were probably 15-20 runs off another title. You judge your team on the quality of the guys who didn’t make it and we had lots of boys who were good enough but were squeezed out and have gone on to win best and fairest in their respective teams.

“It’s not the strongest team we’ve had on paper but they gave everything they had.

“It was remarkable for these guys, having the bye in the first round and two washouts to start the season, it was amazing that they got as close as they did. There’s an element of disappointment but we also can’t fault their efforts.”

After winning seven of the past 10 first XI premierships, Baker predicted TSS would return as strong or stronger in 2021.

“The nature of the competition is that it’s a short season and we’ve grabbed more opportunities than we’ve missed,” he said “Eight or so of them have another go at it next year and will have a score to settle so I think we’ll be better for it.”