TSS adds victory to long list

ANOTHER chapter in one of Queensland sport’s great dynasties was added on Saturday when The Southport School claimed the prestigious GPS First XI premiership with an extraordinary win over Nudgee College.

Needing to win to palm off a challenge from Toowoomba Grammar School, TSS somehow defended 107 after bowling Nudgee out for 91.

Entering the match TSS were on 43 points, meaning they had to beat arch rivals Nudgee College to ensure they won the premiership from TGS who confronted Ipswich Grammar School.

TGS (207) beat IGS (149), with Ewald Kruger grabbing his third five wicket haul of the season. But it was not enough for the boys from the Darling Downs.

TSS, under director of cricket Steve Baker, has been the benchmark side of the GPS competition since 2010. The college had won nine premierships in the last 13 seasons, including the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014 and 2017 seasons as state champions.

TSS had a remarkable season. Coached by Brad Sperling and with Ross Wallace his assistant, The Southport School recovered from a shock loss to Gregory Terrace to make the running.

TGS, chasing its first cricket premiership since 2005, were coached by Ben Schuhmacher (head coach) and Jason Fenwick (assistant coach). Fenwick was the captain of the 2005 premiership side.

“It had that feeling of a grand final match and Nudgee did not back down,’’ Baker said in reference to Saturday’s nailbiting match.

“They (Nudgee) played to the last ball. Every run was hard fought.’’

He said most satisfying was seeing a majority of his squad come through the college from Year 5. He gave his skipper Dan Statham high praise “for his calmness’’, and coaches Brad Sperling and Ross Wallace for the knowledge they passed on to the boys.

Regarding his side’s defence of just 107, Baker said: “Runs on the board in youth cricket – you can’t underestimate that.”

Baker said on a slowish pitch, the key to the school’s recent run of success were the spinners, batting deep and putting energy into the fielding.