Monsoons rain on Central Queensland’s parade
AN inspired opening bowling assault from Sam Collingwood spearheaded North Queensland Monsoons to a 13- run victory in their opening North Queensland Cricket Championships clash against Central Queensland in Mackay yesterday.
The Monsoons looked to be cruising when Norths paceman Collingwood ( 4- 13 off 10 overs) snared the first four wickets of Central Queensland’s innings to reduce them to 4- 25 in response to North Queensland’s 8- 228.
But some tight spin from Herbie Heuir ( 0- 53 off 10 overs) and strong death bowling from Justin Dixon ( 3- 43) ensured the Monsoons claimed the points.
Joe McGahan ( 109 off 133 balls) threatened to win the match for Central Queensland off his own bat, his composed knock highlighted by nine sixes. But his rally ended when he was the eighth wicket to fall, succumbing to a Mark Taviani catch off Dixon’s bowling.
It is the first time North Queensland has won its opening match for several years. The win was particularly sweet after Central Queensland prevailed in a spiteful Twenty20 semi final between the two sides a fortnight ago.
“Sam Collingwood was the standout. He was just at them, no bad balls and tight with the new ball,” Monsoons coaching staff member Rob Parkes said.
“His figures may not flatter, but Herbie was good with some crunch spin at the end.”
Fellow opening bat Brad Stout was also influential for the Monsoons with 52 off 53 balls.
In yesterday’s other game Far North ( 5- 275) thrashed Mackay Whitsunday ( 90).
North Queensland plays Mackay- Whitsunday today, and Far North tomorrow.