Parks and Norths make statement in one-day comp Subs draw first blood

SUBURBAN Parks have fired an opening salvo in this year’s Townsville Cricket one-day competition after scoring an eight-wicket win over Wanderers.

Wanderers were bowled for 83 as Mitch Burton (3-22), Jamie Heit (3-9), Justin Dixon (2-22) and Daniel Gartrell (2-13) all produced devastating spells for Sub Parks.

Guy Brooks (20) and Jonathan Barnes (16) dug deep for Wanderers, who were eventually bowled after 30 overs and looking near impossible for a win.

But hopes were high early in the second innings as Wanderers nailed the quick wickets of Sean Danaher (7) and Daniel Gartrell (3) to have Sub Parks at 2-17.

But Chris Gartrell (48no) and Jamie Heit (20) steadied the ship and after surviving a few scares, they steered their team to a comfortable win inside 20 overs.

“Jamie and Chris batted with a lot of resolve, and once they were set it got a little easier for them,” Sub Parks coach Rob Parkes said. “But we know Wanderers are better than that.

“They had an off day and I don’t think anyone’s thinking it’s going to be all about Subs again.

“It’s only early days.”

Norths won a thrilling first-round match against Brothers after reaching their 188-run target with four balls to spare.

Brothers finished the opening innings on 8-187 as Craig Mcelligott (39), Brendan Haylett (23), Hayden Searle (28) and Justin Rawlins (35no) dug in to hit valuable runs.

Norths started the chase in brilliant form as Gareth Sim (77) and Matthew Mcguire (26) took their side past 100 without loss.

But Mcguire’s dismissal by Brendan Haylett (1-29), followed by Sim’s wicket to Gary Friend (3-27) led to a tough slog for Norths, who lost further wickets in Adam Zabala (3), Bingen Balanzatagui (0), Travis Busch (0) and Aron Tisher (0) to be at 7-146.

It took the experience of John Short (30no) and Sam Collingwood (23) to guide Norths home.

Wests had the bye.