Final tilt follows sweet revenge

REDEMPTION was firmly on the minds of Northern Monsoons, and they delivered in spades to conquer their past demons.

A six-wicket win in the semi-final of the Bulls Masters Country Challenge against the Gold Coast – the side that defeated the Townsville outfit in a thrilling final at the Gabba – ensured the Monsoons would return to Brisbane in a bid to go one better.

The Thunder was undefeated in the round-robin stage of the competition, however, faced with a North Queensland side out for vengeance, it was rattled early.

Teenager Travis Busch bowled with aplomb, taking two wickets in the opening over and holding on to a crucial catch in the second.

From there, it was the Daniel Gartrell show.

Injury failed to deter the Sub Parks all-rounder from turning in a star performance against the Thunder, scoring 52 off 39 balls in the run chase to complement his figures of 1-18 from four overs.

A direct hit run-out continued his fairytale hitout in Bundaberg, in an effort that skipper Stephen Taylor said inspired the rest of the squad.

“He was actually carrying a bit of an injury in his back,” Taylor said.

“I think he had a thing last year.

“It seems to be an ongoing similar issue but it ironically doesn’t affect his bowling.

“He was surprisingly finding it hard to bat … for him to put up a top performance meant a lot to the guys.

“After losing to them last year, redemption was definitely on the cards.”

Taylor hit the winning runs on his way to an unbeaten 15 in the semi-final, however, he said celebrations were more subdued than after last year’s exploits.

Given they know what it is like to get so close to winning the challenge, the focus has quickly shifted to their final in Brisbane early next year.

There they will face a rampant Suns Darling Downs side that won its semi-final against Far North Fusion by nine wickets with almost nine overs to spare.

Taylor said complacency would not be an issue for the Monsoons.

“We’ll be quietly confident, but Darling Downs are a quality team and we know their batting line-up is quite strong,” Taylor said.