Brothers star’s aggression sets up convincing win Mcelligott in control

BROTHERS skipper Reece Danaher is adamant he witnessed the best of Craig Mcelligott as the top order batsman blunted a willing Wanderers attack.

Mcelligott, who returned to Townsville Cricket at the end of last season, was aggressive from his first stroke as he cruised to a half-century and set up a seven-wicket win for Brothers.

It was a stray from routine for the batsman who has tended to take his time working into an innings before hitting the accelerator.

Danaher said the Wanderers side made the mistake of bouncing him early on, which only served to fire him up.

“He was just happy to eat those up, and I guess once you have the momentum it is hard to slow down,” Danaher said. “He was aggressive from ball one, he just took them on and I think by drinks he had put us in a position to win it.”

Mcelligott (78) was well supported by all-rounder Herbie Heuir, who smoked a run-a-ball 41 as Brothers chased down a target of 150 inside 28 overs.

Heuir was also effective with the ball as he stifled the Wanderers’ batsmen to finish with three maidens and figures of 1-14 off his eight overs.

His tight lines put the pressure back on the home side, which allowed parttimer Gary Friend (2 for 22 off 6) to make the breakthrough and Hayden Searle (4 for 37 off 9) to return and clean up the tail.

Despite handy middle order knocks from Jono Barnes (32) and Matt Ahern (24), Wanderers lost 6-26 in the final session to be bowled out for 150.

Danaher said he was not surprised by Heuir’s influence on the outcome, but suggested the all-rounder might have been more fired up than usual.

“I know he was disappointed to miss out on a spot in the NQ Monsoons side, he was out to prove his point,” Danaher said.

“He is very hungry to play good cricket. I am glad he is doing it for the fish, but I think he could be doing it at higher levels as well.”