Neale flies flag for Darling Downs

SAM Neale flew the flag for the Darling Downs over the summer holidays at the Australian 12 Years and Under Schoolboys Cricket Championships.

The Downs boasted six Queensland reps last year but Sam was the only player to return for a second campaign.

The Queenslanders were attempting to defend the title they shared with New South Wales last summer.

But following some close losses to NSW and eventual winners Victoria, Queensland had to settle for fourth this time.

The top four teams were all evenly matched with only a few runs stopping Queensland from claiming the national title.

Sam’s highlights for the carnival came against the Northern Territory and NSW.

In the game against Northern Territory, Sam’s devastating bowling spell of three for four off eight overs helped his team to a comfortable win.

In the match against NSW, Sam’s contribution with the bat almost helped Queensland to an unlikely win.

Chasing 164 for victory, Sam came to the wicket with his team teetering at 8-132 and requiring more than five runs an over to secure the win.

In partnership with two of his team mates, Sam helped take the match right down to the final over, with Queensland needing 11 runs for the win.

But they fell two agonising runs short, with Sam finishing 20 not out from 24 balls.

The national carnival is being held early this year as it is being hosted by the Northern Territory.

The carnival will be held in Darwin in June, and Sam’s goal is to be selected in the Queensland team for the third successive year.