DDSWQ PREVAILS WITH SHIELD WIN
CRICKET: Darling Downs South West Queensland has capped off a memorable weekend with a nail-biting Schaeffer Shield final win over the Gold Coast. After batting first, DDSWQ recovered from the early loss of Kriss Glass and Chris Hall after Aaron Paul (65) and Chris Gillam (49) were able to steady the ship with a 100-run third wicket partnership. A solid performance from the middle order, including 36 from Matt Hallas helped the Downs see out their innings at 9-235 from 50 overs. With the bowlers seemingly in control Gold Coast were under the pump at 8-163 with just 10 overs remaining, however, a late fightback had DDSWQ on their toes. They were able to steady proceedings however, dismissing their opponents for 221 with 12 balls remaining. Coach Kent Reimers said the win was a terrific reward for the turnaround cricket on the Downs has been able to achieve. “A couple of years ago we only had a few guys to choose from and there was only really that core that stuck at it for years with no reward,” he said. “This is the reward for this team, and for blokes like Shaun McCarthy and Matt Dennis who weren’t playing but deserve to be a part of this victory as anyone.”
Reimers said the efforts on both sides of the ball throughout the group stage was a key to remaining unbeaten.
“We’ve bowled supremely well. Cam Brimblecome was unbelievable opening the bowling and we’ve been able to pin them down with the spinners,” he said.
“It makes it easier when teams have been kept to around the 120 mark and we’ve been able to chase the runs
quite comfortably.
“In saying that we’ve gone out and been positive in the
run chases and guys travelling at 6-8 runs per over has made it easier for ourselves.”
DDSWQ booked their spot in the decider courtesy of three outstanding performances in the group stage with the Twenty20 format in play.
In their opening encounter the Downs were able to restrict Gold Coast to 3-121 from their 20 overs, chasing down the total with eight balls to spare.
They backed that up in their second game, again chasing down a total of 125 with ease, dropping just two wickets.
Their spot in the final was solidified after a comfortable nine wicket defeat of the South East Queensland U21s.