SUNS SHINING DESPITE LOSS
CRICKET: The Suns will still shine at the Gabba despite a disappointing end to a promising Bulls Masters Country Challenge campaign.
Exemplary play on the opening two days saw the Darling Downs sweep through their pool games with an unblemished 3-0 record.
They were unable to take that form into the preliminary final however, with a rampaging Gold Coast prevailing by 95 runs to book their spot in the final at the Gabba.
Keeper-batsman Chris Gillam said the form of the team was pleasing at this time of year.
“It was a pretty positive weekend,” Gillam said.
“Getting knocked out in the semis is not the way you want to go out, but it was a pretty handy weekend away with the guys.
“Our batting was quite strong. It was pleasing to see Arshvir Singh coming through. He’s a young talent that can really hit a cricket ball. Pieter (van der Kooij) was great opening the batting and really dominated.
“I enjoy batting with Pieter and never batted with Ash before.”
It’s not all despair for the Downs, with the team to play its postponed Gabba final scheduled for January later this year.
They’re set to take on the North Queensland Monsoon in the delayed final next month.
“We’re all looking forward to it. Fingers crossed we can get there and everything goes to plan,” Gillam said.
“A lot of guys are really looking forward to it. You don’t expect it when you’re playing country cricket and it will certainly be something for everyone to put in their memory banks.”