CRICKETER LOSES UNDERRATED TAG
QUEENS OFFIE ENJOYS ROYAL DAY AT CREASE
MATT Brown may just have made a name for himself but lost a mantle.
The Queens all-rounder proved his value on Saturday when he backed up his 4-29 with his off-spin with a steady 35 with the bat to steer the Cricket Gold Coast heavyweights back into the winner’s circle against Broachbeach Robina at Greg Chaplin Oval.
Winless since Round 5, Queens found their 40-over groove when they skittled the visitors for 108 thanks to Brown’s unheralded spin.
Skipper Michael Durbridge admitted his underrated teammate may no longer hold such a title.
“I think people might take notice of how good of a player he is,” he said of the civil engineer who has steadily worked his way up the grades.
“He bowled well and took wickets – I think he’s just underrated.
“In the field and with the ball and bat I rate him as a really good cricketer.
“He works hard and just gets on with his game.
“He’s a really good person to have in the team.”
Youngster Blake Chapman (2-16) also shined in a five-wicket win – propped up by Aaron Brook’s unbeaten 52 – that suggested Queens may be near solving the puzzle over the 40-over format.
The Centaurs have juggled around their line-up this campaign and were again forced into a reshuffle with several big guns away.
“It’s been a funny sort of a season as we try to adjust to 40-over cricket,” said Durbridge, who conceded he may yet tinker with his line-up in order to give greater opportunities to other players.
“There are signs of guys getting better and better.
“One of the challenges of this format is it’s hard for the middle order to get time at the crease.
“It’s so cutthroat it’s also hard to give your up and comers a longer spell.”
Elsewhere on Saturday, former Bulls player Nathan Reardon blasted an unbeaten 97 to steer Surfers Paradise (8-140) to an eight-wicket thumping inside 20 overs against lowly Southport Labrador.
League leaders Burleigh (2-151) also romped home against last-placed Alberton (150) at Avid Concrete Oval.