TSS back at peak
ALLROUNDER Tom Gossett and spinner Liam O’Connor helped steer The Southport School back to the GPS first XI summit on Saturday but it was another rising star who stole the show.
Fresh off a haul of 5-7 against Brisbane State High a week earlier, 10B fast bowler Archie Woods bagged 7-11 – including a hat-trick – from six overs as TSS (6-133) secured a 30-run win at home to Toowoomba Grammar (103).
“Lots of practice,” Woods said of his secret to success.
The result, which leaves TSS as joint leaders in the 10B competition, was part of another dominant day for the school as the first XI edged towards a fourth-straight premiership.
With their reign as topgrade kings in jeopardy after a bye and two washouts over the first three rounds, TSS now hold a one-point lead over second-placed Brisbane Boys’ College thanks to a 167-run win away to Toowoomba.
First drop Gossett posted 80 from 96 balls in the visitors’ total of 5-261, with Lachlan Crump smashing 43 from just 37 balls to provide valuable middle-order support.
Left-armer O’Connor (4-36) and fellow offspinner Jack Sinfield (2-14) then led the rout with the ball as Toowoomba crumbled for just 94 inside 31 overs.
With a game in hand over the sides sitting third, fourth and fifth, TSS now hold their title fate in their own hands with four rounds to play.
They will host winless Brisbane Grammar on Saturday.
FIRST XI LADDER: TSS 24*, Brisbane Boys’ College 23*, Ipswich Grammar 22, Gregory Terrace 21, Nudgee 17, Toowoomba Grammar 17*, Churchie 12*, Brisbane State High 9, Brisbane Grammar School 3* *game in hand