‘Keeper guides men to triumph

CRICKET Far North began its NQ Championships quest in fine style yesterday, smashing hosts Mackay Whitsunday in all three matches.

The open men’s team was guided by wicketkeeper Angus Warnock, who scored 88 off 97 balls at the top of the order, having been promoted as an opener.

Warnock spent more than two hours at the crease and hit two sixes and nine boundaries in his match-winning innings.

Jake Roach (52), Chris Stanger (44) and Tom Lever (39no) also chipped in to guide Cricket Far North to 5/275 off their 50 overs.

In reply, the wheels quickly fell off for the hosts.

Two runouts in quick succession saw Mackay’s opening bats dismissed for one-run apiece and then quick bowlers Blake Raper and Wade Matthews put the foot down to help finish the job.

It was a good day all round for the Far North region.

The under-18 team made light work of Mackay, winning by 121 runs.

Skipper Chris Adams won the toss and elected to bat and then cashed in on a good deck by scoring 54 at the top of the order.

His innings was only outdone by Innisfail young gun Stirling McAvoy, who belted 13 fours on his way to 85 off 102 balls.

Some late hitting by keeper Dylan McDonald (32 off 28) guided Cricket Far North to 8/240 from 50 overs.

The run chase was over as quickly as it began as Mackay was reduced to 2/20 after wickets to opening quicks Nick Rayner and McAvoy.

Wickets were mostly shared by the Far North bowlers, but Liam Bombardieri ended up with 3-22.

The under-21s capped off a perfect day after skittling the hosts for 119.

Defending 176, the Far North side toiled hard with the ball to restrict Mackay.

Opener Peter Beal did the damage, taking 4-20 from his allotted 10 overs.

Cricket Far North were in trouble at 6/45, but some late hitting from Will Robertson (40) and Brendan Falvo (38no) helped the side to a defendable total.

Cricket Far North plays Central Queensland today before taking on rivals North Queensland tomorrow.