Mcelligott stands tall to spark boilover

CRAIG Mcelligott has hit his straps and it could not have come at a better time for Brothers.

The Townsville Cricket short-format champions, have proven they will not be an easybeat in the A Grade finals after causing a stirring boilover against reigning premiers Sub Parks.

And it was Mcelligott leading the charge with a classy half century at the top of the innings to lay the foundations for a successful run chase.

Mcelligott finished unbeaten on 67 as the home side chased down 151 for victory at John Mcculloch Oval with five wickets to spare.

Fiery paceman Hayden Searle continued his push for all-rounder status with another late cameo smashing 26 off 16 balls as Brothers raced the clock in a reduced contest.

The clash had been altered due to time concerns with the Brothers innings, which skipper Reece Danaher chalked up to players adjusting to on-field protocols in the wake of the coronavirus spread.

“It was just a strange clash with the slow over rates and the no touching hats, no saliva on the ball,” he said.

“Those little things happened and we lost overs, so it got a bit tight out there. (Searle) got told out there that he didn’t really have time to get himself in. So it was pretty special to watch a guy head out and just start hitting bombs.

“He was clearing the front leg against a decent Sub Parks bowling attack.”

But it was a game that belonged to Mcelligott who has hit form at the right end of the season after returning from a long-term injury lay-off.

“That is two (half centuries) in a row for him, he has really got his tail up heading into finals,” Danaher said.

Danaher also heaped praise on Brothers change seamer Rhys Hutchinson (2 for 29 off 9) who worked well in tandem with off-spinner Herbie Heuir (1 for 10 off 9).

Hutchison took the key wicket of Redbacks opener Dan Gartrell (20).