BROTHERS BATTLE AT LONG LAST
A pair of brothers will take their rivalry to the big stage,
THEIR backyard battles are understood to be the stuff of legend, but for the first time in their lives, brothers Dan and Chris Gartrell will bring their rivalry to the big stage.
The Suburban Parks duo, who are separated in age by only two years, will go head to head in the opening match of the inaugural Mendi Tropical Big Bash.
Dan, the older of the two bash brothers, was picked up in the draft by Wildcatz Indoor Sports team owner Kevin Rebgetz, while Chris will don the royal blue of the Reldas Ringers.
The elder brother is adamant he has the wood over his rival from their backyard battles and may know a trick or two to get under his skin on the field.
“He is one of my best friends, my brother. We grew up together and there is not much of an age difference there,” Dan said.
“There has always been that sibling rivalry. On the batting side of things he has carved me up the last few years so it is time I step up and take my revenge.
“I can’t wait to get out there and sort him out. Not too much fazes the big fella, but there will be a few Maccas jokes thrown in there. I don’t think I am game to say too much nowadays, he has got me covered by a few kilos so if I get too personal, he might sort me out.”
Dan will likely open the batting for the Wildcatz, and despite his admission that he has not hit a ball since last season, the heavy hitter has the ability to light up the pitch with the willow.
While he struggled for consistency with the bat last season, he showed what he was capable of in the Bulls Masters Country Challenge preliminary final, blasting a 39-ball half century that included four fours and four sixes.
Chris was adamant the Ringers couldn’t allow his older brother to get going with the bat or they would be in for a world of hurt.
The younger brother said he had been on the receiving end of plenty from his brother over his life, but he was adamant he had the family favouritism.
“We had a family dinner at Mum and Dad’s, I walked in with my Ringers hat on and let him know who the boss was,” he said.
“I sent a message to the family group chat, letting them know to wear blue for the Ringers. Mum and Dad are definitely with me as their favourite child.”
Dan wasn’t so sure.
“I think he is delusional, but I am sure it will be hard for Mum and Dad to know who they will be supporting. It will be a tough decision, it will show where their loyalties lie.”
There is one thing the brothers do agree on though. The Tropical Big Bash franchise format has been well received by both and they are keen to see the competition prosper into future years.
“I reckon it is amazing, all the banter that is coming from club trainings is great. It is going to be really good for North Queensland cricket,” Chris said. “I think it is here to stay, the amount of hype around it has been pretty high. I am hoping it is here to stay.”
In the other opening game at Endeavour Oval on Saturday, the Gold City Bulls will go head-to-head with EV2 Lions. The competition will continue with a second round on Sunday morning, with games running for the next three weekends ahead of the final on September 12.