Gartrell bashes big half century
SUBURBAN Parks heavy hitter Daniel Gartrell sent a clear warning to the rest of the Townsville Cricket competition with two seismic blows.
Back-to-back sixes out of the ground at Endeavour Park and on to the asphalt of Mervyn Crossman Drive.
The first brought up his half century, the second ended the game.
It was a trademark knock from the Redbacks opener who finished not out on 59 from 26 balls, which included eight fours and four sixes, as Suburban Parks powered to a nine-wicket win in the eighth over.
“We finished the innings with six, six game over,” Gartrell said.
“There is a fence out there around Endeavour Oval, which it is always enjoyable to get a couple over the top of that. I got both of them out of the middle (of the bat), it felt really good.”
It continues a remarkable run of form for Gartrell who smoked two half centuries during the Mendi Tropical Big Bash earlier this month including a crucial one in the grand final for Wildcatz.
But it is a form line that also defies belief for the Monsoons batsman who admitted he had spent little time in the nets this season.
“I haven’t been to many trainings, which has been a bit frustrating,” he said.
“I was a little bit rusty early on but once I started getting a few out of the middle I got going a bit. I didn’t give a chance, but I got lucky with a French cut early on.”
Gartrell praised his bowling attack, which included a handy spell from teenager Sam Woodbury (3 for 17 off 6), after they restricted Northern Beaches to 79 with the bat.
The batter also praised the efforts of opponents Northern Beaches who have endured a tough start to life in A Grade this season, with back-to-back losses against Wests and Sub Parks.
“It is good to see Northern Beaches in the competition, they don’t have too much experience but it is good for them to have a go,” he said.
“It allows their young base there to work hard and have something to grow into. Credit to the fellas who are there at the moment for hanging around and giving those kids something. Everyone starts from somewhere.”
Barras skipper Mark Little was the side’s best with 15 off the stick and a wicket.