http://premier.qld.cricket.com.au/pageitem.aspx?id=149308&id2=1&eID=12832&entityID=12832 A valiant rearguard innings from Jack Prestwidge has seen Northern Suburbs force an enthralling draw with Wests at Ian Healy Oval. With both sides missing key personnel to Queensland Bulls duties - including former Test batsman Joe Burns, the in-form Sam Truloff and Shield debutant Brendan Doggett - the visitors dominated the contest early with the willow to lay the foundation for a promising pursuit of victory on the Saturday/Sunday fixture. However, after frontline bowlers Blake Edwards and Ryan Tazelaar sent initial shockwaves through the hosts top order, solid contributions throughout the Norths line-up proved significant before Prestwidge’s defiant effort shared the points on Sunday. Set 351 to win, Norths were left reeling at 2/37 early in the run chase, before patient knocks of 42 from Michael Dawson and Kendel Fleming preserved the home side’s pursuit.
However a collapse of 3/12, inspired by Chris Sabburg’s breakthrough dismissal of Fleming, put the pressure on again. The stage was set for Prestwidge’s determined efforts. Coming to the crease at 6/123, with the formidable target seemingly out of reach, the opening quick’s defiant, unbeaten 47 occupied 171 deliveries as he joined skipper James McPherson (39) and fellow bowler Dane Hutchinson (38) in crucial partnerships with their fortunes precariously balanced. Following the departure of McPherson - the last recognised batsman - Hutchinson played with refreshing freedom, striking seven boundaries in the promising cameo. But when his run out gave Wests a sniff at a result, the onus fell on Prestwidge to rise to the task as the day drew to a close, saving the draw for the home side as they finished 9/237. On Day One, Western Suburbs won the toss and elected to bat. A string of half-centuries from Sabburg, Anthony Atkinson, Steven Paulsen and captain Patrick Collins set the platform for the competitive target, the contingent all assuming aggressing roles after a nervous start. Wicketkeeper Justin Frew fell without troubling the scorers - the first of two victims for Prestwidge - to have Wests reeling at 1/0, before Collins (52) and Sabburg (69) joined in a 108-run stand. The pair came unstuck in quick succession, but Norths relief was short-lived as Atkinson and Paulsen stabilised the innings before going back on the offensive. In a century partnership, Paulsen was particularly dominant, striking nine boundaries including two towering maximums in an entertaining knock of 55, while Atkinson anchored the innings with a composed 66. Despite the commanding performance, the result means Wests are still chasing their first win in the two-day format, while the fightback Norths displayed was enough to cling to a Top-4 spot.
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August 2018
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