http://www.qldcricket.com.au/news/heavyweight-to-meet-in-t20-final/2018-01-12 After plenty of destructive batting performances dominated a highly entertaining Kookaburra First Grade Twenty20 competition, the title chase has come down to two heavyweight sides in Western Suburbs and Sandgate-Redcliffe. On Sunday Allan Border Field will play host to two title winners from last season, as Sandgate-Redcliffe chase their third consecutive T20 title, while Wests will look to continue on from the success of last season’s First Grade premiership (two-day). Both sides have feasted on runs this competition, with top-class players and representative experience throughout the lineups producing several high totals that have provided the launchpad for their success in the T20 competition. Recent Form
Wests lost just one game in their charge to the final, with their four victories coming in comprehensive performances. The batting unit has been consistently prominent, while the bowlers have remained economical and have shared the workload around, taking more wickets than any other side in the competition. Notable performances from the likes of Sam Truloff — whose blistering 122 off 64 deliveries stands as the benchmark of scores in the competition — have provided strong foundations for their bowling contingent, while left-arm spinner Paddy Dooley and allrounder Steven Paulsen have dried up runs and taken wickets with apparent ease. Sandgate have also dropped just the one match, succumbing to the Students despite posting a mammoth 8/202. Leading the competition with the most runs, the defending champions have shown little fear with the bat and have had contributions throughout their batting order as they have posted scores of 234, 202, 225 and 162 when batting first. QLD Bulls player Charlie Hemphrey has been prominent in all formats of the game, while interstate stalwart and former Melbourne Renegade Nathan Rimmington has continued his brilliant season upon return to Sandgate-Redcliffe, taking 45 wickets at 14.60 a piece across all formats. Key Matchup - Chris Sabburg (Wests) vs Charlie Hemphrey (Sandgate-Redcliffe) The opening batsmen of the respective sides have been in great form throughout the season, and their ability to chime in with key wickets demonstrates their crucial versatility. Chris Sabburg has been dominant across all three formats this season, registering centuries in the two-day and 50-over competitions. Despite just three innings to his name due to an injury, his recent outputs in the T20 competition have featured some particularly powerful displays - highlighted by his 75 off 52 deliveries to steer his side to victory against Redlands. The former Brisbane Heat batsman will be eager to set the tone for the innings, however his handy off-spin bowling has proven to be vital in recent times, taking four wickets across the last three matches at an economy rate of 5.25 per over. Add to that some athletic fielding and Sabburg could well prove the difference as Wests pursue a maiden T20 title. Season Statistics (all formats) - 700 runs @ 43.75, 13 wickets @ 29.92 Charlie Hemphrey has cast a prominent figure across the competition’s three formats. Despite missing some matches due to Queensland Bulls commitments, Hemphrey stands atop of the run scoring charts, compiling three centuries, including a career best of 143. Like his opening counterpart, Hemphrey has proven that his abilities extend from the bat to the ball, epitomised by his 4-32 against the Gold Coast to compliment a rapid-fire innings of 63 from just 29 deliveries. Having opened the innings with both bat and ball in hand, Hemphrey has highlighted his all-round capabilities and will need to be firing from all cylinders to help register a hat-trick of trophies for the Gators. Season Statistics (all formats) - 892 runs @ 59.47, 17 wickets @ 26.06 Last Time The only instance that these two sides met this summer brought with it one of the more nail-biting fixtures of the season. Facing off in a one-day match, Sabburg proved the difference as he launched a spectacular 125 run knock, showing off his power with 12 boundaries — highlighted by five towering maximums. He combined with Queensland Bulls batsman, Truloff (58) in a critical century stand. Set 234 for the win, Sandgate looked on course for victory following a 120-run opening partnership courtesy of Matthew Dolan (who top scored with 75) and Bryce Street, before Sabburg triggered a dramatic collapse when he dismissed the latter for 48. Sabburg finished with 3/65 off his ten overs to complete a dominant all-round display, inspiring a two-run win at Trevor Hohns Field. The Final – Tom Veivers Cup Western Suburbs vs Sandgate-Redcliffe Allan Border Field Start - 2.15pm Livestream - https://livestream.com/accounts/9436031/events/8009720 and available through QLD Cricket’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/qldcricket Second Grade Twenty20 Final Before the First Grade final takes to the pitch, the Second Grade Twenty20 final between Gold Coast and Valleys will start at 10am. The Gold Coast Dolphins will be looking to maintain their unbeaten run, while Valleys flawless charge to the final faltered in their last match up against University. Livestream - https://livestream.com/accounts/9436031/events/8009713 With several heavy hitters and big names set to grace the field throughout Sunday, it should be an exciting day of QLD Premier Cricket as the Men’s Twenty20 Competitions are wrapped up.
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AuthorWork experience with QLD Cricket enabled me to begin publishing feature content for a range of digital audiences. Archives
August 2018
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