University of Queensland will head into this weekend’s two-day semi-finals full of confidence after finishing in pole position in the Bulls Masters First Grade Cam Battersby Cup.
On the final day of round action on Saturday, Gold Coast held off a Charlie Hemphrey-inspired Sandgate-Redcliffe to record a 28-run victory and confirm a fourth-place finals berth, leading to a semi-final showdown with University at WEP Harris Oval.
Valley lost in a thrilling upset chasing 301 at home against last-placed Toombul, falling 17 runs short and opening the door for the Dolphins to shore up a finals spot after Hemphrey’s sublime 118 wasn’t enough for the Gators to chase 276.
Ipswich/Logan’s clash with the Sunshine Coast was drawn after only 11 overs of play was possible, enough to secure the Hornets second place over a fast-finishing Western Suburbs, who secured an outright victory over Redlands.
Wynnum-Manly batsman Corey Hunter hit the second highest Premier Grade score in the club's history, with his 212 not out a highlight in a high-scoring game against Norths at Bill Albury Oval.
Wynnum amassed 7-432 with Norths responding with 9-362 as Jason Floros almost bowled his side to victory claiming 5-109 from 28 overs.
Will Crook also snapped up 4-82, with Vikings keeper Tom Healy top-scoring for his side with 84.
Bulls Masters First Grade Semi-Final Previews
University of Queensland v Gold Coast at WEP Harris Oval
Paceman Xavier Bartlett's impressive form for the Queensland Bulls will unexpectedly now be at the Gold Coast's disposal this weekend. Source: Surfers Paradise Cricket Club
The Students will look to continue their finals dominance of seasons past with the bat, but a Dolphins attack including captain Matt Kuhnemann, Xavier Bartlett, Josh Kann, Liam Hope-Shackley and surprise packet Hugo Burdon could pose some problems.
In a massive boost to the Gold Coast's stocks, Queensland fast bowling allrounder and 2019 Ashes squad member Michael Neser will now be available to play just his second Premier Cricket match for the season, after the final round of the Marsh Sheffield Shield was cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Bulls star made 85 and took 2/34 v Ipswich/Logan in Round 4 and will be looking to continue his stellar form for Queensland (33 wickets at 17.30).
How Gold Coast's attack fares against a quality University batting line-up (Jack Clayton, Scott Henry, Jano Coetzee, Michael Philipson, Mitch Fry etc.) will decide who plays off for silverware the following weekend.
Clayton’s 877 runs at 62.64 (four centuries) makes him the dangerman for the Dolphins, who will be looking to make early inroads with Kann before the double spin threat of Kuhnemann and Burdon. Clayton's impressive season has also seen 217 runs at 36.17 (two half-centuries) for the Queensland Academy of Sport in the Toyota Second XI competition as he continues to firm for Bulls selection next season.
Ipswich/Logan v Western Suburbs at Baxter Oval
Ipswich/Logan fast bowler and former Bulldog Sam "Teddy" Doggett shapes as the dangerman for Wests with the ball. Source: Queensland Times
The Hornets will be out to make sure their fairy-tale rise to second place continues for at least another week with a strong home contingent expected to be out in support for their home semi-final.
With an even spread of contributors with the bat, spearheaded by experienced captain Anthony Wilson’s 806 runs at 42.42, a lot will fall on fast bowlers Sam Doggett (46 wickets) and Harrison Wood (37) to get through the Wests batting unit.
Recent Toyota Second XI paceman Doggett made 43 and took one wicket for Wests in their 2016-17 premiership win over University before moving to Ipswich/Logan this season.
In response, the Bulldogs also boast a quality pace battery led by Blake Edwards (50 wickets at 15.38), ably supported by Ryan Tazelaar (33), Steven McGiffin (29) and Aidan Watterson (27).
Captain and spinner Paddy Dooley’s 36 wickets at 19.17 will also provide a serious challenge, while seven Bulldogs batsmen have posted at least three 50+ scores this season to underline their depth.
University also claimed the Alan Pettigrew Shield in Second Grade, setting up a third straight weekend of cricket with South Brisbane at St Lucia.
Students captain Dugie Hill made sure of no late hiccups as his measured 56 from 208 balls saw University face 99 overs, finishing play at 8/179 after passing the required 153 for victory.
Northern Suburbs jumped over South Brisbane (who lost to University) into second place and a home semi-final as the Vikings’ quest for a third consecutive two-day premiership continues to burn brightly.
They will take on Gold Coast at Ian Healy Oval.
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