Queensland Cricket under fire following under-17s Taverners grand final dispute between University of Queensland and Sunshine Coast Scorchers

Queensland Cricket has come under fire from a competing junior representative club after some ‘clear inconsistencies’ surrounding the under 17 Taverners grand final.

Sunshine Coast Scorchers under-17 Taverners 24/25 team. Picture: Peter Town.

The Sunshine Coast Scorchers under 17 Taverners side have been forced to forfeit their rescheduled grand final following months of an ongoing dispute with their own governing body.

The Scorchers finished the 2024/25 regular season as minor premiers before winning their semi-final match against Wynnum-Manly, setting up a top of the table clash against defending premiers University of Queensland in the grand final.

The final, which was set for December 1 at Kerry Emery Oval, was unfortunately abandoned due to poor weather conditions.

Three days out from the scheduled final, Queensland Cricket contacted the both clubs to inform them that in the event of a washout clubs needed to mutually agree on a reserve day as there is no set back up date in the schedule.

Following the washout, the Scorchers committee were quick to put forward their concerns around Queensland Cricket’s request.

Sunshine Coast Scorchers under-17 taverners side after their semi final victory.

The playing conditions state (17.3) No Result: If no result is achieved in the Final on the scheduled day of play, the match shall be replayed on the reserve date as scheduled. In the event of a no result in the Final [including the Reserve Day], the team finishing with the most wins in the preliminary matches, or if still equal the best net run rate at the end of the preliminary matches shall be declared the winner.

“There was no reserve date ‘scheduled’ as stated in the PC’s and therefore no possible contingency plans organised for players, coaches, volunteers etc,” the Scorchers committee said.

“If there was a ‘scheduled’ reserve day in our calendar, then we could have planned accordingly. There was no reference of a ‘reserve day’ included in any of the draft or final draws distributed by QC during the off-season.”

Despite this the following two Sundays were proposed as reserve day options but Scorchers head coach Wayne Anderson said both dates did not suit his side.

“The first date proposed was the 8th of December but we had nine players representing the under-18s Sunshine Coast team and a further two playing in the Wide Bay squad in the Don McPherson Shield,“ Anderson said.

“For the following Sunday, December 15, I was on my way to Cairns to coach the Sunshine Coast under-16s team at the Bulls Masters Youth Cup along with three of our players.”

Sunshine Coast Scorchers Taverners head coach Wayne Anderson. Picture: Peter Town.

Despite neither date aligning for the Scorchers, Queensland Cricket confirmed the match to be played on December 15th with Anderson conceding he and some of his players would not be in attendance for the match.

Nine days before the rescheduled final, Queensland Cricket abandoned the December 15 date explaining to the Scorchers there would be too much pressure on the bowlers’ workloads.

It was later alleged that the 15th wasn’t suitable for UQ due to an absent player.

In an email attained by this masthead Queensland Cricket outlined a new reserve date of February 2 adding the date is final and would not be rescheduled.

“The main principles when deciding the date were Competition integrity (team make up) and Competition Momentum (as close to original final date).”

“With Competition integrity the main guiding principle, the date was selected to allow both clubs to field as similar a side as previously selected (in Dec 1 final). Whilst this date is later than originally prefaced it is the earliest possible that also allows us to follow our main guiding principle.”

Anderson said it was ridiculous to play a final two months after the season had finished.

“I’m certainly not attacking UQ but it’s funny how now that we are without key personnel Queensland Cricket were adamant the game on February 2 go ahead,” Anderson said.

“My side is made up of players from 10 different junior clubs, all of which are now back playing in their local grade or junior divisions.

“All the momentum that we gained throughout the season has gone and the final will not be a true reflection of the Tavs season.”

Given the lengthy delay in re-scheduling the final the Scorchers now have four players unavailable for the match.

Those players include captain Malakai Pearce (broken thumb), Oscar Cawse (ongoing shin injury), Aryan Sanjay (fractured knee) and Elijah Welsh (Gold Coast Suns Academy commitments).

Scorchers captain Malakai Pearce in action. Picture: Peter Town.

Scorchers president Chris Baker informed Queensland Cricket last Tuesday that they would be unable to field a team.

“In respect to some of the balance of the squad, given the players that are out some of the players will not commit to play,” he said.

“It is unfortunate, but we are unable to field a team to play on February 2 and the SCCA Management Committee supports the decision of being unable to field a team.”

Anderson said it was a sour result following a successful season.

“I just want to move on and be able to celebrate what was a great season from a great bunch of young men but Queensland Cricket have taken that away from us,” he said.

The decision means UQ have since been crowned the 2024/25 premiers.

UQ’s semi final fixture against Gold Coast was also abandoned due to rain, meaning they progressed to the final for finishing higher on the ladder but have now been crowned champions without playing a single finals match.

Both Queensland Cricket and the University of Queensland Cricket club had been approached for comment prior to the time of publishing.