Report card: Who did what for the Queensland’s U17s at the national championships

Report card: Queensland cricket’s best junior prospect crowned dux of the Maroon’s U17 national championship campaign, but who also received honours and distinctions? Revealed here.

Blake Armstrong leaves the field after his 102 not out.

Brisbane Boys College ace Blake Armstrong of University, St Patrick’s Steve Hogan from Sandgate-Redcliffe and a pair of spin twins rose highest for Queensland at the Cricket Australian male national championships which finished on Thursday in Launceston.

HOW THE U19 CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYED OUT

PAUL PINK SHIELD PLAYERS OF THE SEASON - SO FAR

Spinners Lakshdeep Singh (Sandgate-Redcliffe) and Dushyant Thaman (South Brisbane) were outstanding, while the find of the tournament was another bowler - 15-year-old Theo Tsingos from the Northern Suburbs club, Theo Tsingos.

While Queensland did not win Thursday’s grand final against NSW, the championship was a success in terms of progressing the career’s of the state’s best youth players.

Lakshdeep Singh, far left, and Steve Hogan, middle, as members of the Sandgate-Redcliffe Bulls Masters first grade side. Picture, John Gass

REPORT CARD

DUX OF THE CLASS

Steve Hogan (Sandgate-Redcliffe)

Queensland’s captain, Hogan produced a consistently high standard of batting.

He hit 92 not out against Western Australia, 72 in the grand final, 64 run out in the semi-final, 67 against Victorian Metro, 60 against ACT and 27 against Victorian Country.

Hogan, who enters Year 12 at St Patrick’s College, was the team’s most celebrated wicket for opposition bowlers.

More than merely making runs, Hogan’s presence at the crease would have installed confidence in his batting partner.

University’s Blake Armstrong after scoring 70 against Victorian Country.

HIGH DISTINCTION

Blake Armstrong (University)

Twice the left handed Armstrong had a profound impact on the Queensland innings, including his 102 not out in the semi-final against NSW Country.

One of the finest age group players in the country entering the championships, Armstrong only enhanced his reputation.

His left arm spin was also handy, including his 1-34 which helped Queensland narrowly defend its total against Victorian Metro.

Armstrong will be entering Year 12 at BBC and playing in his third season of First XI.

Singh and Hogan from the Gators' club.

GRADUATED WITH HONOURS

Lakshdeep Singh (Sandgate-Redcliffe)

One half of the spin twins - the other half is Dushan Thaman - Singh was outstanding.

A leg spinner from The Lakes College who made his Premier grade debut before Christmas, Singh looked mature beyond his years as he recorded returns of 2-29, 3-56, 1-42, 1-35 and 3-35 leading into the grand final.

Such was captain Steve Hogan’s faith in Singh, he had him bowling the death overs in the grand final.

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Dushyant Thaman (South Brisbane)

Singh finished the championship in a blaze of glory when he took 3-33, including both established NSW openers, in the grand final against New South Wales.

A left arm orthodox spinner from The Southport School, Thaman built pressure for his bowling partner and put his fielders on the front foot.

He started as a containment bowler and finished with eight wickets in his last four matches.

The knowledge he gained in this championship will benefit TSS entering the GPS First XI season.

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GOLD STAR AWARD

Theo Tsingos (Norths)

Tsingos was a revelation at the championships, culminating in him bursting through the defences of NSW No.3 Myles Kapoor on grand final day, and then extracting NSW No.4 batsman Blake Noorbergen who was caught by his Lakes Knights junior mate Lakshdeep Singh.

Theo Tsingos is a Norths and Paddies fast bowler .

Aged just 15 and the baby of the squad, Tsingos was given the responsibility of bowling the late overs against NSW. He finished with six wickets after earlier returns of 2-13, 1-25, 0-27 and 1-39.

ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD

Sam Gassman (Rockhampton Grammar)

The tall Gassman performed with distinction on grand final day with a 10 over rally that yielded 1-26 (10 overs).

He was mightily impressive earlier in the campaign against Western Australia when he took 1-27 from 10 overs, and overall the Moura product and Frenchville club representative enhanced his reputation.

Gassman’s ability to extract bounce and generate pace make him an exciting project player.

Eli Brain batting for Northern Suburbs against Toombul in their Under 17 cricket clash at Ian Healy Oval on Sunday. Picture Lachie Millard

B for BEST

Eli Brain (Norths)

Brain missed out with the bat on grand final day, but was an effective tail gunner across the qualifying games and gave the Queensland innings momentum at the business end. Scores of 24 not out, 51 (against Western Australia) and 23 all contributed to propelling Queensland beyond 200 in their matches.

While he was used sparingly as a bowler, he will return to Brisbane full of confidence ahead of Brisbane Grammar School’s GPS First XI campaign.

Hayden Hamilton was one of the first players chosen.

OH SO CLOSE AWARDS

Hayden Hamilton (Wynnum Manly)

Hamilton, the most consistent batsman in the Tav’s competition, teased onlookers with scores of 12 and 22 around his 52 not out.

He missed out on making runs in the grand final, but the Wynnum Manly Sea Eagles batting ace from Nudgee College thoroughly deserved his place in the side and the experience will do him no end of good.

Theo Tsingos and Theodore Bacalakis.

Theodore Bacalakis (University)

Like Hayden Hamilton, the St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace opener was another who was tantalizing close to impacting matches in a big way, securing three starts - 20, 17 and 39 - against the new ball.

As an elite fieldsman, he contributed greatly to Queensland ground performance with his energy and ability.

HIGH PROMISE AWARDS

Harry Langdon (University) and Thomas Town (Sunshine Coast)

From Brisbane Grammar School, fast bowling strike weapon Langdon snared six wickets

and Town five wickets in five matches.

Both boys would have benefited greatly from the experience in foreign conditions and were grand investments for the future.

Sohaan Sharma of Wests and IGS will open for Queensland U17s.

Sohaan Sharma (Western Suburbs)

The Ipswich Grammar School student bookended his championship with scores of 51 and 48 in the most important match of all - the grand final.

Sharma thoroughly deserved his opportunity after an outstanding Tav’s campaign when he scored 516 runs from 661 balls. He remains a thrilling top order prospect.

WATCH THIS SPACE AWARDS

Rhys Johnston (Ipswich) and Ryan Atley (Wests)

Both wicket keeper batsmen will be liked caged lions for round one of the GPS First XI season after having limited chances with the batfor much of the series.

Johnston is an attacking batsman from Toowoomba Grammar School, and Atley a forceful striker from Brisbane Boys College. Both boys will be huge threats in the GPS First XI season which starts on February 1.