Cricket Far North: Oh, brother! Atherton pulls off shock victory
Sixteen-year old pace bowler Angus Vikionkorpi showcased his exceptional bowling artistry leading Atherton’s upset victory against league leaders Mulgrave in Cricket Far North’s first grade comp over the weekend.
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Sixteen-year old pace bowler Angus Vikionkorpi showcased his exceptional bowling artistry leading Atherton’s upset victory against league leaders Mulgrave in Cricket Far North’s first grade comp over the weekend.
After his side scored 6-156, Vikionkorpi (3-9 from 6 overs) struck a depleted Mulgrave early in the second innings, claiming opener William Robertson and first drop Vicky Lefty getting his side off to a 3-15 start.
Atherton captain and last seasons leading run scorer, Tom Boorman, then took over the show, snatching the crucial wickets of Kobi Johnston and Wade Matthews and finishing with 4-15 from eight overs.
Mulgrave, missing key batsmen Jake Roach, Justin Reid and Matthew Wilkins, were bowled all out for a season low 65 run total with Atherton retaining the Optimus 1 Insurance Brokers shield.
All-rounder Boorman said Angus Vikionkorpi was exceptional.
“That’s the best I’ve seen young Gus bowl, he was outstanding,” he said.
“He bowled fast and accurate, their was a bit in the wicket and it was swinging off the seam, which makes it difficult.
“When you get off to a good start and take wickets it makes it a lot easier (for me) to come on and bowl during the middle overs.”
Angus’s brother, Finn Vikionkorpi, 14, was called up for his first grade debut to replace Chris Adams.
He made his presence felt, coming in fifth in the order and aggressively slashing established Mulgrave spinner Robertson down the wicket for six.
“He’s not shy of confidence Finn,” Boorman said.
“He put Robertson out of the ground on his second ball which is pretty impressive for a 14 year old.
“He’s just come off two successful rep tournaments (highest run scorer at both U15 boys State Championships in Mackay and the U14 boys NQCA Northern Carnival in Rockhampton).
“He’s strong, uses his feet and is great in the field, we’re really looking forward to see what he’ll bring to the team in future.”
Robertson had the last laugh, claiming Vikionkorpi’s wicket for 18 runs but Finn Vikionkorpi announced himself as one to watch for the future.
Norths v Rovers
Rovers closed the gap on top spot, obliterating an undermanned Norths side with a 134 run victory at Griffiths Park.
Rovers premier batsmen Marcus Berryman (73 runs from 63 balls) and Andrew Phelps (73 runs from 70 balls) put on a game-winning partnership.
Berryman continues to press his case as the best cricketer Far North has to offer, adding 4-17 to go with his batting masterclass.
Phelps has the third most runs in first grade (313 runs) and recently returned from a triumphant Australian Country Cricket championship representing the Brahmans in Newcastle.
Mareeba v Barron River
Barron River moved to third on the table in a tight race for finals, defeating Mareeba by seven wickets.
Barron River bowlers Gerhard Labuschagne (3-15 from five overs) and Jordan Massey (3-9 from eight overs) inflicted damage in the opening innings, knocking over Bandits all out for 79 runs.
Barron River’s Mitch Farnell top scored with 31 runs from 21 balls in a 13-over rapid run chase which secured the bonus point.
Cassowary Coast had the bye.
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Originally published as Cricket Far North: Oh, brother! Atherton pulls off shock victory
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