Cricket Far North: Spin kings steer Mulgrave to minor premiership

Mulgrave have edged out Rovers and locked up the minor premiership despite a late challenge by a cunning Cassowary Coast team.

Mulgrave teammates celebrate in first grade Cricket Far North (CFN), held at Griffiths Park, Manunda. Picture: Brendan Radke

Mulgrave has edged out Rovers and locked up the CFN first grade minor premiership despite a late challenge by a cunning Cassowary Coast team.

Mulgrave’s spin master and apprentice, William Robertson (3-18), and Ryan McGrath (3-22), combined for six wickets and a game-winning partnership.

Mulgrave bowler Will Robertson in the Cricket Far North (CFN) at Griffiths Park, Manunda. Picture: Brendan Radke

The spin duo restricted Cassowary Coast to 9-95 after 37 overs, with Cyclones opener Jasran Kalkat scoring a classy 45 runs from 68 balls. stumbled to Cassowary Coast’s bowling brigade as the league-leaders top and middle ordercrumbled to 6-60. Cyclones bowler Pavneet Singh was on a hat-trick at one stage, while vice-captain Luke McAvoy claimed two late wickets (2-35). Two more wickets fell before Robertson (14* runs not out) and McGrath (7* runs not out) ended the game at 8-96 after 24.4 overs, securing the CFN first grade minor premiership.

Mulgrave stalwart Justin Reid said his side found a way to win.

“Both our spinners bowled really well and did enough at the end of the game to get us over the line,” he said.

“Ryan has really come onto the scene this season and has been bowling very well.”

Lethal leg-spinner McGrath has proven he is among the best in the Far North, snatching 15 wickets in 12 matches to go along with his 22 wickets in 10 matches in second grade games.

Mulgrave players celebrate wicket against Rovers in the Cricket Far North (CFN) match between Rovers and Mulgrave, held at Griffiths Park, Manunda. Picture: Brendan Radke

Mulgrave fill-in Luke Bennett took a handy 1-7 from 4 overs and claimed a sharp catch as well as a run-out, while Matthew Wilkins scored a team-high 26 runs from 47 balls.

Mulgrave edged out Rovers by two premiership points, with their strong performance against Barron River at Crathern Park not enough to take the top spot.

“We wanted to get that bonus point in case Rovers secured theirs,” Reid said.

“It was a tricky wicket, the pitch was still wet, one of those where the good balls were just too good to hit at times.

“We’ve never played well at (Innisfail TAFE). Found silly ways to get out with the bat, but we bowled and fielded really well.”

Rovers next face Atherton in the CFN semi-final, with the winner to go to battle with Mulgrave for the CFN first-grade premiership.

Originally published as Cricket Far North: Spin kings steer Mulgrave to minor premiership