Far North’s Finest: Duo capture Jimmy Maher-Martin Love Cup

Two of Far North’s guns of the future have have helped North Queensland Country under-16 capture the Jimmy Maher – Martin Love Cup after a thrilling 125-run chase.

Brothers Henry King and Tommy King walk from the crease at the end of the over in the Cricket Far North first grade 40 over match between the Cairns Rovers and Norths, held at Griffiths Park, Manunda. Picture: Brendan Radke

Two representatives from Far North have helped North Queensland Country under-16 capture the Jimmy Maher-Martin Love Cup after a thrilling 125-run chase over South Queensland Country under-16. North’s top-order batsman Jaden Bakurski and Rovers paceman Thomas King were key contributors, with King showing nerves of steel to smash his side home in style with a six off the final delivery, securing victory with one wicket in hand.

King also finished with figures of 1-19 in the opening innings, while Bakurski scored 19 runs from 42 balls, aiding in the chase against a formidable South Queensland bowling brigade.

Jaden Bakurski of the Norths bats during the Mens A grade match against Mulgrave on Saturday. Picture Emily Barker.

Australian cricketing legends Jimmy Maher and Martin Love were present to present the trophy on Monday at Norman Gray Oval in Brisbane and share valuable advice to the players and parents.Maher, who leads the Bulls Masters group, encouraged players to pursue their dreams, citing the successful careers of both Love and himself as proof that exceptional talent is nurtured in Queensland’s regional areas. Love expressed gratitude to all the parents of the players, acknowledging their frequent travels over greater distances compared to their metropolitan counterparts to participate in community and representative cricket competitions.

Jimmy Maher, Kev Maher and Martin Love (l-r) holding the 2024 Jimmy Maher-Martin Love Cup. Source: Queensland Country Cricket Facebook

All players will now turn their focus to the upcoming Queensland Cricket under-16 state championships at Souths Cricket Club, where they will vie for selection in the Queensland under-17 training squad.

Four Far North Guns showcase skills for NQ under-18

North Queensland’s under-18 team filled with Far North talent showcased their skills in a series of matches against their South Queensland counterparts.

Mulgrave’s Kobi Johnston, Norths’ Aidan Firman and Rovers’ duo Seth McGinty and Henry King competed across the three matches at Griffiths Park over the weekend in a fierce fight for the Ron Bushby Shield. At the conclusion of the weekend’s fixtures, all four players were selected for their admirable performances into the Queensland Country under-18 side for a tour to Adelaide in August.

Kobi Johnston and Kev Maher at the Ron Bushby Shield Memorial Shield 2024. North Queensland under-18 v South Queensland under-18. Cricket Far North. Contributed by Kev Maher.

In the first encounter, a 50-over day-night match, South Queensland won the toss and chose to bat. Despite a commendable effort from North Queensland’s pace bowler King, who claimed a potent 4-27. South Queensland managed to post a competitive total of 203 runs. In response, North Queensland fell short by 13 runs, ending their innings at 190.

Captain Johnston’s knock of 28 runs from 39 balls was the highlight of their batting performance.

The second match witnessed a stellar batting display from North Queensland, with Johnston leading the charge with a magnificent 69 runs, supported by Firman’s quickfire 32. Their efforts propelled North Queensland to a mammoth total of 276 runs. The bowlers then stepped up to the plate, with King and McGinty contributing crucial wickets, ultimately restricting South Queensland to 203 runs and securing victory for their team.

Norths Aidan Firman batting against Atherton in Cricket Far North's first grade at Cazalys Stadium. Picture: Jake Garland

In the final encounter, a T20 match on Sunday, Firman was pushed up the order to opener from first drop and shone, smashing 47 runs from just 40 balls. However, despite their best efforts, North Queensland fell short once again, posting 123 runs, which South Queensland chased down comfortably with 4 wickets in hand.

Overall, the series provided a platform for young talents like Johnston, Firman, McGinty and King to exhibit their skills and stake their claim for higher honours. With selectors from Queensland Cricket (separate from Queensland Country cricket) closely monitoring their performances, these promising cricketers made a compelling case for representation for the Queensland representative cricket team, which will be announced shortly.

Far North’s Finest: Rising cricket stars set to shine in Ron Bushby Memorial Shield

Four of Far North’s guns of the future will represent North Queensland under-18 and showcase their sharp abilities for the Ron Bushby Memorial Shield.

Mulgrave’s Kobi Johnston, Norths’ Aidan Firman and Rovers’ duo Seth McGinty and Henry King will compete against South Queensland under-18 at Griffiths Park from Friday to Sunday.

Kobi Johnston celebrating CFN first grade premiership with Mulgrave teammates. Vicky Lefty, Kobi Johnston, Will Robertson and Jake Roach (l-r). Cricket Far North. 2024. Credit: Gyan-Reece Rocha

Queensland Country Cricket President Kev Maher said the rising stars will compete in a 50-over day-night match on Friday, a 50-over day match on Saturday and a T20 match on Sunday.

“ (Kobi Johnston) will captain the side, he is a very intelligent cricketer, and he’ll keep the tempo up and set the standard in the field,” Maher said.

“The bowling attack of McGinty and King will be prominent, both are state under-17 representatives. It’s a great opportunity for them to stamp their mark on the under-19 ranks.

“Firman is a rising batsman of real quality and get a big opportunity at the top of the order.”

All four players will get a chance to put their names forward in front of the Queensland Cricket talents staff and state selectors Greg Moller (former Australian cricketer) and Tony Hampson.

After the competition, selected players will be asked to train on for a camp in September to trial for the under-19 Queensland team.

Separately, Queensland Country cricket will also be selecting a under-18 side for a tour to Adelaide in August.

Elsewhere, the North Queensland under-16 team featuring Norths’ classy top order batsman Jaden Bakurski and Rovers’ demon paceman Thomas King will travel to Brisbane and compete against South Queensland under-16 on Monday for the Jimmy Maher / Martin Love Cup.

Originally published as Far North’s Finest: Duo capture Jimmy Maher-Martin Love Cup