TSS Cricket report card: The star, surprise packet, highlight, lowlight and more

With the GPS cricket season now done and dusted, the Bulletin sits down with The Southport School director of cricket Steven Baker to analyse the season gone.

With the GPS cricket season now done and dusted, the Bulletin sits down with The Southport School director of cricket Steven Baker to analyse the season gone.

THE MOMENT THAT COST TSS FOURTH STRAIGHT GPS TITLE

Overview:

Result: 3rd overall, three wins, two losses, 31 points

Grade: A-

Chasing a fourth straight GPS cricket crown, the TSS First XI overcame a challenging start, including a Round 1 bye and two washouts, to remain in the title hunt late in the season. Unfortunately, the final two rounds of competition were cancelled but TSS should remain immensely proud of their 2020 efforts.

NO LIMIT IN IMPROVEMENT: KOOKABURRA CUP WINNERS

Who impressed?

“It’s important to recognise Year 12s who are finishing up and had a massive impact on our team. Finn Smith was outstanding in the field all season and it can’t be underestimated what he brought to the team. Sam Heathwood was impressive in the field as well with the pressure he builds. Jack Hocart led from the front as our captain and was outstanding all year. Austin Billing offered an incredible training demeanour and work ethic as our opening bowler. What he brings with his work ethic inspires others as well. Tom Gossett and Jack Sinfield also brought a lot with the bat and ball.”

Jack Hocart and Tom Gossett from TSS in the GPS cricket game between Brisbane Boys College BBC and Southport TSS at Oakman Park, Taringa, Saturday, March 14, 2020 (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

Surprise packet

“Liam O’Connor was a standout spinner in a very strong and talented group of spinners. He was a key for us and consistently built pressure. He emerged from a very strong cartel to be a weapon. He earnt selection then really performed.”

TSS First XI Cricketer Liam O’Connor poses for a picture. Photograph : Jason O'Brien

Highlight

“It has to be our double bonus-point win against Toowoomba at Toowoomba earlier this season. That was season-defining for us.”

ROBINSON’S MIGHTY INNINGS: BLAST FROM THE PAST

Lowlight

“The lowlight would be the ill health of coach Ross Wallace who’s been crook. He’s an absolute mentor to the boys. He’s been ill in the latter half of the season which has been very hard for the boys because he’s such an inspiration.”

Jack Hocart from TSS in the GPS cricket game between Brisbane Boys College BBC and Southport TSS at Oakman Park, Taringa, Saturday, March 14, 2020 (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

Final word

“Representing the First XI is an enjoyable time in anyone’s cricket career and a chance to leave their mark on the school but we hope it leads to bigger and better things for these boys. We appreciate the relationships we share with club cricket and they’re critical to us. It’s not the end of the road for them and the beauty of cricket is you can continue to play for a long time. The year 12s who are heading off have done themselves proud and we want them to kick on. You look at the Dolphins’ first-grade line up and more than half of them are TSS old boys and that’s what you hope to deliver as a school. We’re only as strong as what’s being done in club cricket.”