Gold Coast Thunder fall to Darling Downs in winner-takes-all Schaeffer Shield encounter

GOLD Coast have fallen at the final hurdle in their quest for Schaeffer Shield success, with Darling Downs sealing this season’s South Queensland crown with a 29-run win in today’s winner-takes-all encounter in Ipswich.

GOLD Coast have fallen at the final hurdle in their quest for Schaeffer Shield success, with Darling Downs sealing this season’s South Queensland crown with a 29-run win in today’s winner-takes-all encounter in Ipswich.

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Knowing victory over Darling Downs in their second and final one-day fixture would clinch their first Schaeffer Shield since 2016, the Thunder were brave but outgunned as they were dismissed for 189 in reply to 9-218.

YOUNG LEADERS STAND TALL IN FINS WIN

Their run chase never hit full stride following the early loss of Phil Tunnicliffe, Jimmy Spargo and Josh Nelson, despite a fighting half-century from captain Nic Peterson (57) and a 52-run ninth-wicket stand from tailenders Brad Munro (29) and Aidan Crayton (27).

Connor Brown led the way with the ball with 4-30, while left-armer Sam Winton took 3-55.

Thunder captain Nic Peterson. Picture: Steve Holland

Buoyed by three wins from four Twenty20 games at last month’s Bulls Masters Country Challenge, Gold Coast appeared on track for the title when they easily accounted for Wide Bay on Saturday.

ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT KEY FOR ‘EMBARRASSED’ DOLPHINS

With Peterson (59) and Nelson (65) leading the charge, they piled on 7-323 before rolling Wide Bay for 181 as Crayton (4-36), Josh Reid (3-10) and Munro (2-18) did the damage.

The Thunder will now turn their attention to the Country Challenge T20 final at the Gabba on January 19.