Coach praises effort of young Toowoomba side in Mitchell Shield

CRICKET: Toowoomba’s next generation has made an impressive start to its Mitchell Shield campaign at the weekend.

Harry Meiklejohn. Photo: Nev Madsen

CRICKET: Toowoomba’s next generation has made an impressive start to its Mitchell Shield campaign at the weekend.

Coming up against an experienced Warwick side at Slade Park, Toowoomba battled through the extreme conditions to record a 61-run victory.

Temperatures peaked at 37.5 throughout the day, as Jacob Porter (117 runs) and Cody Walker (45) put on a 135-run partnership to help Toowoomba set up an impressive total of 8/280.

Former DDBBL player of the tournament John Cleary was in fine form with the bat for Warwick, blasting 113, however the bowling attack of the visitors was able to dismiss their rivals for 219.

Harry Meiklejohn and Walker both took three wickets, while Jeremy Haaksma chipped in with two.

“It was a pretty hot day for the boys and we’re really stoked to come away with the win,” coach Kieren Gibbs said.

“Our batsmen fired well and partnerships created a lot of opportunities for us to bat deep. Jacob had his first game in Mitchell Shield and he was great.

“He was well assisted by Cody. They batted for a good 30-over period where it was very hot. A couple of 30’s helped set the innings up.

“Harry is only 17 but bowled well, hitting the right areas. Cody normally doesn’t bowl bt he did a great job.”

Gibbs said the effort of the young squad was tremendous given the players they had out.

“Warwick had John Cleary and a few boys that have played A-grade in Toowoomba. They had experience and age on us, but I’m really proud of the boys.

“We had seven blokes unavailable, and there will be some selection headaches for our next game.

“Hopefully the boys can turn up to their local clubs and put some performances in. Ideally this will be used as a platform for younger boy to come into Bulls Masters and Schaeffer Shield.”

The weekend’s other fixture saw Stanthorpe record a 77-run defeat of Central Downs at CF White Oval.

Jordan Lanza was a standout with the bat for Stanthorpe with 77, along with 30 from Ben Staley to help them to 218.

Harjinder Dhillon took 5/27 with 3/32 from Corey Dioth.

Arshvir Singh added 36 runs as opener for Central Downs, while Harry Williams took 3/32 in restricting them to 141.

Toowoomba’s next game will come against Lockyer on December 13, before home games against Stanthorpe and Central Downs in the new year.