Toowoomba ready for Stanthorpe in Mitchell Shield decider

Mitchell Shield heavyweights prepare to rumble in blockbuster encounter at Heritage Oval.

Toowoomba wicketkeeper Sam Healy. Picture: Kevin Farmer

CRICKET: A determined Stanthorpe side is all that stands between Toowoomba and an unbeaten Mitchell Shield title.

The two sides are set for another stirring battle at Heritage Oval on Sunday in the final of the regional competition.

The last time they met, Toowoomba edged out Stanthorpe by four runs at Captain Cook Reserve, with the home side defying a magnificent knock by Stanthorpe’s Jordan Stanza (98 runs) on their way to victory.

Toowoomba has made just two changes from its side that downed Central Downs last week to book a home final, with Brandon Walker and Harry Meiklejohn replacing Ollie Dugdale and Kye Hess.

The bowlers fired on that occasion, with Joseph Fry, Sebastian Knoll, Jace Hudson and Gavin Steger all taking multiple wickets.

Play commences at 9.30am on Sunday.

Toowoomba squad to take on Stanthorpe: Matt Nunn, Gavin Steger, Jacob Porter, Mitch Kelly, Cody Walker, Brandon Walker, Sam Healy, Harry Meiklejohn, Jace Hudson, Sebastian Knoll, Joe Fry

LOCALS GEAR UP FOR DEFINING FINAL DAY

All six teams enter the second day of TCI A-grade round three with a chance of securing first innings points.

At Harristown Park, Northern Brothers Diggers are in a strong position at 3/76 in their chase of Metropolitan-Easts’ total of 140, with Chris Hall resuming play on 46.

Southern Districts sit at 1/10 as they hunt down Western Districts’ 5/186 at Middle Ridge Park.

At Highfields Sports Park, University occupies the crease at 9/123, and will be looking for additional runs before Highfields-Railways get their chance to bat.

Play gets underway at 12.30pm on Saturday.