We reveal the Toowoomba cricketers who will shape the premiership race

As we enter the business end of the Toowoomba cricket competition, we shine a light on the players from each club who could shape the premiership race.

Brian May bats for Western Districts Warriors. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The Toowoomba cricket two-day season is heating up and with just two rounds to go, we have shone a light on the players set to hold the key in the race for the premiership.

From devastating bowlers to game-changing batters, see who holds the key for your club here.

Brian May (Wests)

After a strong one-day competition, the Bush Bradman has come into his own in the red ball format.

In three innings, he has scored 284 runs at an average of 142.

May has surpassed 50 in every inning this competition and has a top score of 143 not out.

Gurnoor Singh Randhawa (Souths)

Randhawa has come into his own this year and is a solid contributor with bat and ball.

The Souths young gun scored 83 runs in his side’s breakthrough win against University in round 3 so is in strong form ahead of the high stakes contests.

So far this two-day season he has not been needed with the ball but he has proven to be a partnership breaker who can make an impact if called upon.

Across all competitions this summer, he has taken 10 wickets at an average of 16.

Hunter Payne bowls for University in the 2025 Toowoomba T20 Cricket competition. Picture: Allyson Gardener.

Hunter Payne (University)

While it wasn’t enough to give his side the win against Souths, Payne heads into the back half of the competition in fine form after taking 5-45 from 13 overs.

With the battle for the finals on a knife’s edge, his wicket-taking ability will be vital over the next month.

Jake Tarling.

Jake Tarling (Highfields)

The English import has been a breakout star for the Bulldogs this summer and will be a crucial figure for them if they are to make a late push for finals.

His value to the side was at its most evident during their round 1 win over Souths where he made an impact with bat and ball.

Batting at No. 3 he weathered the early storm after making his way out to the middle at 1-1 to score an impressive 74 runs from 181 balls.

He then backed this up with three wickets from nine overs.

Western Districts wicketkeeper Matthew Nunn.

Matthew Nunn (Wests)

The wicketkeeper-batter has formed a dominant partnership with May at the top of the order this season.

His unrivalled ability to protect his wicket has frustrated rival bowlers all summer.

In his three red-ball innings, he has one 50 and one century to his name and boasts a stunning average of 93.5.

Kye Martin (Northern Brothers Diggers)

A wildcard talent, when Martin is at his best there are few batters who can withstand his bowling attack.

He has taken at least three wickets on four occasions this year, with the pick of the bunch coming in the Dragons’ clash with Souths in the two-day comp.

Martin was unstoppable as he took 6-30 from 17 overs, conceding just 1.76 runs per over in a game-changing spell.

Alex Taylor (University)

The University batter showed he is a hard player to dismiss once he gets his eye in as he faced 290 balls across his first two innings.

In the round 2 clash with Met-Easts, he scored 113 runs from 199 balls.

With University winless in the two completed games they have played, Taylor will be a crucial player for his side as they look to sneak into finals with a late-season run.

Ryan Ward hits a boundary for Wests. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Ryan Ward (Wests)

Ward is one third of the devastating Warriors bowling cartel which has torn through every batting order which has stood in its way.

He is currently the competition’s top wicket taker with 13 scalps at a superb average of 7.54.

Ward put the Bulldogs to the sword in Wests’ dominant round 2 victory with an unforgettable bowling performance, taking 7-16 from 12 overs.

No one was safe from him as only one batter managed to reach double figures in a game which will live long in his memory.

If Ward can continue to produce these terrifying bowling performances, then it will take a brave person to bet against the Warriors going back-to-back this year.

Deshaja Yukthi (Souths)

Another Souths game-changer who can make an impact in both aspects of the game, Yukthi has made an impact almost every time he has stepped onto the field.

In three innings, he has claimed eight wickets with best figures of 4-29 from 15.1 overs.

With the bat, he has made handy contributions in two of his three stints, recording scores of 45, 12 and 36.

Aidan Watterson (Northern Brothers Diggers)

Watterson has been a key leader in the Northern Brothers ranks since his return to the club in 2023.

Along with leading the group, Watterson has proven on several occasions he can single-handedly impact the game with bat or ball.

Dean Fry (Met-Easts)

With Met-Easts hoping to go one better this year after finishing runners-up in 2024, Dean Fry will without a doubt be a player the Trojans will turn to.

He has recorded two 40+ scores in three innings and can score runs quickly too, as evident in his 41 from 26 balls against the Warriors.