Australian Country Cricket Championships: Queensland wins inaugural Maher-Ravenscroft Shield

 

 

 

 

QUEENSLAND WINS INAUGURAL MAHER-RAVENSCROFT SHIELD

 

By Peter Argent

 

At a pristine Adelaide Oval, Queensland won the inaugural Maher- Ravenscroft Shield by five wickets in a historic first Australian Country Cricket Championships (ACCC) match at a Test venue since this tournament started in 1984-85.

 

Batting first the SA Outbacks produced a solid total of 209 with opening bat Patrick Page Junior from Jamestown top scoring with 58 while fellow left-hander Dan Kerber made 44.

 

 

Minlaton all-rounder Angus Glazbrook ensured the total finished on 209 with a hard-working 34 (42 balls- 1 x 4s) in the lower middle order.

 

Nick McInerney, one of three cricketing brothers who hail from North Sportsman’s Cricket Club in Mount Gambier made 22, while skipper Coby Cornish (17) and Pekina cricketer Liam O’Dea (14) both got starts.

 

Cairns quick Marcus Berryman was the pick of the Queensland country bowlers with 4- 29.

 

Both Jake Roach and Sam Yabsley claimed a brace of victims.

 

The Queensland openers got their side off to a quickfire start before the off spin of Glazbrook secured three quick wickets to have the game in the balance at 3-71. Veteran left arm orthodox spinner Dave Golder from South Gawler Cricket Club collected a scalp to have Queensland 4-102.

 

After Tom Plant effected a run out, the game was in the balance at 5-126, before Joshua Nelson and Berryman batted Queensland to victory with an unbroken 85-run stand.

 

Nelson was the backbone of the innings with a patient 84, winning the game with a six.

 

Berryman added to his bowling effort with 45 not out from 35 balls including five fours and a six onto the second tier of the Max Basheer stand.

 

He won the Player of the Match Medal – named after Rod Johnston (ACCC Hall of Famer from SA) and Gary Madsen (Qld ACCC Hall of Famer).

 

The Shield was named after Kevin Maher and Ian Ravenscroft two mammoth stalwarts of country cricket in their respective states.

 

“It was a wonderful day for country cricket,” Ravenscroft said.

 

“Being a part of the ACCC it helped to promote the game and develop the game rurally across Australia.

 

“The response from the players was strong and positive, enjoying the opportunity to play on one of the great cricket grounds in world cricket.”

 

The patron of Queensland Country Cricket, former Test wicketkeeper Ian Healy, and Terry Svenson, CEO of Queensland cricket were among the spectators at this inaugural and unique match.

 

 

 

The ACCC tournament – Men’s and Women’s competitions – continues this week in the Barossa Valley.

 

Read more ACCC reports HERE.

 

 

 

 

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