Central Queensland has officially marked itself as the powerhouse of the North Queensland Cricket Alliance with a Central Highlands star helping in a big way.
The Central Queensland boys took on the North Queensland Under-18s Zone Championships across the weekend in Mackay where they remained unbeaten in their three games.
After beating North Queensland, Far North and Mackay-Whitsundays across the three-day tournament, Central Queensland were officially crowned the competition’s champions for a second straight year.
Emerald’s Jackson Baillie played a key role in the championship victory, collecting four scalps across the weekend.
While unable to dismiss any batsman on the first day, Baillie continued his work on day two with two wickets against Far North at the expense of 28.
But his best performance came on Sunday when he stood tall as CQ’s best with the ball, producing a spell of 2-5 against Mackay in a tight match.
The championship win was Central Queensland’s third of the season with the Under-18s backing up the Open Men and Second XI victories across their respective NQCA Zone competitions.
The overall performance of the team that was most pleasing for CQ Under-18s coach Jeff Case.
“It was really satisfying because there was a bit of pressure on individuals and the team having to back up from last year,” Case said.
“Three close games, and the more pleasing aspect is that we managed to play as a team really well.
“We didn’t have any standout performers, we had players who played really well, but we didn’t have any centuries or five-wicket bags.
“It was different guys stepping up at different moments and that was really pleasing.”
An opening performance from CQ saw them limit North Queensland to 209 runs across their 50 overs.
Centurions’ Sam Gassman led the charge of the bowlers, taking 2-37 to earn the team’s best figures.
A superb 56 from Colby Rudd put CQ into a winning position, but it would take the batting talents of number 10 and 11 to secure an unforgettable triumph.
When Samuel Graham joined Cayden Kent at the crease, CQ needed 25 runs for victory.
Not only did they run down the target, but the dynamic duo released the shackles after passing the target, ultimately putting on 74.
Graham fell for 33, having hit three fours and two sixes, leaving Kent unconquered on 33, having faced 44 deliveries.
Building off the back of that success, Central Queensland would chase down 211 runs set by Far North.
Gassman was brilliant for the Centurions, collecting four scalps for his team while Rudd again stood tall as the opener put together an innings of 76 runs.
With five wickets in the bag, Central Queensland’s Oliver Spyve (35no) and Joshua Peckett (12no) won the match with more than an over to spare.
And with the championship on the line, Central Queensland defended a low total of 112 to win by 27 runs.
While his bowling was consistently strong all weekend, captain Riley McDonald showcased his talent with the bat as he made a team-high 32 on Sunday.
In their defence, Peckett took the team’s most wickets with three which complimented Baillie’s aforementioned 2-5
For their efforts, skipper McDonald, Gassman and Rudd were all selected to represent the North Queensland Under-18s squad who will collide with South Queensland in April 2025.
