By Casey O'Connor
The final of the Mitchell shield competition between Toowoomba (who finished top of the table) and the defending Shield holders Stanthorpe was to be played in Toowoomba on Feb 27 however the game was washed out. The Stanthorpe Cricket Association was hoping the final would be rescheduled and played on Sunday, 13 March. There was across the board disappointment when a decision was handed down by the DD&SWQ Cricket Senior Sub Committee to award the 2022 Mitchell shield to Toowoomba. Stanthorpe had no input into the meeting and/or the decision and were notified by email.
An appeal lodged by Stanthorpe Cricket to the DD&SWQ Management Committee was unsuccessful. The original decision to award the Mitchell Shield to Toowoomba without a grand final being played was upheld.
With players and officials in Stanthorpe desperate for the opportunity to defend their title on the paddock an appeal was made to Queensland Country Cricket earlier this week. At that appeal the decision was again upheld in favour of the DD&SWQ Subcommittee.
It is a disappointing end for Stanthorpe players to their Mitchell Shield defence. Although there is a rule covering the contingency of an abandoned final, the Stanthorpe players were keen to replay the final this weekend. Many believe this decision is not in the spirit of the game or the best interest of the Mitchell Shield competition.
Stanthorpe Cricket however will move on with players now focusing on the round 14 games this weekend. Comepitition leaders Souths will play Wanderers while all eyes will be on the game between RSL and Valleys. The semi-final will be played on 19 March followed by the grand final the following weekend, 26 March.
A reminder that the SCA presentation night will be held at the Stanthorpe RSL on Saturday 19 March following the semi-final. ($30 per person and $17 for children under 12). Numbers are required by Tim Harslett asap.
