The Warwick Cricket Association 2022/23 cricket season got off to a soggy start at the weekend in round one of the WCA Condamine Cup with reigning premiers Colts going down by eight wickets in the only game played.
Warwick Cricket Association President Andrew Bryson said it was not the season opener that they would have hoped for.
“It was a really difficult start to the season,” he said.
“Two of the three fixture games were forfeited which is very disappointing, and the wet and soggy wickets did not make things any easier.
“Vic Hill forfeited to Allora and Maryvale to Sovereign.”
The forfeited games were a result of a clash between the season opening fixtures and some social functions and for some clubs, a lack of player numbers.
“In the one game that was played there was a big upset,” he said.
“Colts, the 2021/22 premiers, were well beaten by Wheatvale.”
He said Sunday’s game was transfered from Slade Oval to the Greymare synthetic pitch due to the weather.
Colts, who won the toss and elected to bat, were all out for 118 with Wheatvale passing them for the loss of just four wickets.
Colts openers Josh Rutledge and Morgan Bourke got the innings off to a good start before Bourke was run out for 18 and Rutledge fell lbw to Tom Doherty for 37.
Jesse Bohm, (16) batting in the middle order was the only other Colts player to reach double figures. He was out caught by Chris Cantwell off the bowling of Riley Doherty as the Wheatvale bowlers tightened their grip on the game.
Colts were all out for 118 midway through the 35th over.
Wheatvale’s Riley Doherty finished with the best bowling figures of the innings taking three wickets . His figures 3/11 from 4.5 overs
Best of the rest was Tom Doherty who finished with 2/31 from eight overs.
In reply Wheatvale needed only four batsmen before they reeled in the required total.
However, things did not begin well for Wheatvale. There was little chance for the openers Ryan Boal and Riley Doherty to get settled before Boal was clean bowled by Jack Ragh for a duck . The score 1/1.
The fall of wicket brought Hayden Doherty to the crease, and he quickly set about chasing downs the total.
Riley Doherty (19) became Ragh’s second victim when he was dismissed Caught by Matt Kiernan off a Ragh delivery with the score 2/42.
Hayden Doherty was joined by Tom Doherty in the centre and the pair were able to easily knock account for the remaining runs.
As Wheatvale passed Colts total Hayden was unbeaten on 64 and Tom not out 28. It was a solid innings from both batsmen. Hayden’s top score included three boundaries.
Wheatvale’ s score 2/123 from 36 overs
There are no fixtures this weekend due to the long weekend.
Bryson said the competition returns on 8 October when he and the other competition officials will be hoping club’s have managed to get their houses in order.
While Bryson said it was a disappointing way to start, he pointed out that there are often teething problems as the season gets underway.
“Teams seem to struggle in the early rounds of the season as they find their feet,” he said. “Player numbers always seems to be an issue early on.”
Bryson urged anyone interested in playing cricket even if they have not played for a Warwick club before to get involved.
“Anyone interested could contact me (0419 120 998) or email brysonsean08@gmail.com and I can answer any questions or put you in touch with any of the clubs.”
To register for season 2022/23 head to PLAYHQ.com and search for Warwick Cricket and your preferred club.
Junior cricket fixtures in Warwick and senior and junior Stanthorpe all begin on 8 October
