By Casey O'Connor
Batsman Lachlan Gross has steered Warwick to a convincing 144-run win over local rivals Stanthorpe in their annual Davis Shield 50-over clash on Saturday night at CF White Oval, Stanthorpe.
Gross was the backbone of the Warwick innings scoring 124 runs from 130 deliveries.
He punished the bowling hitting 15 boundaries and two sixes and went close to batting through the innings finally dismissed in the 48th over caught by Dustin Alldridge off a Liam Lanza delivery.
It was the standout batting performance of the game.
On paper Warwick looked to have a very well-balanced side and when they won the toss their captain Alistair Costello had no hesitation in batting first despite the extremely hot conditions.
Although Warwick opener Sean Bryson was dismissed cheaply it proved to be a good captain’s call. Bryson’s opening partner Lachlan Gross has been in great form for Warwick Hotel Colts and brought that form to the game.
Hayden Doherty better known as a bowler played his part down the order scoring an unbeaten 34 as Warwick batted out their full 50 overs.
Lanza was the best of the Stanthorpe bowlers finishing with three scalps claiming the wickets of Gross, Seth Esson and Joey Morris.
Warwick Cricket Association president Andrew Byson said he was pleased to see the team bat out the 50 overs and turn around a disappointing performance in their opening Davis Shield match against Lockyer.
Bryson said it was a good all-round performance from the team.
“Everyone chipped in,” he said.
“It was a good performance with bat, ball and in the field.
“It was another great innings from Gross who has is in great form with the bat, but it was really pleasing to see young Marc Wagner step up.
“This was his best performance at this level.
“He finished with 3/16 from the six over he bowled.”
There looked to be plenty of batting power in the Stanthorpe lineup but unfortunately, they failed to fire as the Warwick attack ripped through the top and middle order.
Isaak Wallis looked to be seeing the ball well before a smart piece of fielding by Sean Bryson saw him run out for 23 which was the top score for the home side.
Bowlers Noah Mackenzie (12) and Dacy Daddow (14) can swing the bat and were the only others to make it to double figures as Stanthorpe capitulated in the 35th over. All out for 110.
Marc Wagner was the pick of the Warwick bowlers and was well supported by Joe Wanger who finished with 2/16 from five overs.
Stanthorpe is still chasing a Davis Shield win this season while Warwick and Lockyer have each won a game.
Stanthorpe now play Lockyer on Sunday 21 January in a 50 over day game at the Cf White Oval. That game will determine who plays in the final.
