Stanthorpe and District Cricket Association cruised to a seven wicket win at Slade Park last Saturday defeating Warwick in round two of the Mitchell Shield.
Stanthorpe welcomed back Toowoomba A grade opener Dean Sullivan who scored 41 off 51 balls backed up by Clement Tommy (24) and Nalin Nipiko (20) who also contributed to the chase.
Nalin Nipiko claimed an economical 3/18 off 8 overs in the first innings with middle order batsman Thomas Doherty the only form of resistance for Warwick scoring 34 off 83 balls.
Secretary of Stanthorpe and District Cricket Association Anthony Coup said that the shortened scheduled competition creates a great rivalry between the different teams.
“There are three rounds in the Mitchell Shield then a final,” coup said.
“It’s a great deal for the players as it’s an opportunity for juniors who have gone on to play high division cricket to come back to represent the towns they were born in.
“It’s great that they can play against people from around the different regions,” he said.
The Mitchell Shield has continued for over 30 years, Stanthorpe are the current holders of both the Mitchell Shield and State Shield.
Coup also said that the competition is important for keeping cricket and participation rates high in the country regions.
“If communities don’t support country cricket in the surrounding regions, cricket will effectively die,” Coup said.
“This competition keeps the players going, it is something to play for on top of playing for their own region.
“You have players returning from higher forms of cricket so the standard remains fairly competitive which is great for the competition,” he said.
Stanthorpe’s next Mitchell Shield fixture will be on 4 February against Lockyer.
