A tempting wide half volley – the first official ball of the 2015/16 campaign has been bowled this morning in Brisbane.
After winning the toss, SUCCs Intervarsity side has taken to University of Queensland’s WEP Harris Oval in their bid to repeat their 2014 success over the powerful UQCC side, with early success, having UQ 5-65 at lunch.
Being led by talented batsman, Jack Holloway, SUCC has travelled to Brisbane with a strong line-up, and a good mix of players ranging from 1st to 5th grade.
The team includes 6-foot plenty left-armer, Dugald Holloway, bustling quick Joe Kershaw and middle order bat, Max Hope, all with first grade caps.
Strong lower grade performers such as powerful strokemaker Jack Maddocks, the ever consistent Jono Craig-Dobson and Hayden Kerr, as well as all-rounder Kieran Tate and spinner Ryan Kurtz, will all be looking to make a contribution.
The team also welcomes into their ranks newcomers Nick Kershaw and Xavier Frawley, who will both bring experience to the side, and 17yo Jake Day.
Frawley and Craig-Dobson have both claimed 2 wickets thus far, with Nick Kershaw claiming the other.
The intervarsity clash commencing today, will provide the players an opportunity to play a rare three-day match against a quality opponent, as they ramp up preparations for the 2015/16 season.
SUCC Director of Cricket, Gary Whitaker, earlier pointed out the importance of the intervarsity schedule to the club and players.
“The boys are really keen to get out on the field and play some really good cricket,” Whitaker said.
“There’s the pride of each university and bragging rights on the line, so it serves an excellent purpose for the guys to know that their performances matter.
“They’re fun games, the boys look forward to it, and it’s almost like a test match for them because they never really get to play three day games.”
UQCC Head Coach, Elliot Ryan said that last year’s loss to SUCC was a strong motivation for the UQ players to put in a strong performance.
“Last year they pipped us so the boys are pretty hungry to show them up this time around,” he said.
SUCC currently hold all three IV Trophies having claimed victories over UQCC and Melbourne Uni, and a draw with Adelaide Uni to retain the trophy in 2014/15.
SUCC will return to Brisbane next weekend for the launch of a pilot Australian Universities Limited Overs Challenge to be contested between SUCC, UQCC, MUCC and AUCC.
** acknowledgement to UQCC for providing parts of this story.