The summer of cricket has now come to a close. This past season has seen many highlights as well as lows for the Tigers premier cricket club.
Only two teams survived the long hot period after Christmas to become semi finalist contenders. Our 4th (2) Grade and 6th (1) teams performed very well towards the back end of the season to both finish in 4th position on the respective ladders. This meant the teams had to play away from their home grounds against opposition teams finishing in top position of the ladder.
Mother Nature played her part and intervened during the games. Whilst the subsequent rain was a blessing to the drought affected areas and was gratefully received, it did not suit the games of cricket. The rain thwarted the chances of the teams advancing any further and both were knocked out of the finals when matched ended in draws.
Overall the club finished the season mid table in the championship points ladder. This was expected to some degree when there was large attrition at the top through players achieving representative status and others moving on. A rebuilding phase is now in progress with the hope of better performances in the next two to three years.
Redlands Cricket recently hosted the Cooper Finlay Cup – a competition for veteran cricketers over 60 and over 70 years of age. Participating players, 16 teams in all, came from all parts of northern New South Wales and South East Queensland. Players were extremely pleased with the organisation of the carnival and enjoyed playing of some of the best fields in the south of Queensland. The Cup was won by Queensland which was the icing on the cake.
Early April will see Redlands host the Queensland U/16 Rookie Challenge. This carnival gathers the best 48 under 16 years of age players from around the state to play in a round robin competition from which the State U/17 squad will b e chosen. Redlands has two young cricketers playing in this carnival.
For more information, contact the Club on phone: 3822 3499, email address: admin@redlandstigers.com or visit our website www.redlandscricketinc.com.au