April 11, 2017
Murgon cricketers have topped off a big year with a closely fought victory in the South Burnett Cricket Association’s B Grade Grand Final played on Saturday.
This follows hard on the heels of the club’s A Grade Grand Final win a fortnight ago.
The B Grade final between Murgon Diggers and Cherbourg was played at Murgon Showgrounds after being delayed a week to allow the ground to recover from ex-Cyclone Debbie.
Murgon batted first and set a strong target of 179, helped in no small way by Shane Sippel who top-scored with a half century.
Best of the Cherbourg bowlers were Daure Moses and Keith Walsh who each took three wickets.
In reply, Cherbourg started well with opener Tom Langton hitting a solid 35.
But as wickets began to fall cheaply, Murgon looked to be in the box seat.
Cherbourg captain Barry Fisher came in at No. 5 and worked to steady the innings.
He was soon joined at the crease by David Warner who quickly got the scoreboard ticking over.
When Warner fell, Cherbourg’s chances of winning began to fade again until a brave rearguard fightback by Ivan Harrison at No. 11.
As shadows started to cross the ground, Cherbourg needed 15 runs off the last four overs with just the one wicket in hand.
This became 10 runs off three overs …
But then Harrison’s wicket fell to a Ryan Sommerfield ball and Diggers’ players could begin celebrating.
Barry Fisher praised his team’s effort after the game, and thanked Murgon for “a great game played in a great spirit”.
Murgon captain Craig Klibbe also praised both teams, and made special mention of umpire Bevan Badke who is now retiring after 24 years with South Burnett Cricket.
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Diggers’ fast bowler Renee Irvine had another big reason to celebrate at the weekend.
She was named the Konica Minolta Queensland Fire Youth Player of the Year during the Queensland Cricket Awards on Saturday night in Brisbane.
It has been a big year for the young player, who played for both the Brisbane Heat and Queensland Fire while other players were out injured.
Her debut at this higher level of competition provided Renee the opportunity to make a big impression .
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Scorecard
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The South Burnett Cricket Association’s B Grade trophies were presented after the Grand Final:
- B Grade Player of the Year – Kiall Rowberry – 773 points
- Batting Aggregate – Kiall Rowberry – 378 runs
- Batting Average – Steven Kirkland – 42.25
- Bowling Aggregate – Jaden Heness – 22 wickets
- Bowling Average – Craig Klibbe – 10.84
- Wicketkeeper Dismissals – Tom Langton – 11
- Most Catches – Allan Ledger – 9
- Highest Score – Steven Kirkland – 117 retired
- Highest Partnership – Daure Moses/Gene Barrett – 190
- Best Bowling Figures – Craig Klibbe – 6/24
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Perpetual Shield winners:
- Butwell Shield – Trent Riddell
- George Greentree Award – Trent Riddell
The winners of both of these trophies come from the South Burnett U16 side. The Players’ Player award (Butwell Shield) is voted on by each player in the South Burnett U16 side. The Player of the Season (George Greentree Award) is decided by the coach of the U16 side.
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