Frank Benner Cup U13s Quarter Final

Thornbury Blues (102-9) lost to Rockhampton (129-4) by 27 runs

ROCKHAMPTON’S impressive cup form took them into semi-final stage again, this time in the Frank Benner Cup.

Their previous last four clash in the regional national cup was decided in unfortunate circumstances with a toss of a coin, going their opponents’ way.

Thornbury initially began well, making a very early breakthrough, but then two Sams, Long and Maskell, batted with high tempo in a stand of 63 from just eight overs.

When Maskell was run out for a sprightly 28 and Cameron Gander soon followed with seven, Thornbury sniffed a chance.

Long timed the ball nicely in his well-paced 35 retired with Jamie Alexander and James Rogers continuing the good team batting display with 16 and 19 not out respectively.

Alfie Bradley and Harrison Wheeler picked up a wicket each for Thornbury, with Toby Humpries and Bradley running out a batsman each with good, accurate throws.

In response Thornbury Blue were under the pump from the first over as James Rogers took two wickets.

The first few wickets set the tone for the disciplined fielding display as Louie Wanless took a difficult chance low down at mid-on.

Humphries and Reece Price both made good starts, but Nathan Sanders was the only batsman to show resistance, applying himself in a gutsy 37 retired. James Warnock was equally involved in blowing away Thornbury’s front line batsmen, claiming 2-10 from two overs.

Long and Alexander went for seven runs between them in four overs and picked up a wicket each.

Luke Scarbrough picked up a wicket as the home side finished well short.