Sport
25 March, 2022
Caboolture finish as Division 1 runners-up
CABOOLTURE settled for the runner-up position in Sunshine Coast Division 1 cricket, as a grand final victory never looked possible last Saturday.
Caboolture had one day to produce a first innings win to claim premiership honours, after the first two days of the decider against ladder leader Tewantin-Noosa were abandoned due to wet conditions.
Caboolture skipper Matt Schubert won the toss and bowled first at Read Park, with Tewantin-Noosa tallying 136 runs for the loss of only one wicket in 62 overs.
The visitors agreed to end the game at this point, as it was evident the hosts would bat a lengthy period of time to deny Caboolture any chance of victory.
Although he was pleased the players were able to take to the field last Saturday, Schubert said it was a disappointing way to finish the season.
“The most disappointing thing is the weather didn’t let us have a crack,” he said.
“In saying that, Tewantin- Noosa were the best team all year and deserve their accolades.”
Schubert said Caboolture’s best chance of success last Saturday was to bowl first and put pressure on the opposition by taking wickets, or else it would take up too much time if Caboolture batted first.
Caboolture’s skipper said the pitch was “very very dead” and that the hosts could prepare it the way they liked. “They played really well, we threw everything at them, but they were too strong,” he said.
As a no-result was enough for the first-placed team to win the premiership, Schubert said it showed the benefit of finishing on top of the ladder.
Schubert said his team had its chances to finish in first place, but that a couple of losses in the first part of the season proved costly.
Schubert looked forward to next season, claiming ‘unfinished business’, while the team could be missing leading batter Glen Batticciotto, who indicated he may retire.
