The last of the Knox Shield encounters was in Dalby and Goondiwindi were sent in on a “green top”. Life in the middle was very uncomfortable for the openers Sam Dight 55 and Karl Jackson 31 but they weathered the storm and got Goondiwindi off to a great start losing the 1st wicket for 66. Wickets were then lost at regular intervals however a late dash by Shaun Brennan 28 not out ensured the target was respectable at 8/210. Dylan Jones on debut soon had Dalby in trouble at 4/55 with a brilliant spell of aggressive express bowling that saw him snare 4/47. Just when the game was drifting away back for his 2nd spell came Ian Jones with 2 wickets in 2 balls to end any hope Dalby had of winning and were bowled out for 176.

The three wins from three starts meant Goondiwindi had the honour of hosting the Knox Shield final against a Chinchilla team hungry for revenge. For the 1st time in the series Goondiwindi had to bowl 1st and it was again Dylan Jones who together with Deadman opened the bowling. Dylan again stood up and although a little expensive still ended with 3/45. When Deadman broke down with a hamstring strain it was left to Ian Jones 2/31 and Andrew Yates 2/30 to bowl Chinchilla out in the 50th over for 196. The reply was anything but convincing and all looked lost at 6/93 but no one told Mick Maher or Chris Devine the game was over. Their 71 run partnership was one of the most important ever seen in Goondiwindi rep cricket and when the target was reached Goondiwindi had lost 8 wickets.

The task that confronts the rep team this Sunday is akin to climbing Everest however these blokes have a very determined attitude and they are never beaten until the final ball is bowled. It is recommended that as many people as possible in the Goondiwindi township and surrounding area come and show your support in their hour of need.

presenting the town this year and they have taken all before them and go into the Slade Shield match undefeated in stark contrast to last season which saw them suffer three massive shellackings in the Knox Shield. This season some of the older and more experienced players have made themselves available and they have played some very enterprising cricket. They have had a great ability to pick themselves up off the canvass when it has appeared they were under the pump and have taken great pride in their performances.

The opening match saw Goondiwindi inflict a heavy defeat to an under strength St. George team. Goondiwindi won the toss and had a bat with Andrew Mackenzie smashing 76 and Mick Maher a well made 53. To add insult to injury the mighty Deadman walked out and belted 53 to make the final score of 9/355 way out of reach. He then took the new ball and with his 1st over again showed what a champion he is with a double wicket maiden. He ended with figures of 3/21 and was ably assisted by Shaun Brennan with 3/23 to rout the “lizards” for 167.

The next match against Chinchilla saw Goondiwindi limp to a very mediocre 189. The disappointing part was that they only completed 41 of their allotted 50 overs. This score could have been very embarrassing except for a captain’s knock of 56 to Andrew Mackenzie to at least set a total to try and defend. Defend they did with the bowlers really rising to the occasion and when Anthony McGregor 3/28 decided to have a spell Andrew Yates 4/25 and Dan Gall 3/23 took over to totally destroy the Chinchilla line-up and have them back in the shed for 126.

The last of the Knox Shield encounters was in Dalby and Goondiwindi were sent in on a “green top”. Life in the middle was very uncomfortable for the openers Sam Dight 55 and Karl Jackson 31 but they weathered the storm and got Goondiwindi off to a great start losing the 1st wicket for 66. Wickets were then lost at regular intervals however a late dash by Shaun Brennan 28 not out ensured the target was respectable at 8/210. Dylan Jones on debut soon had Dalby in trouble at 4/55 with a brilliant spell of aggressive express bowling that saw him snare 4/47. Just when the game was drifting away back for his 2nd spell came Ian Jones with 2 wickets in 2 balls to end any hope Dalby had of winning and were bowled out for 176.

The three wins from three starts meant Goondiwindi had the honour of hosting the Knox Shield final against a Chinchilla team hungry for revenge. For the 1st time in the series Goondiwindi had to bowl 1st and it was again Dylan Jones who together with Deadman opened the bowling. Dylan again stood up and although a little expensive still ended with 3/45. When Deadman broke down with a hamstring strain it was left to Ian Jones 2/31 and Andrew Yates 2/30 to bowl Chinchilla out in the 50th over for 196. The reply was anything but convincing and all looked lost at 6/93 but no one told Mick Maher or Chris Devine the game was over. Their 71 run partnership was one of the most important ever seen in Goondiwindi rep cricket and when the target was reached Goondiwindi had lost 8 wickets.

The task that confronts the rep team this Sunday is akin to climbing Everest however these blokes have a very determined attitude and they are never beaten until the final ball is bowled. It is recommended that as many people as possible in the Goondiwindi township and surrounding area come and show your support in their hour of need.

How they line up Bob Jakins previews the side.

Karl Jackson (Macintyre). The big improver of the competition this year with the bat. He has gone to the top of the order in the rep side and has shown that he has the right technique and temperament to open the batting and has strung some excellent results together this year on the rep scene. His performance at the top with his opening partner Sam Dight will have a huge bearing on the outcome of the game.

Sam Dight (All Whites). Arguably the premier batsman of the competition and has been around for many years in the rep team.

Has the ability to dig in and tough it out against a good bowling attack or totally destroy a mediocre attack. If he can bat for a fair amount of the allotted 50 overs Goondiwindi will have posted a competitive total if they win the toss and bat. He is also very fit and an excellent judge of a run.

Scott Jackson (Macintyre). Scott has had a disappointing year with the bat but undoubtedly has a stack of ability. He is due for big runs and loves the big stage.

He is one of the batsmen that is a pleasure to watch when in form and if he can overcome some self doubt and early nerves and just trust instincts this could be his finest hour for the Goondiwindi rep team.

Andrew Mackenzie (Railways). Captain of the team and a very hard hitting batsman who likes to score at a fairly brisk rate. He can also destroy mediocre bowling attacks and a big contribution is required from one of the top batsman in the competition. He also has the luxury of being able to call on the experience of Ian Webster and Sam Dight for advice in the field in the event of a crisis.

Stuart Brotherton (Railways)

A last minute replacement for the injured Andrew Yates.

Lately “Brotown”, as he affectionately known, has found a bit of form with the bat and this form has swayed the selectors to pick him. He also brings a very good all round game to the team and can also cover the medium pace option that Yates offered.

He has also played a fair amount of rep cricket over the years and experience counts in big games.

Mick Maher (Railways).

Mick has been one of the shining lights in the rep shirt this year and his performance in the Knox Shield final was one that won’t be forgotten for many years. He is a swashbuckling middle order batsman that can hit them a long way and has proved consistently that his selection in the rep team is well and truly warranted. Also an excellent fielder in the outfield and not afraid to put his body on the line to save runs.

Ian Webster (Yagaburne). Excellent wicket keeper and a very experienced player who has made hundreds of runs in rep cricket over the years.

His presence will have a calming influence on the rest of the team and he has the ability to lift others around him. His inclusion in the team has helped Goondiwindi come as far as they have in rep cricket this year.

Also has a great ability to work out a batsman’s strength and weakness very quickly from behind the stumps. An able deputy to the skipper Andrew Mackenzie.

Chris Devine (Macintyre). Undoubtedly the best spinner in the competition and in form on his day with the right conditions can have a huge bearing on the result of any match. Is a real confidence player and if he gets his tail up can run through a batting line up.

Also very handy with the bat down the order and his partnership with Mick Maher in the Knox Shield final is the reason we have an opportunity to play in the Slade Shield.

Anthony McGregor (Colts). What more can be said about one of the greats of Goondiwindi cricket. Ex-Qld Country fast bowler who still has the ability to get early break throughs with his tight line and length bowling. He has a hunger about his rep cricket this year and a victory in the Slade Shield would cap off a remarkable career for him. Again his performance and presence in the team this year has lifted the others around him.

Dylan Jones (Colts).

18 year old son of another Goondiwindi stalwart Ian Jones. Dylan has just completed school and has been bowling some very quick spells.

His four wicket effort in Dalby with the ball was an excellent exhibition and had many of the experienced Dalby players on their toes.

This will be an even bigger ask for him but again he has the ability to hit the bat pretty hard and create some chances especially with his height.

Ian Jones (Colts).

He has been around for many years and he still has all the tricks of the trade with his big in-swinging stock ball.

He first played rep cricket for Goondiwindi in 1977 as a 15 year-old alongside old legends such as Jeff Thatcher, Peter Turnbull, Bruce Harris and Phillip Carrigan.

And whilst he appears over the hill with a profile to match Merv Hughes, he can still lift for the big games as he did in Dalby.

Just when you think the game is drifting away he has the ability to take a couple of crucial wickets and get you back into the game. Batsmen sometimes take him lightly and this brings out the best in him.

Again a victory in the Slade Shield final would be a fitting finale for him and his great mate Deadman.