See top cricketers in action at Aust Country titles

Test cricket and Big Bash matches might be the stock of summer television viewing, but Toowoomba Region sports followers can see the nation’s top country cricketers in action across the city until January 11.

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said Council was pleased to support the 2020 Toyota Australian Country Cricket Championships, starting today (Friday, January 3).

“Sports tourism is a key feature of our events calendar and I’m pleased to see more than 250 female and male cricketers will be playing at our venues for the respective national titles,” Mayor Antonio said.

“This year the championships will see the Australian Capital Territory return to the men’s competition and an East Asian Pacific team from the ICC Development Program will contest the women’s titles.

“Our region is fortunate to have the facilities to host and accommodate the teams and their support staff. I encourage residents to visit the venues to enjoy the one-day and T20 games.

“This is a great chance for residents to support our own cricketers, Cam Brimblecombe, Sam Neale, Chris Gilliam and women’s players Eliza Flynn and Maggie Murphy, plus Warwick’s Carly Cooper, who will play for the Queensland teams.

“They continue the rich tradition of Toowoomba cricketers who have played for Queensland Country and the Australian Country sides in past years.”

Mayor Antonio said an added feature of the championships was the free T20 match between the Bulls Masters and the Australian Country Cricket XI from 3pm at Heritage Oval on Sunday (January 5).

Toowoomba Regional Council Tourism and Events portfolio leader Cr Geoff McDonald said Council had been working with organisers and Cricket Australia during the past year in preparation for the championships.

“Council is delighted to offer top-level cricket action during the summer holidays,” Cr McDonald said.

“Council has worked with cricket authorities and grounds staff to ensure the ovals are up to standard, despite the challenges of preparing grounds in the drought.

“I’m also pleased to see 12 new sightscreens will be in use for the championships. These have been funded in part through Council’s community grants program, which aims to improve facilities for community and not-for-profit groups.

“Toowoomba cricket clubs will have the use of the new sightscreens when the Toowoomba cricket season resumes later this month.

“I remind all community and not-for-profit groups that applications for Council’s next round of community grants must be lodged by February 3, 2020.

“Residents can call 131 872 to arrange a consultation with relevant staff to arrange for help with tailoring grant proposals.”

More information about each grant category can be viewed at www.tr.qld.gov.au/grants

For scores from the championships, please visit http://www.countrychamps.com.au/

Caption: Cr Geoff McDonald inspects one of the new sightscreens before play at Rockville Oval.