Sunraysia cricketers look to rebound at country champs

TEAGAN Parker’s Victoria and Shania McKinnon’s South Australia both suffered losses on day one of the Australian Country Cricket Championships in Toowoomba yesterday.

Victorian captain and former Workers Gol Gol cricketer Parker made 41 not out in a 29-run loss to hosts Queensland in their Twenty20, unable to chase down Queensland’s impressive 2/152.

Parker herself chanced her arm with the ball, taking 1/17 off three overs – the only Victorian bowler to claim a wicket (the other scalp claimed was a run out).

Meanwhile, Settlers and Kensington (Adelaide) cricketer McKinnon made just one in South Australia’s total of 5/97 against

New South Wales and then finished with figures of 0/15 off two overs as NSW chased down the total with two wickets and two balls to spare.

McKinnon’s Settlers and Kensington teammate Sarah Telfer is in the South Australian squad but did not play in yesterday’s match.

South Australia plays East Asia Pacific today while Victoria has a match in the morning against New South Wales, then faces up to Western Australia in a twilight fixture.

Male and female cricket players from regional areas across Australia have gathered to play at eight community cricket facilities around Toowoomba as well as Toowoomba Grammar School.

More than 250 players, coaches and officials are participating in the championships.