Welcome rain cuts carnival short

Early action at Slade Park on the final day of the 2020 Australia Day carnival.

Organisers of the 2020 Warwick Australia Day Carnival were tossed a flipper or two when rain interrupted play on day one of the carnival. Ultimately day one games were abandoned due to the conditions and the reset button hit shortening the carnival to two days play. While organisers worked feverishly to reorganise the draw and accommodate the 33 participating teams, I hear there was plenty of “play” on day one, just perhaps not the cricket type.

President Dave Walker, Umpire Greg Payne and the organisers did a great job and despite some threatening skies the remainder of the carnival went ahead interruption free.

On Monday morning Mitch’s XI defeated Bear XI at Slade to win a place in the final of the main competition. In the early game on the Queen’s Park Turf it was Jonesy’s XI who booked the other spot in the final with a win over Summers.

In the social competition Digglers and Dales XI went head to head in their final which was played on the Queen’s Park Turf. Digglers chased down 110 runs to grab their first win at the Carnival. The team made up of a bunch of former school mates has been fielding an Australia Day for 23 years and were delighted to get the win. Many of the group return to Warwick each Australia Day weekend specifically for the carnival and the chance to catch up with mates. Darren Costello was the Player of the Final.

In the main final at Slade Park Mitch’s/Brownie’s XI got the wood on Jonesy’s XI who always seem to be thereabouts when the whips are cracking. Lachlan Berge (Mitch’s/Brownie’s XI) scored 109 in the final and was it was no surprise when he was named Player of the Final and claimed the gong for the highest score.

Tony Johnston, playing for Jonesy’s XI, had an outstanding carnival taking seven wickets and scoring 162 runs. He was named Player of the Carnival.

Youngster Ryan Welsh picked up all rounder of the carnival. Dennis Bohm (Hurricanes) scored the most runs (170) and Will Ole finished with the Best Batting Average (104).

Tom Philp took the most wickets during the carnival. Dave Duroux returned the best bowling figures 6/23 and Peter Henningsen had the best Bowling Average over the carnival (4.16).

Mitch Small’s name defied his ability when it came to the popular throwing competition. He threw 88 metres and nailed a win.

Jonesy’s XI finished the carnival runners up and in third place Hulks XI. As another successful Australia Day carnival drew to a close, you can guarantee these two sides like many others are already making preparations for Australia Day 2021.

Congratulations to the organisers; you nailed it once again and while everything looked calm on the surface I have no doubt, like ducks on a pond you were all paddling like mad after Saturday’s rain.