Queenslanders make fine start to national Under-19 Final

Queensland's bowlers have continued to maintain an advantage for their team through the second session of play of today's National Under-19 Championship Final against New South Wales in Newcastle. By tea on the match's opening day, the Blues have been reduced to a score of 7/155 at the Number 1 Sportsground.

The New South Welshmen had resumed after lunch at a score of 4/57 and matters weren't quick to improve.

Only another 12 runs had been added to the total when Brett Eriksson (2) brushed at a ball aimed at his hip by paceman John Loader (2/27) to feather a low, leg side catch to wicketkeeper Murray Bragg.

Steve Karam (29) had been playing a brave innings in the circumstances but was soon forced to join the growing list of casualties in the pavilion when he outside edged a delivery of excellent length from Loader to present Bragg with his third dismissal of the innings.

All-rounder Brad Roworth (37) opted upon a different approach, sensibly interspersing defence with some terrific attacking strokes whenever the bowlers erred in line. Several meaty shots featured in a 40-ball innings which yielded the top individual score of the day, none better than a gloriously struck six over square leg shortly after the drinks break.

But the counter-attack came to a disappointing end as well, when he was deceived by a flighted delivery from off spinner Aaron Maynard and drove a catch to Queensland captain Craig Phillipson at extra cover.

The Queenslanders were cock-a-hoop by this stage and visions of back-to-back titles were coming sharply into focus.

It was only when Daniel Christian (24*) and Gary Geise (12*) combined in a gritty unbroken stand for the eighth wicket in the lead-up to tea that the Blues' fortunes genuinely took a turn for the better.