SPORTS DIGEST: McTaggart gunning for his first district bowls championship
Around grounds
Mossman young gun Malachy McTaggart is through to the Tropical Far North Queensland District Singles Championship final after a come-from behind victory against Atherton nemesis Ivon Spletter in the semi-final on Sunday at Club Mossman.
State under-25 player McTaggart was down 15-8 at one stage, but stormed home to win comfortably, with Spletter grounded on 15 at the end of the match.
“I’m stoked to be in the final,” McTaggart said after the win.
“I made the final two years ago and unfortunately lost, but got revenge on the guy I lost to today.”
McTaggart has never won the District Singles Championship, with a loss to Spletter in the 2024 event his best result so far.
He is aiming to go one better against Innisfail’s John Phillips this Saturday at West Cairns, after Phillips accounted for Kiwi Spina 25-21 in the other semi.
“I’m feeling confident,” McTaggart said.
“The way I played today, I'm very happy with myself.
“I struggled a bit at the start but found my groove (and) got back into it.”
Cricket Far North
The Douglas Muddies Thirds had a strong win on Saturday at home against Rovers on the back of a strong bowling display.
After losing the toss and being put in to field, openers Tim Dellatorre and Doug Barnes toiled away well in the searing heat.
Dellatorre took 3/10 in his seven overs, while Barnes took 1/13 as Rovers slumped to 4/18 at a snail’s pace.
The wickets continued to fall, with Rovers 8/75 at one stage before a late flurry got them to 92 in the 35th over.
An opening partnership of 54 between Cam Williams and Shaun Hollis weighted the game in favour of the home side, with Hollis out first on 26.
The Muddies finished up on 4/93 in the 18th over.
This Saturday the fifth-placed side is home to fourth-placed Bhutanese Rovers in a must-win game if it is to make the finals with three rounds to go.
On Sunday, the Muddies Fourths travelled to Atherton, where they won the toss and batted.
They started well enough, at one stage 0/23, but were dismissed for 85 in the 33rd over.
Atherton won the game six wickets down in the 19th over, with Khobi Arthurson taking 3/15.
The Fourths are at home against Barron River on Sunday from 12.30pm.