Under-23 honour boosts young star

YOUNG MASTER: Michael Simmers is one of Queensland’s future stars.

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CRICKET: Frenchville’s Michael Simmers will charge onto Rockhampton Cricket Grounds this weekend after he was branded by Queensland Bulls under-23 cricket side.

The top-order batsman was selected twice for the state team and played at the Allan Border Field against New South Wales this month.

And despite the team losing against NSW, it was a good start for Frenchville who face Brothers from noon today.

The senior cricket matches were washed out last weekend, which forced the two-day game to be battled out this weekend as a one-dayer.

And it’s a match Frenchville captain Todd Wells isn’t too concerned about, but admits Brothers are a strong attacking team.

“We are all in good full strength,” Wells said yesterday.

“We have had a little bit of training but not as much as we would have liked and not as much as the other teams.”

Frenchville sits at the top of the leader board with only one team that has been able to test their skills.

Earlier this month Gracemere was able to rock the pedestal that Frenchville has assumed control over throughout the years.

And Wells said he wasn’t shocked when Gracemere took the match.

“No we weren’t; we played poorly and didn’t really bat well which was the key,” he said. “Hopefully we will sort out that out tomorrow (today) and bat up a good total.”

While Frenchville is set to face Brothers, Norths are up against Gracemere.

“It’s probably a pretty big game this weekend for Norths and Brothers to try get into third,” Wells said.

With finals approaching Frenchville and Gracemere will be the two top teams battling out first place with Norths and Brothers left to fight out third.

“It is still hard to tell, but it looks like it is us and Gracemere who will battle out the minor premiership,” Wells said.

“But anything could happen, there are plenty of points available and if you win the last two rounds anything could happen.” Both matches will start at noon today at Rockhampton Cricket Grounds.