The big question was could State of Origin and Melbourne Storm rugby league star play cricket? The answer is a definitive “yes’’.
After propelling the Maroons to victory over the Blues with a man-of-the-series performance, the 26-year-old charged in as a bowler for Tewantin-Noosa against the Sunshine Coast Scorchers in a T20 match at Read Park Thursday night.
Munster impressed players, officials and the crowd by snaring the wicket of one of the region’s most dangerous players – Blake Maher.
According to a match insider, Maher, a Premier Grade allrounder, who has played for the Queensland Second XI in the T20 format, was “deceived’’ by a back-of-the-hand slower ball from Munster – his fourth delivery after three “surprisingly quick’’ balls.
Maher, batting at five, was dismissed for just 5 runs after being caught by ever-reliable Jarrod Officer at deep midwicket.
Coming off a 10-pace run-up, Munster unleashed his left arm mystery balls for two overs, conceding 16 runs – not bad considering the aggressive T20 format.
The Origin hero has been holidaying in Noosa, where his manager Shaun Pyne lives.
Pyne is a member of the Tewantin-Noosa club and his son Cody is a player in the team.
Pyne said Munster had relished being out on a different field.
“He loved it. He said he really enjoyed mixing with the players and the youngsters who came to meet him after the game.
“Cam actually debuted in 1st grade as a cricketer in Rockhampton, so he knows the game.
“He made a bet with me in the car before the game that he would not be hit for six when he bowled. And he was right.’’
The Scorchers outlasted the Tewantin Thunder in the entertaining trial for the Premier Cricket T20 series which begins at Allan Border Field Sunday morning.
SCORCHERS 5/150 (Matthews 67, Lovell 26, Griggs 22*, Dennien 2/39, Aufderheide 1/9, Munster 1/16) def TEWANTIN-NOOSA 143 (Reardon 26, Wright 27, Officer 27, Maher 3/26, Griggs 2/29, Bester 1/19)
