Grace Collins, a Wynnum-Manly batter with Maryborough roots, has played a starring role in Queensland’s U19 women’s cricket championship triumph in Newcastle.
Collins, who now represents Wynnum-Manly District Cricket Club but began her cricket journey in Maryborough, delivered a match-winning performance of 79 runs in the final against NSW Metro on Sunday, helping Queensland claim their fifth national title in the competition’s history.
The victory marked Queensland’s first U19 championship since the 2021-22 season and broke a frustrating three-year run of final defeats to NSW Metro. It was the third consecutive year the two teams had met in the decider.
Collins’ final innings heroics came after she scored 51 runs in the semi-final victory over Victoria, finishing the tournament with an impressive tally of 237 runs across the championships.
Queensland faced early difficulties in the final at National Park, Newcastle Sports Ground, losing half their side by the 14th over after winning the toss and batting first. Collins steadied the innings with crucial partnerships, helping Queensland reach 148 runs.
The bowling attack then stepped up, with pace bowler Mia Croucamp claiming three wickets for just six runs and leg-spinner Aya Stafford taking three for 28, restricting NSW Metro to 121 runs and sealing the victory.
The tournament, which ran from 15 to 22 December across Newcastle, Central Coast and Maitland, featured nine teams competing in a mixed-format competition of T20 and one-day matches. Queensland’s triumph was particularly sweet after they had bounced back from two losses during the regular rounds to win both finals matches.
Beyond their on-field success, Queensland also took home the Spirit of Cricket Award from the championships, recognising the team’s exemplary conduct throughout the tournament.
Collins is among several regional Queensland players making their mark at state level. Queensland Cricket noted in November 2023 that the U19 women’s squad featured strong representation from regional areas, with Collins joining teammates from Warwick, Monto, Bundaberg, Emerald and Townsville.
Cricket Australia’s national development lead praised the tournament’s showcase of emerging talent. According to the organisation’s statement published on cricket.com.au, the championships demonstrated the quality of players progressing through cricket pathways towards elite levels.
For Wynnum-Manly District Cricket Club, Collins’ success adds to the club’s proud history of developing representative players. The club, founded in 1961, has become one of Brisbane’s strongest cricket clubs across all levels, with over 850 current playing members.
The victory ends a difficult period for Queensland women’s teams, which had endured several finals losses across different competitions in recent seasons. Collins and her teammates have now delivered a championship that validates the strength of the state’s female cricket pathway programs.
Published 22-December-2025
