Despite a gallant batting performance by skipper Naren Ramachandran (35) and Kuldip Sodha (36 not out), the Challengers couldn’t chase down the 6-168 set by the victorious Townview.

Townview rebounded strongly after its first Twenty20 loss in two years, thanks to a strong 72 from opener Luke Iles.

“Luke was awesome for us at the top of the order and laid a strong platform for the rest of the team,” Townview captain Clint Heuir said.

“Luke controlled the innings and was unlucky not to carry his bat, being dismissed in the last over.

“Both Mick Jewell (34) and Az Germaine (21) threw their bats around in the final overs and helped us set a competitive score.”

Playing without three young stars Jack Maye, Sam Arsenic and Jason Knight, who were in Townsville for North Queensland cricket trials, Heuir said his team struggled in the field.

“We weren’t at our best in the field on Saturday, which was disappointing as we set a pretty high standard of ourselves,” he said.

“With the ball, Az Germaine was unlucky not to get more wickets in his first game back.

“Chris Phillips was the pick of our bowlers with three wickets, ensuring that we restricted the Challengers to 143 from their 20 overs.”

Challengers captain Naren Ramachandran likes the progress his team is making, but says his team need to continue to work hard before it records that breakthrough victory.