February 2010 - Queensland Cricket

It’s your last chance to see the Aussies at the Gabba this summer!!!!INSIDE THISEDITIONCHRIS GAYLE …Windies captain andODI master-blasterONE-DAYINTERNATIONALAUSTRALIAVWESTINDIESGabbaSunday14 February1.25pmRYAN HARRIS …The new boom forceof the Aussie ODI sideGrant Sullivan* Ryan Harris: Australia’sOvernight ODI Sensation* Full Ashes Fixture* Ben Cutting: LeadingSheffield ShieldWicket-Taker* Fire Season in Review* Australian CountryChampionships Report* Indoor Cricket:On the Move* Queenslanders at theYouth Championships* Bulls Events CalendarTickets from TicketmasterPh: 1300 136122www.ticketmaster.com.auThe OfficialE-Magazine ofQueensland CricketFebruary 2010

DON’T MISS GAYLE ATTHE GABBA SUNDAYEdition 46, February 2010CONTENTS2 ‘Leading the Charge’ –with Graham Dixon4 Gabba ODI: Ryan Harris6 New-Look Aussie Draw7 Ben Cutting in Profile9 Cricket & the Community10 Bulls Events Calendar11 The State of Play12 Indoor Cricket14 The Grade Report16 Fire Season in Review18 Fire Statistics 2009-1019 Beth Mooney in Profile20 Youth Championships22 Australian Country Titles24 Brahmans Stats 2009-1025 Secondary Schools Cup“Between the Wickets”is the official E-Newsletterof Queensland CricketEditors: Ron McDonald,Peter Blucher, Stephen GrayPhotos: SMP Images &Bob Jones PhotographyQueensland Cricket1 Bogan St, B’fast Crk Q 4010Ph: (07) 3292 3100 Email:qldc@qldcricket.com.auQC website: qldcricket.com.auThe captain of the WestIndies has certainly donehis personal best to promotethe CommonwealthBank Series against Australiathat started in Melbourneyesterday.Chris Gayle (right) hasproved to be a real crowdpleaserfor the entiresummer and we are privilegedto host his side atthe Gabba on Sunday inthe penultimate game ofthe five-match series.Chris pointed out thatwhile he has 19 ODI centuriesto his credit, notone of them has beenagainst Australia. Many ofus would be more thanhappy to see him achievethat little milestone hereat the Gabba – but withAustralia still winning ofcourse.Historically this is a seriesof some significance. Australiahit the front in theoverall head-to-head battlesbetween the nationsfor the first time duringthe last series in the Caribbean,and they don’twant to relinquish their59-57 winning edge.Remarkably, for a contestthat is so close, Australiahas a horror recordagainst the West Indiansat the Gabba, having wonjust four of the 20 completedcontests here.It is quite probably themost eagerly anticipatedmatch of the summer inQueensland and deservingof a big Gabba crowd.We understand that becausethe ODI series hasbeen pushed into Februaryand even March in recentseasons, it has impactedon our ability to fillthe stadium.Queensland and NSW aremost competitive sportingmarkets with the Reds alreadyplaying matches forpoints, the Broncos, Titansand Cowboys involvedin high profile trialgames, and the Lions setto start their official preseasoncompetition.It is perfectly natural forpeople to be looking for a‘footy fix’, so the challengeis there for cricketto be the product ofchoice for those consideringthe best way to spendtheir entertainment dollarat this time of year.While there seems to be aperception out in the generalpublic that our attendanceshave fallen somewhat,the fact is that theGabba is only 22,000spectators down on lastsummer’s entire attendance.With the ODI to come, abig Ford Ranger Cup clashwith Victoria, and the possibilityof the XXXX GOLDBulls hosting the one-dayor Weet-Bix SheffieldShield finals – or both –we are going to finishahead of last year. So it’snot like there is gloomand doom in that regard.While our attendanceswere down for the ODIagainst Pakistan, ourcricket fans turned up ingood numbers for the KFCTwenty20 Big Bash instead.Continued page 3

FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE (continued) 3From page 2A number of people havequestioned the introductionof extra rules andregulations in regards tocrowd control in recentyears, but the incidentsin Perth two weekendsago highlight why theyare in place.It is our obligation to ensureboth our spectatorsand players are providedwith the safest environmentpossible, and theground invasions are agross violation of that.Immediately after theevents in Perth we hadthe ICC reminding usthey had the power todetermine whether yourvenue is adequate tohost international cricket.It is only two years sincewe had a streaker hereat the Gabba run out tothe middle and into ‘Roy’Symonds, and we don’twant to see the overseassituation of some subcontinentcountrieswheregroundsare ringedby barbedwire.The StateGovernmentinQueenslandhassupportedthe needfor controlsand a$4000 fineis in placefor ground invaders. It isno one’s right to breakinto the athlete’s workplace.We have more internationalone-dayers tocome this year, withCricket Australia schedulingSri Lanka to play aCommonwealth Seriesmatch at the Gabba inearly November. We alsohost the fifth of sevenone-day matches againstEngland in late January2011. The Bulls get toplay a one-dayer againstSri Lanka in late Octoberas a warm-up for the internationals,and I will becurious at the responseto the earlier-than-usualgames.The October-Novemberpart of the cricket fixtureis under-utilised in myhumble opinion and is anopportunity to grab theattentionof thesportingpubliclooking fortheircricket‘fix’ comingout ofthe footballseason.Cricketneeds tobe whettingtheappetite of cricket andsport lovers at that timeof year, and we musthave the right product todo that.On the interstate front,to rack up our fourthstraight outright win overNSW last week was anice feeling, althoughconversely it hurts whenbeaten in the one-dayersin a similar fashion.Nonetheless, our fourdaystuff has been veryheartening - the team isprogressing very well andindividuals are reallymaking their mark at interstatelevel. That ispleasing to all involved.It is also fair to say thatfrom what we’ve seen inthe Under 17s and 19s,and KFC T20 Big Bash,there’s a couple morebright young playerspushing hard for recognitionat the highest Statelevel.We have now got tomake sure with all thatmomentum behind theBulls that we finish offthe season properly.There are still six weeksto go - this is the toughperiod where they needto show their mettle.QUEENSLAND CRICKET - MAJOR CORPORATE PARTNERS

COMMONWEALTH BANK xxxx SERIES AT THE GABBA 4Cricket’s two summer sensationscollide in whatshould be an enthrallingcontest at the Gabba onSunday when Chris Gayleand Ryan Harris go headto-head.Gayle has taken Australiaby storm, winning a legionof admirers – young andold – for his Calypso demeanourand explosivebatting craftsmanship.Adopted Queenslander Harrisburst into the nationalspotlight last week with 13wickets in three CommonwealthBank Series OneDay Internationals for Australiaagainst Pakistan, winningtwo man-of-the-matchawards and the player-ofthe-seriesaward.“If I play I’ll certainly lookforward to playing againstGayle,” Harris said. “It’s alwaysa good challengeagainst people of his ability.“It was very exciting bowlingagainst him at theGabba in the Big Bash andit would be great to get anotheropportunity. You justcannot miss (your mark)against him – he hits theball a long way otherwise.”The Australia-West Indiesday-nighter should whet theappetite of fans moresoRYAN HARRISHOMETOWN HEROHOPING FOR STRONGGABBA SUPPORTVCHRIS GAYLEthan the inconsistent Pakistanisand Harris wants abig local crowd to show upand support the side.“To play an international infront of my new homecrowd would be fantastic. Ireally hope the crowdscome out and support us.“It was great to play infront of my old home crowdin Adelaide and to getpicked at my other favouriteground, the Gabba,would top off the summer.”A stunned Harris was stillon Cloud Nine this week afterhis devastating return tothe national one-day side,having played just the oneODI 12 months earlier.Hauls of 5-43 in Adelaide,and 5-19 and 3-44 in Perthwere of the highest quality,his pace, swing and accuracyproving too hot for thedispirited visitors.“It still hasn’t sunk in whenI think about last week,” hesaid. “I’m surprised myself.It was a great feeling to bearound the guys again andall I wanted to do was contribute.“So it was good to make animpact and prove to myselfI can play at that level.”Continued, page 5

COMMONWEALTH BANK SERIES AT THE GABBA (continued) 6755From page 4A perfectionist with his bowling,Harris’ confidenceis sky-high and henow feels capableof getting out anybatsmen if he performsto his best.While his speedhas been a talkingpoint with teammatescommentingabout how muchfaster he is thanexpected, Harris isnot worrying aboutbreaking any recordsor consistentlybreaking the150kmh barrier.“I want to bowl asfast as I can, but it’s really importantto move the ball. I don’twant to lose my swing and accuracyby trying to bowl too fastand I’ll be happy if I can be consistentlyaroundthe 143-145kmhmark,” Harrissaid.Ryan Harris (centre) celebrateswith Shaun Marsh (left) andskipper Ricky PontingHarris’ decision toswitch fromSouth Australia tothe XXXX GOLDBulls camp afterbeing head-hunted by QueenslandCricket two seasons agohas been a huge winner.“It was an honour,”he said ofthe approach,given thatQueensland hadnever activelyrecruited aninterstater in theprevious decade.“It was a toughdecision but youalways heard inSA about what aprofessional organizationQCwas and howhappy peoplewho were in itwere.“Ever since I moved, the Australianselection kicked in and theIPL thing happened – all the bigstuff. Never for one minute haveI looked back and wondered if Imade the right move. I’m reallyhappy with the decision.”Harris is now firmly in line forthe Australian tour of New Zealandbut if it doesn’t happen, hewill be more than happy rejoiningthe Bulls to ‘win some silverware’.PLAYERS TO WATCHAUSTRALIARyan Harris: Has taken the cricket world by storm with threebreathtaking displays at the bowling crease. Is fired up for a big effortat his adopted home ground.Cameron White: (Right) Smashed abrilliant century on his last ODI visit tothe Gabba and has got comfortable withhis game at this level. Could lob plentyof grenades into the crowd again.Mitchell Johnson: Will delight in a returnto the hard surface of his oldstomping ground. Has performed superbly at Test level on every returnto Brisbane and could take a swag of wickets in this game.WEST INDIESChris Gayle: Sitting at No.4 on the ICC Best ODI batsmen ratings,the power-hitter has been a smash hit throughout the Australiansummer and will entertain whether his innings is short or long.Kemar Roach: Reached some breathtaking speeds during the Testseries and will deliver plenty of‘chin music’ to the Australians. Isone of the rising stars of worldcricket.Kieron Pollard: (Right) An athleticbig man in the same mouldas skipper Gayle, he bashes theball just as far too. Has pulverizedattacks at ODI, ChampionsLeague and Twenty20 level and is a huge danger in the middle order.

INTERNATIONAL CRICKET IN AUSTRALIA — 2010-11 6The Gabba will host a one-dayinternational and a 50-over tourgame Queensland against SriLanka in late October and earlyNovember this year in a radicaldeparture from regular CricketAustralia fixturing.The fixture for the 2010-11summer was released last Friday,with Brisbane allocated twoODI’s and the traditional 3 mobileFirst Test against Englandfrom 25 November.The XXXX GOLD QueenslandBulls will play Sri Lanka on Friday22 October, with the Australia-SriLanka match-up thethird and final game of theCommonwealth Bank Series onSunday 7 November.The other Gabba ODI is againstEngland on 30 January 2011.Queensland Cricket CEO GrahamDixon was pleased to seethe high profile games earlier.“October and November areprime real estate for cricket andwe should be making the bestvalue of that property,” he said.“Cricket needs to be whettingA 2010-11SUMMERWITH ADIFFERENCEthe appetite of cricket and sportlovers in October and we needthe right product to do that.”CA chief James Sutherland confirmedthe reconfigured fixturewas designed to maximise interestin the game. “I don’t thinkwe’ve ever played one-day internationalsso early in a homeseason so we hope this will havepeople talking cricket a lot earlierthan they might normallywould be,” Sutherland said.Dixon said that at this stage,the All*Star Twenty20 game introducedin Brisbane two yearsago as a curtain-raiser to the internationalsummer had notbeen programmed, but he washopeful CA and the AustralianCricketers’ Association wouldcontinue the concept.“We believe the All*Star gamehas a genuine place in the calendarand had begun to establishitself as a strong lead-in tothe international component ofthe season through its ability tocreate interest both in our marketplaceand also around thecountry with the strong televisionratings on Channel Nine,’’he said.With the Ashes series starting inBrisbane on Thursday 25 November,CA preferred to giveTests players match practice inthe Weet-Bix Sheffield Shieldcompetition in the lead-up, followingthe Sri Lankans’ visit.Australia will play a T20 game atthe start of the Sri Lankan tourin Perth on 31 October.England will be better-preparedfor the first Ashes Test than atany time in the past two decades,with three three-daywarm-up matches against WA,SA and an Australian XI.The Australia A game will be apossibility for XXXX GOLD Bullsplayers who are currently pushingfor higher honours.INTERNATIONAL CRICKET INAUSTRALIA NEXT SUMMERKFC Twenty20 International31 October 2010: Australia v Sri Lanka, PerthCommonwealth Bank Series3 November 2010: Australia v Sri Lanka, Melbourne5 November 2010: Australia v Sri Lanka, Sydney7 November 2010: Australia v Sri Lanka, Brisbane3 mobile Ashes Series 2010-1125–29 November 2010: Australia v England, Brisbane3-7 December 2010: Australia v England, Adelaide16–20 December 2010: Australia v England, Perth26–30 December 2010: Australia v England, Melbourne3–7 January 2011: Australia v England, SydneyKFC Twenty20 International12 January 2011: Australia v England, Adelaide14 January 2011: Australia v England, MelbourneCommonwealth Bank Series16 January 2011: Australia v England, Melbourne21 January 2011: Australia v England, Hobart23 January 2011: Australia v England, Sydney26 January 2011: Australia v England, Adelaide30 January 2011: Australia v England, Brisbane2 February 2011: Australia v England, Sydney6 February 2011: Australia v England, PerthTour Matches — Sri Lanka22 October 2010: Queensland v Sri Lanka, Brisbane24 October 2010: NSW v Sri Lanka, Sydney27 October 2010 (T20): NSW v Sri Lanka, SydneyON SALE DATESAustralian Cricket Family: Wed, 14 JulyGeneral Public – Tues, 20 JulyTo join ‘the family’ visit cricket.com.auASHES CORPORATE PACKAGESCorporate options for the 2010-11 summerwill be available soon from QueenslandCricket. Call Tanya Dickson on 3292 3167.Tour Matches — England5–7 November 2010: WA v England, Perth11–13 November 2010: SA v England, Adelaide17–20 November 2010: Australia A v England, Hobart10–12 December 2010: Victoria v England, Melbourne10 January 2011: PM’s XI v England, Canberra

Ben Cutting laughs loudlywhen asked if he wouldhave thought a person insaneif they had suggestedto him six monthsago that he would be theleading wicket-taker in theworld’s best interstatecompetition after sixrounds in 2009-10.“Definitely,” he roared.Nonetheless, it is testamentto his commitment,determination and willingnessto learn that Cuttingshould have taken 26wickets, one more thanSouth Australian PeterGeorge, at this point of theseason.“It’s definitely very nicebut you have to rememberthere are four rounds togo,” Cutting said.To put into perspectiveCutting’s ability to keep hisfocus on the job at hand,he had no idea he hadjumped to the top of thewicket-taking list until approachedto do this interview.XXXX GOLD QUEENSLAND BULLS PROFILE 12 7BEN KEEPS CUTTINGOPPOSITION TO PIECESHe has come a longway in a short periodof time. He made hisfirst class debut inOctober 2007 as a20-year-old when aspate of injuries hitthe XXXX GOLD Bullson the eve of thatseason.He had to wait 16months for his nextopportunity, playingtwo Shield gameslast February, thesecond against NSWat the Gabba wherehe took 3-51 and 3-29 and looked like hebelonged at that levelfor the first time.Cutting was calledinto the team for theShield final, returning0-81 and 1-76 on aslow Junction Ovalwicket, and so wentinto this summer withjust four games underhis belt.In fact, the critics werewondering just howQueensland were goingto take 20 wickets in amatch with what manyof them thought was athreadbare attack.Little did they knowabout the blood, sweatand tears shed by thelikes of Cutting, fellowyoungster Scott Walterand the entire pacebattery.“It was the combinationof a few things,”Cutting said of his elevationfrom raw youngtalent to leadingwicket-taker.“I got a bit older andmore mature about thegame. I spent everymorning of the whole offseasonin the gym with‘Medno” (conditioningcoach Damian Mednis)and put on 8kg.“It was a tough grind, butonce I got going it got easier.I also spent a lot oftime working on my techniquewith (fast bowlingcoach) Joe Dawes. Bothhelped massively.”He began with 2-83 and 0-24 against WA in Perth,but hit paydirt in Round 2with 2-41 and a gamebreaking6-37 off 23 lightningfast overs againstTasmania at the Gabba.Adelaide proved more difficultwith 1-62 and 1-46against the Redbacks, althoughthe MCG was moreto his liking where heclaimed 4-60 in his onlyinnings at the crease, includingthe scalps of DavidHussey, Cameron Whiteand Matthew Wade.Continued page 8

XXXX GOLD QUEENSLAND BULLS PROFILE (continued) 128From page 7He took 2-84 and 1-44against NSW at theGabba, and 5-82 and 1-36in the return match inSydney last week.Cutting said the Tasmaniangame, which reallyheralded his ‘arrival’ infirst class cricket, was hisfavourite game to date,despite his heroics at theSCG that saw him get ridof Test trio Simon Katich,Phil Hughes and PhilJaques, and the emergingSteve Smith, on the openingmorning.“I didn’t think I bowledthat great in Sydney in thefirst innings. Sometimesthat happens – on otherdays you can bowl reallywell but not get a wicket,”Cutting said. “Against TassieI felt great for thewhole day, was reallystrong through the crease,and felt like I was quitequick.”Regularly described byGrade and State playersas the fastest bowler in localcricket with a lethalbouncer, Cutting is in themidst of a tough 19-dayroad trip that sees theBulls playanotherShieldgameagainstTasmaniaat Bellerivefrom today.“We’vejust got tokeep ondoing thesamethings wehave beendoing and work togetheras a bowling unit,” hesaid.Cutting has been just asbusy in one-day cricket asin the four-day game, sittingsecond on the list ofFord Ranger Cup wickettakers.He has made anumber of early breakthroughsand very muchbeen the enforcer, whilehis late-order batting hasalso been a real plusHis only struggles camein the KFC Twenty20 BigBash, where he went wicketlessin the first threegames and lost his spotagainst NSW on the turningHomebush pitch.“I was tryingto thinktoo muchabout whatI was doingand youdon’t havethe time forthat,” hesaid. “WhenI got an opportunityinthe nextgame at theGabba, Ijust tried tobowl as fast as I could.”It worked, with Cuttingpicking up the vitalwicket of star WA recruitChris Gayle and the dangerousLuke Pomersbach.He also took twoof the four wickets to fallin the semi-final againstVictoria, sending backinternational Ross Taylorand skipper White.It hasn’t only been Cutting’sbowling that hasimpressed, with a numberof powerful battingperformances across allforms, including a maidenfirst class half centuryagainst the Blues at theGabba, that has his staron the rise.Cutting always had thepedigree to be successfulafter playing in the AustralianUnder 19 WorldCup side of 2006 alongsidethe likes of David Warner,Moises Henriques, UsmanKhawaja and MatthewWade.That team lost to Pakistanin the semi-finals, andsooner or later Cutting’sname will be mentioned asa candidate for an internationalcall-up in the bigtime if he continues withhis current progress.“I would have thoughtplaying for Australiacrosses everyone’s mind,”Cutting said. “Even as akid playing backyardcricket you think about it.But I’m only worryingabout doing what I’m doingand hopefully the restwill take its course.”

CRICKET AND THE COMMUNITY 12 9LOTS ARE GETTING IN2CRICKETTIME WITH THE BULLS ALIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCEThe introductory program tothe game, MILO in2CRICKET,continues to go from strengthto strength in Queensland.A total of 4222 youngsters hadparticipated in the2009-10 program bylast week and the numberwill rise with morecentre beginning theirprograms as school hasreturned.The numbers are already350 up on lastyear.While in2CRICKET isaimed at five to 10-year-olds, there was aspike in the number ofchildren even youngerwishing to play thissummer, according toin2CRICKET coordinatorHeather Wilkins.“Children learn the basics ofthe game like catching, throwing,batting and bowling in afun and safe environment, andthe younger ones can’t wait toget started,” Ms Wilkins said.The introduction of a new componentto the program calledHave A Game, which featuresgame-play for the youngerchildren who have been participatingin in2CRICKET fortwo years, has also been aMembers of the MILO in2CRICKET group fromSandgate-Redcliffe enjoyed rubbing shoulders withtheir heroes ahead last month’s Commonwealth BankSeries Gabba ODI between Australia and Pakistan.popular addition.The in2CRICKET centres run atjunior and senior clubs, and atvarious primary schools, withthe sessions anywhere fromsix to 12 weeks in duration.The program is proving particularlypopular in regional areas,with the furthestin2CRICKET centre based atCooktown in Far North Queensland.“A lot of administratorsare viewingin2CRICKET asthe future oftheir club,” MsWilkins said.Thein2CRICKETnumbers areset to beboosted evenfurther thisyear followingthe mergerwith indoorcricket.A number ofindoor cricketcentres will host the introductoryprogram, beginning withAction Arenas at WynnumWest in early March.To learn more aboutin2CRICKET go to bulls.com.auThe entire QueenslandBulls squad have madea huge impression on agroup of disability athleteson a visit to AllanBorder Field. And ABCTV will show just howmuch when they screenthe meeting nationallyon Friday 19 February at6.30pm.The groupfromCabooltureDisabilityIndoorCrickettook partin a numberoffieldactivities with the Bullsplayers late last yearand later mingled withtheir heroes as they receivedautographs andtips.It all evolved from a requestto the “Can WeHelp” program, whichnot only provides usefultips for everyday life,but also has a communitycomponent.Featuring well-knowncomedy star PeterRowsthorn, one-time TVsports reporter and laterhard-hitting 7.30 Reportmember Geoff Hutchison,and researcher andauthor Kate Burridge,“CanWeHelp”traveledto Brisbanespeciallytofilm thesegment.CabooltureDisability IndoorCricket founder Pat Rossitersaid the visit to theBulls was a life-changingfor some of his players,and had increased evenmore their enthusiasmfor cricket.* ABC TelevisionFriday19 February, 6.30pm

XXXX GOLD QUEENSLAND BULLS — EVENTS CALENDAR 12 10ALL-STAR LINE-UPFOR BULLS LUNCHGreg Chappell, John Buchanan and AndrewCourtice will join Andrew Symonds as specialguests at the PKF XXXX GOLD QueenslandBulls Lunch at the Hilton Hotel onThursday, 18 February.Symonds (right) will receive areplica of his “100 Club”painting that will be hung inthe Century Room at AllanBorder Field, and will be interviewedby MC Ian Healy.Chappell, Buchanan and Courtice (below)will form a “Great Minds of Cricket” panel tojoin Healy in addressing the hot issues confrontingthe game.It’s a function that is firmly established asone of Brisbane's finest … call 3292-3119for tickets and more information,Date: Thursday 18 FebruaryVenue: Hilton BrisbaneTickets: $135Time: 12 for 12:30pmWeet-Bix Sheffield ShieldTasmanian TigersvXXXX GOLD BullsMon 8 — Thurs 11 FebruaryBelleriveFollow the scores and matchreports on bulls.com.auFord Ranger CupTasmanian TigersvXXXX GOLD BullsSat 13 February – BelleriveLive on Fox Sports from 1pmCommonwealth Bank SeriesOne-Day InternationalAustralia v West Indies –Sun 14 February – GabbaTickets 1300 136 122or ticketmaster.com.auPKF XXX GOLD BullsCorporate LuncheonThursday 18 Februaryat the Hilton, Brisbane12 for 12.30pmGreg Chappell, AndrewSymonds, John Buchanan andAndrew Courtice will speak atthis prestigious affair.Tickets 3292 3119Ford Ranger CupXXXX GOLD BullsvVictorian BushrangersSat 20 February – GabbaTickets at the gateLive on Fox Sports from 2pmWeet-Bix Sheffield ShieldXXXX GOLD BullsvVictorian BushrangersMon 22 - Thurs 25 Feb –GabbaFollow the scores and matchreports on bulls.com.auFord Ranger Cup FinalSun 28 FebruaryFinalists to be determinedVenue home of top team.If Bulls host, tickets will beavailable at the gate, ORLive on Fox Sports from 2pmWeet-Bix Sheffield ShieldXXXX GOLD BullsvSA RedbacksWed 3 to Sat 6 March – GabbaFollow the scores and matchreports on bulls.com.auWeet-Bix Sheffield ShieldXXXX GOLD BullsvWA WarriorsWed 10 - Sat 13 March -GabbaFollow the scores and matchreports on bulls.com.auWeet-BixSheffield Shield FinalWed 17 to Sun 21 MarchFinalists to be confirmedVenue home of top teamIf Bulls host, tickets will beavailable at the gate.Live on Fox Sports dailyBMD XXXX GOLD BullsAwards DinnerFriday 9 AprilBrisbane Convention& Exhibition CentreAll welcome to thisglamorous end of seasonfunction.Tickets: 3292 3100

XXXX GOLD QUEENSLAND BULLS — RUN TO THE FINALS 12 11MOST SHIELD RUNSEd Cowan (T) 737 @ 73.7Michael Klinger (SA) 655 @ 109.2Chris Rogers (V) 518 @ 57.6David Hussey (V) 490 @ 49.0Usman Khawaja (NSW) 485 @ 60.6QueenslandersChris Hartley 463 @ 57.9Lee Carseldine 441 @ 49.0Ryan Broad 364 @ 60.7WEET-BIX SHEFFIELD SHIELD TABLETeam P WO WI LO LI Pts QuotVictoria 6 3 2 - 3 22 1.151Qld Bulls 6 3 1 1 1 20 0.959West Aust 6 1 3 2 1 12 0.996Sth Aust 6 1 2 3 1 10 1.138Tasmania 6 1 2 2 2 9 0.774NSW 6 1 1 2 2 8 1.084MOST SHIELD WICKETSBen Cutting (Q) 25 @ 24.0Peter George (SA) 24 @ 28.8John Hastings (V) 21 @ 24.2Brett Geeves (T) 20 @ 26.7Scott Walter (Q) 20 @ 32.1Other QueenslandersLuke Feldman 10 @ 14.6Chris Swan 8 @ 32.3Chris Simpson 7 @ 65.9BULLS:THESTATEOFPLAYThe in-form XXXX GOLDQueensland Bulls are out tosmash a concerning hoodoo asthey begin a Round 7 Weet-Bix Sheffield Shield game inHobart today.The Bulls have been badlybeaten on each of their lastfour Shield matches at BelleriveOval. In fact, Queenslandhave won just once ontheir last six visits to the AppleIsle for first class fixtures.The Bulls have lost at Belleriveby six wickets, nine wickets,eight wickets and an inningsand 40 runs dating back to2005, suffering at least onehorror batting collapse oneach occasion. Last summerthey were routed for 93 in thesecond innings.This time around the Bulls arein top form, having notchedconsecutive outright wins overNew South Wales to stretch tofour the number of times theyhave beaten the Blues in succession.And Tasmania’s batting hasbeen brittle throughout thesummer, although George Bailey,Tim Paine and regularBulls tormentor Dan Marshhave the capacity to causeproblems.Bulls skipper Chris Simpsonwas delighted with the latest168-run win over the Blues."It was one to be very proudof,” Simpson said. “It's a fairlyformidable batting line-up intheir backyard and we're underpressure in a situation thatwe have to win the game to besitting well on the Shield table."It was a brilliant performancereally on our behalf."The Bulls just missed a chanceto cap an outstanding week inthe Harbour City when theylost the subsequent FordRanger Cup clash to the Bluesby six runs after Craig Philipson’smaiden one-ton ton.Still, with two rounds to playthey sit on top of a jampackedFRC Cup ladder and ontrack to earn a place in the finalon Sunday 28 February.Chris HartleyMOST FRC RUNSBrad Hodge (V) 467 @ 66.7George Bailey (T) 406 @ 58.0Michael Klinger (SA) 401 @ 57.3Wes Robinson (WA) 358 @ 44.8Lee Carseldine (Q) 337 @ 42.1Other QueenslandersCraig Philipson 324 @ 81.0Nathan Reardon 242 @ 30.3Chris Hartley 198 @ 28.3FORD RANGER CUP TABLETeam P W L BP Pts Net RRQld Bulls 8 5 3 1 21 +0.331Victoria 8 4 4 1 17 +0.139NSW 8 4 1 1 17 -0.165Sth Aust 8 4 4 1 17 -0.204Tasmania 8 4 4 - 16 +0.116West Aust 8 3 5 1 13 -0.227MOST FRC WICKETSJohn Hastings (V) 15 @ 26.4Ben Cutting (Q) 14 @ 23.7James Pattinson (V) 13 @ 17.5Nathan Rimmington (Q) 13 @ 24.6Jake Haberfield (SA) 12 @ 26.3Other QueenslandersAlister McDermott 9 @ 21.6Chris Simpson 8 @ 37.3Scott Walter 7 @ 21.6

INDOOR CRICKET12New Indoor Cricket Manager withQueensland Cricket, Greg Donnelly,is excited about the merger betweenthe two groups describing itas a win-win for bothorganisations.INDOORCRICKETMERGERMAKINGEXCELLENTPROGRESSDonnelly (pictured) began at QCHeadquarters on 18 January afterreplacing Reg Roberts, who was inthe position for a short time beforeresigning for personal reasons.“The long-term vision of a numberof people, and certainly mine, isthat indoor cricket becomes thefourth version of the game,” Donnellysaid. “You have first classcricket, 50-over cricket and theTwenty20 format, and we’re hopingindoor cricket will become seenas the fourth version of the game.”A long-time indoor cricket devoteewho represented the State as aplayer, coach and administrator,Donnelly was a strong proponent ofthe merger between indoor andoutdoor cricket late last year.“I loved the idea. I think it’s thebest thing that has ever happenedto the sport,” he said.Now that it fits under the QueenslandCricket umbrella, indoorcricket will be promoted by QC’sregional cricket officers.“We can certainly do some workwithin the schools program, andwe can work with the juniors andin2CRICKET programs,” Donnellysaid. “Hopefully we can be of benefitto Queensland Cricket too. Wewill bring bigger numbers tocricket, so everyone wins.”Donnelly is a snug fit for the role.He owned an indoor sports centreat Ipswich for 20 years, representedthe Queensland Open men’steam for seven years, coached theside for a similar period, playedMasters for the State, held numerousexecutive positions with IndoorCricket Queensland, and was heavilyinvolved in the merger negotiationswith Cricket Australia.He batted against the likes of legendaryAustralian tearaway JeffThomson, Queensland pacemanHarry Frei, and even West Indianchampion Joel Garner.“Thommo wasn’t frightening, hewas very frightening,” Donnellyquipped, before adding: “CarlRackemann owned a centre at Jindaleeand had a heap of West Indiesplayers over for a promotionone night. I had the pleasure offacing an over from Joel Garner - Igot hit everywhere except the bat!”Nonetheless, Donnelly didn’t expectto find himself in his new role.“I had no intention of working foranybody as I have always workedfor myself but this opportunity presenteditself,” Donnelly said.Continued page 13

INDOOR CRICKET13From page 12“I had some people makean offer on my businessand I thought ‘well, whynot?’. I was probablylooking for achange and this isan exciting era forindoor cricket frommy point of view.”Donnelly has hit theground running, especiallynow thatmost of the hurdlesinvolved with themerger have beenovercome.“Initially we had toconvince the centreowners this was thebest direction for thesport. Once that happened,the centreowners could see theshort and long termbenefits, and theywere excited,” he said.“The problems onlycome with the technicalities,like with legaldocuments and contracts…sorting that sideout. We’ve moved pastthat, now it’s a matter offinding our niche withinQC.”There are benefits in themerger for the outdoorgame in regions that experienceextreme heat orrainfall, with indoor centresproviding a refuge andAustralia’s World Cup winning team (top) with a sample of the high-poweredaction that can be seen at indoor cricket centres around Queensland.space to play or learn thegame. It also has the benefitof keeping older playersactively involved in thegame, with Masters competitionsin five-year incrementsfrom 30 to 45 yearsand above.“They get to play in Statechampionships and have aWorld Cup for each agegroup,” Donnelly added.Indoorcricket hasalready enjoyeda hugespin-off fromthe merger,with the IndoorWorldCup stagedin the Brisbanewesternsuburbof Darra lastOctober attractinglivecoverage on FoxSports andthe final being broadcast onABC radio.“It was the biggest and bestWorld Cup by a long wayand Cricket Australia’s involvementcertainly ensuredthat,” Donnelly said.One of the notable statisticsto emerge from the championshipswas that CricketAustralia’s website received13 times more hits on theIndoor Cricket World Cupsection than they did forthe Champions League T20competition that was heldaround the same time.“CA thought that was absolutelyamazing. We getright down to the grassroots level and spread.”Donnelly said.Donnelly is keen to build onthat in the busy yearahead, with the SuperLeague competition startingon 6 March. “Indoor cricketwas huge in the late 1980sbut it peaked and then fellaway,” he said. “It neededto be developed and handledbetter than what itwas. We needed to get intoschools and look after ourjunior base better thanwhat we did.

XXXX GOLD PREMIER GRADE COMPETITION14High-flying Toombul havethe opportunity to keeptheir XXXX GOLD PremierGrade ‘triple crown’ hopesalive when they confrontGold Coast in a one-daysemi-final at Kerrydale onSunday.The Bulls produced a stunningperformance to winthe first trophy of the summer,the Tom Veivers Cup,when successful in theEdev Property GroupTwenty20 final at AllanBorder Field a fortnightago.They also appear destinedto book a two-day semifinalgiven their strong positionin the overall clubchampionship.“It (winning all three titles)has come to mind becauseeveryone has been talkingabout it, but we know thatyou have got to playwhat’s in front of you,”said impressive youngToombul limited overs captainChris Lynn.“When we are playing thetwo-day games, we don’tworry about where we arein the onedayers.”Lynn admittedthe Bulls hadtaken enormousconfidence fromtheir T20 winover perennialGrade finalistsUniversity ofQueensland.Toombul playedin their first finalfor a number ofyears last summerwhen theyreached theone-day decider,but weresmashed by University.Thistime it was adifferent story.“We knew theyhad a lot of finalsexperience,but it helped usTOOMBUL CHASINGGRADE TRIPLE CROWNA great shot of Wade Townsend batting for ToombulPicture: Bob Jones — Bob Jones Photography.having RyanHarris andWade Townsendin theteam, andwhile JimmyMaher didn’tplay, he wasthere allgame,” Lynnsaid.The Studentsgave the Bullsplenty to thinkabout too, settinga healthytarget of 7-187batting first.Jarrod Turnertop-scoredwith 42 off 30balls, while LachyStevensensured a bigtotal by hammering36 notout off 17 balls,including 23 offthe final over.Harris was the best of theToombul bowlers with 2-26. He had 2-12 at onestage, including the valuablewickets of Steve Farrell(0) and NathanReardon (14). Lynn chimedin with 1-31, claiming theprized scalp of matchwinnerCraig Philipson for28 off 15 balls.“Everyone knows 187 is agood total, but I was stillthinking ‘you never know’because Allan Border Fieldis the best wicket in Brisbaneand has the quickoutfield,” Lynn said. “Wecould have kept themdown to 160 and I was abit nervous because theytook the momentum intothe break, and momentumis a big thing in cricket.”Lynn, still only 19, steeledhimself to lead from thefront and try and get hisside off to a flyer. He didjust that, teaming withKeiren Murphy to smash136 off 82 balls in just 56breathtaking minutes.Continued page 15

From page 14“I did set myself – myT20 form had beenpretty good rightthrough the season,and I knew there wereno second chances,” hesaid, before lavishingpraise on his openingpartner. “Kieran playedan absolute blinder.Once he hit a fewboundaries I thoughtI’d just try and hit singlesand let him do the‘talking’.”Murphy won the AndrewSymonds Trophy forplayer of the match withhis sparkling 70 off 43balls, while Lynn was notpedestrian with 64 off 45balls.Wade Townsend peeledoff 25 not out from 12balls at the finish to ensurehis side achievedvictory with an over andsix wickets to spare. Englishimport MauriceChambers returned thebest figures of 1-21 forUniversity.XXXX GOLD PREMIER GRADE COMPETITION(Top Left): The victorious Toombul team captained by Chris Lynn in celebration mode.(Top Right): Keiren Murphy, Man of the Match in the Edev Property Group Grade T20 Final.(Above Left): The emerging batting skills of Chris Lynn on display for Toombul.(Above Right): University quick Scott Walter fires one down in the shadow of the Edev‘target’ that offered $500 to the club of any player who hit it during the T20 final.15Toombul enjoyedhuge crowd supportand Lynnadmitted it had aprofound affecton his troops.“That’s one aspectthat otherclubs don’t have.It’s started overthe last 1-2years where allthe members ofthe club whoaren’t playingget along to support ateam in a final. They’recalled ‘The Faithful’ andit really gives us an extraplayer,” he said.Lynn believes the EdevTwenty20 final win willgive his side great confidenceif they can getover the strong GoldCoast outfit and returnto Allan Border Field forthe 28 February final.Northern Suburbs hostBeenleigh/Logan in theother one-day semi-finalon Sunday.

A marked improvement inthe Konica Minolta QueenslandFire’s batting performancesresulted in abetter showing in the2009-10 WNCL season, althoughcoach JoanneBroadbent is still searchingfor the knockout punch.That might come in theform of some interstateimport imports as the Firesearch for that elusivechampionship after 14fruitless seasons.The Fire finished equalthird on points on theWNCL ladder, althoughthey only accumulated halfas many points as runawayfinalists Victoria andeventual champions NSW.Yet the Queenslanderswere in winning positionsin both games againstKONICA MINOLTA QUEENSLAND FIRE — 2009-10 SEASON IN REVIEW 22 16IT’S ALL ABOUTIMPROVEMENTNSW in Sydney at the startof the season, and hadtheir opportunities againstVictoria as well.“In four games out of thelast five we scored 200 orwere on target to score200 – we haven’t donethat for a long time,” saidBroadbent *above). “Wehad some players who performedat their absolutebest, made 200 runs as ateam on a consistent basis,but still couldn’t winsome of those games.“It was heartbreakingreally, but it is a progressionwe have to gothrough. We have been astrong bowling team butour bowling couldn’t backour batting this time.”Inconsistency is the hallmarkof youth and theyoung Fire combination isstill gelling. “When Ilooked around the field inAdelaide, we had sevenplayers who had not beenin the program at the startof the season – that waspretty daunting consideringwe were already ayoung and inexperiencedside,” Broadbent said.The Fire lost the first gameagainst SA after scoring240, but won the next witha record team score.While Broadbent refused tooffer excuses, it is a factthat the Fire attack washampered by injuryagain.Promising fastbowler Jo-Ann Verrallplayed a solitarygame due toongoing shoulderproblems, the levelheadedLyndaPetherick missedthe second half ofthe year, Year 12commitments madefor a stop-startsummer for highlyratedspinner JessJonassen, and leadingwicket-takerfrom last yearSelena Tainton splitthe webbing in herhands three times.“Next season is going tobe very competitive amongour bowling attack,”Broadbent promised.Kirsten Pike led the Firewicket-takers with 19 at14.05 and an economyrate of 3.07 which rankedsecond in the WNCL behindVictoria’s Sarah Elliott(2.95).Continued page 17KirstenPike

From page 16She was No.3 on theWNCL’s regular seasonwicket-taking list behindNSW’s Ellyse Perry (21)and Victoria’s KristenBeams (20).Jonassen took 14 wicketsat 21.36 and Tainton 13 at14.00 to rank 7th andequal 8th respectivelyTwo of the big plusses forthe year were opening batLyndall Daley and teenagerBec Hollindale.Daley finished in the WNCLtop 10 with 293 runs at32.56 and produced aRebecca HollindaleKONICA MINOLTA WOMEN’S QUEENSLAND NATIONAL FIRE — CRICKET 2009-10 LEAGUE SEASON IN REVIEWLyndallDaleynumber of strong partnershipswith Melissa Bulow,including 192 against SA.“Lyndall came on in leapsand bounds, she was alwaysgoing to developlater on,” Broadbent said.“She didn’t play a lot ofState cricket in her youth.“Her first year here shemade a 40 and didn’treally do much, the nextyear she scored every secondgame but couldn’t putback-to-back results together.This year sheproved she’s gone up anotherrung.”Hollindale’s 61 in the firstgame of the doubleheaderagainst WA lastmonth was the promise ofmore good things to come.“Rebecca showed somegood signs and showedthem when she had herback up against the wall,”Broadbent said. “She wentin against NSW in the firstround, had a partnershipwith Kirby Short, andscored 32 as wickets fellaround her, including allour experienced players.“She hung in there andjust about got us over theline. Her 61 here was aftershe went in at 2-9. Weakpeople don’t do that, gutsyones do, and she’s got themental toughness.“On most other occasionsshe was going in with fiveovers to go, so when shehad an opportunity, shetook it two times out ofthree.MelissaBulow17 23“If the players are improving,our program is working,and we’ve just got topersist with it. The teamresults will turn around.”The seemingly ageless Bulow,who is still yet to turn30, plundered 481 runs forthe summer at 60.13, includingtwin centuriesagainst SA and is a hot favouriteto win her fourthKonica Minolta Fire Playerof the Year Award.She finished third on theWNCL regular season runlist behind SA’s Karen Rolton(498) and ShelleyNitschke (486) and secondbehind NSW’s Alex Blackwell(62.14) in averages ina career-best season forthe right-hander.“Mel was outstanding - shescored more runs than sheever has in a season.”The next step for the Fireis to transform from acompetitive outfit into onethat wins consistently.“You’d like to think you aregoing to compete everyyear, but it comes down tothe players’ will, howmuch they want to put in,and how much it burns notgetting what we want,”Broadbent said.“You can’t put a timeframe on that, just put thesystems in place.”Continued page 18

KONICA MINOLTA QUEENSLAND FIRE— 2009-10 SEASON IN REVIEW18From page 17One option is to recruitfrom interstate.“NSW and Victoria havebig player pools, but theACT, WA and SA all beenknown to get outsiders in,and we never have,” saidBroadbent. “It might betime to look outside ourlittle square at people whohave the skills we lack.”Ironically, while the Firefinished a better-placedfourth from seven in theTwenty20 competition,their form there was notas good as in the WNCL.They suffered a number ofheavy defeats, beingbowled out for 54 by Victoriaand managing 8-82against NSW.“We found it hard to goand score quickly straightaway,” Broadbent said.“We are playing more T20games at club and PremierLeague, but it is evidentwe need a bit more workin that area.”Australian and Queenslandcaptain Jodie Fields faces along, arduous rehabilitationto be ready by nextseason.The 25-year-old tore thehamstring from the bone while battingagainst WA in the final WNCL Twenty20match of the season at the Gabba in mid-January.LONG WAITFOR JODIEFields was assisted from the field in substantialpain and has undergone significantsurgery to re-attach the muscle.Her recovery is expected to take up to ninemonths, ruling her out of captaining hercountry on home soil against New Zealandthis month and a return seriesagainst the Kiwis.Such was the extent of theinjury that Fields was unableto work for a month, butKonica Minolta Fire coachJoanne Broadbent expects the gutsy Fieldsto attack her rehabilitation full of determination.Fast bowler Jo-Ann Verrall also faces along recovery after more shoulder surgery.“The message to both those girls has beento take one day at a time, don’t get aheadof yourselves, do what the doctor and rehabpeople say, and we’ll support you allthe way,” Broadbent said.KONICA MINOLTA QUEENSLAND FIRE STATISTICS — 2009-10BATTING BOWLING FIELDINGPlayer M I NO Runs HS Ave S/R 100’s 50’s Overs Mdns Runs Wkts BB Ave E/R Ct StpdLou Broadfoot 3 3 0 6 3 2.00 15.33 - - 20.0 0 98 1 1-22 98.00 4.65 - -Melissa Bulow 9 9 1 481 130 60.13 71.83 2 2 - - - - - - - 2 1Jude Coleman 7 6 0 95 29 15.83 78.50 - - 60.0 6 230 11 3-15 20.91 3.83 2 -Lyndall Daley 9 9 0 293 89 32.56 61.50 - 2 - - - - - - - 2 -Jodie Fields 7 5 1 152 49* 38.00 66.17 - - - - - - - - - 5 3Courtney Hill 9 2 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 - - 13.2 1 85 2 1-11 42.50 6.38 6 -Rebecca Hollindale 9 7 1 110 61 5.00 83.33 - 1 - - - - - - - - -Danielle Hollis 7 6 0 79 37 13.17 46.17 - - - - - - - - - - -Kathryn Jenkin 6 2 2 9 8* - 75.00 - - 33.0 - 160 4 1-14 40.00 4.85 1 -Jess Jonassen 8 6 0 73 26 12.17 105.83 - - 72.0 2 299 14 3-19 21.36 4.15 7 -Delissa Kimmince 8 8 2 115 41 19.17 83.33 - - 57.5 7 234 9 3-25 26.00 4.05 3 -Beth Mooney 1 1 0 9 2 1.00 23.00 - - - - - - - - - 5 3Hayley Pattison 4 4 1 3 38* 29.00 131.81 - - 4.0 - 22 - 0-10 - 5.50 1 -Lyndal Petherick 2 0 - - - - - - - 2.0 1 8 0 0-8 - 4.00 - -Kirsten Pike 9 7 2 36 12 7.20 58.00 - - 87.0 16 267 19 4-15 14.05 3.07 5 -Kirby Short 3 3 2 37 28* 37.00 50.00 - - 1.0 - 7 0 0-7 - 7.00 2 -Selena Tainton 7 1 0 6 6 6.00 75.00 - - 41.3 1 182 13 4-42 14.00 4.39 4 -

Talented Hervey Bay teenagerBeth Mooney made anaccomplished debut for theKonica Minolta QueenslandFire in their final game ofWNCL season last month.The 16-year-old flew toBrisbane to replace JodieFields after the Fire skippertore her hamstring badly inthe Twenty20 clash betweenthe two States.After Melissa Bulow haddeputised with the gloves inthe first game of the double-header,Mooney wasgiven a taste of the elitelevel for the first time on18 January at Allan BorderField.“I was more nervous thanexcited, which was probablya good thing. You don’tget a big opportunity to debutfor your State at thetop level at this stage,”Mooney said.She missed the call fromchairman of selectors PaulPink the preceding day withthe big news and had toring back.“He said you’ll be playingtomorrow and I was soKONICA MINOLTA QUEENSLAND FIRE PROFILEshocked andsurprised thatit took awhile to gothrough mymind,” shesaid.On schoolholidays,Mooney was not concernedabout anyrust creeping into hergame as she hadonly recently returnedfrom the nationalunder 17championships,where she was one ofQueensland’s bestperformers andearned a spot in theAustralian U18 Developmentsquadalongside fellowQueenslanders JessJonassen, HayleyPattison and RebeccaHollindale.Mooney was morethan happy to jumpstraight into actionbehind the stumpswhen WA won thetoss and elected tobat.She did an outstanding job,BETH GRASPS FIRSTOPPORTUNITY WITHBOTH GLOVES(Above) A proud and satisfied Beth Mooneyafter her WNCL debut for the Fire.(Right): At the Australian U17 Carnival.leaping in the air with excitementand being mobbedbyteammatesaftertaking asmartcatch todismissWAopenerLauren Ebsarywith the Furyscore on 62.While no moreedges came herway, Mooney didnot concede abye in the WA inningsof 9-268 instifling heat.“The standardwas pretty high.It was a big step19up coming off the under17s, although playing CACup (Second XI) helped mea lot,” Mooney said.She felt most welcome byher Fire teammates.“They’re lovely girls andwere very supportive andencouraging,” she said.“Their belief in everyone isjust amazing.”That belief did not waver,despite a heavy 130-runloss that saw the Fire slipfrom third to fifth place inthe final standings.Mooney scored nine off 19balls batting at No.10 beforeedging a catch behind.“I didn’t move my feet,”she grimaced. “It’s all alearning experience.”Fire coach Joanne Broadbentwas impressed withthe youngster’s debut.“Beth did not look out ofplace, even in her littlecameo innings at theend,” Broadbent said.“She looked like someonewho will play a lot forQueensland with herkeeping and batting.”

QUEENSLANDERS AT THE AUSTRALIAN YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS20UNDER 19 BOYS- 7th -Captain Jason Floros won theprestigious player of the tournamentaward, but therewere precious few other highlightsfor the Australia PostQueensland side at the blueribandAustralian U19 titles inCanberra.While competitive inmost games, theyoung Maroonsfailed to land the killerblow when it wasrequired and finishedseventh out ofeight teams.Queensland scored7-346 against NSW but conceded8-347 after being inthe box seat. It was a similarstory with WA, who chaseddown 351. Queensland couldnot finish off Tasmania andhad to be satisfied with adraw, finishing two wicketsshort of victory. They alsolost a close Twenty20 to theACT with three balls remaining.The only thrashings were byVictoria in a two-dayer andSA in a one-dayer, where thebatting collapsed for 109.Floros, who joined fellowQueenslanders Alister McDermottand Nick Buchanan asmembers of the Australianside that won the U19 WorldCup in New Zealand lastmonth (pictured), scoredback-to-back centuries at theJason Floros at theWorld Cupnational championshipsagainst eventual championsNSW and WA and finishedwith 354 runs at an averageof 59. Lachlan Pfeffer wasnext best with 179 runs at35.80.Floros joined an elite list ofplayers including SteveWaugh, Ian Healy, Adam Gilchristand Callum Ferguson tohave won the player of thetournament award.Guy Connew was Queensland’sNo.1 wicket-takerwith 11 at 22.27, while spinnerRyan Meyer collectednine at 22.78. and Jake Hannannine at 34.67.Final Placings: NSW (33),Vic (25), WA (24), SA (24),ACT (15), Tas (12), Qld (10),NT (0).Queensland squad: CoreyBarsby (S/R), Nick Buchanan(Uni), Guy Connew (S/R), JasonFloros (W/M - captain),Tim Gregory (Norths), JakeHannan (Wests), AlisterMcDermott (G/Coast), RyanMeyer (Souths), Lachlan Pfeffer(Valley), Michael Simmers(Nth Rockhampton), AndrewTazelaar (Wests), Jason Tibbetts(Toombul), NicholasWalden (Wests). Coaches:Jeff Thomas, Justin SternesUNDER 17 BOYS- 5th -The heat was on in Adelaidewith temperatures regularlyin excess of 40 degrees, andthe Australia Post QueenslandUnder 17s went off the boilwhen it counted. They couldhave finished as high as thirdwith a win in their last game,but failed by two wickets in atense finish against SA.The highlight was a bonuspoint win over eventual runners-upVictoria. But therewere near-misses elsewhere,with a draw against lowlyTasmania when they wereeight down. The Maroons alsohad NSW 7-140 but the babyBlues got the last 35 runswithout losing a wicket.Sam TruloffEventual champions WA alsoeked out a tough 10-run winover the Queenslanders in apivotal T20 on the first day.Marburg batsman Sam Truloff(left) was the star for the Maroons,topping the aggregatewith 349 runs at 49.86. Heneeded 61 in the final gameto pass Gary Hayden’s carnivalrecord for Queensland,but he made just seven.Truloff was nonetheless amodel of consistency withfive half-centuries. Next bestwas Trent Clemments with186 runs at 31, while keeperJames Pierson hit two halfcenturiesand averaged 36.Sunshine Coast spinner SamGardiner, who bowled a remarkable53 overs in the finalgame, was the State’s leadingwicket-taker with 12 at24.42, sitting 11 th overall butonly three behind the leaders.Leg-spinner CameronBalcomb nabbed 10 victimsat 23.50.Final Placings: WA (37), Vic(25), ACT (23), NSW (17),Qld (15), SA (12), Tas (5),NT (0).Queensland squad: AnthonyAtkinson (Toombul),Cameron Balcomb (Norths),Trent Clemments (BrothersT’ville), Sam Gardiner(S’shine Coast), RyanGleeson (G/Coast), JoshMcClelland (Norths), BenMcDermott (G/Coast), CoreyMcMahon (G/Coast), StevenMoss (Redlands), James Pierson(Redlands), Nick Stevens(G/Coast), Sam Truloff(Wests/Marburg), Harry Tyler(W/M). Coach: Wayne Niven.

QUEENSLANDERS AT THE AUSTRALIAN YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS21UNDER 17 GIRLS- 2nd -The Konica Minolta Queenslandside saved its worst forlast as NSW turned the tableson the Maroons in the final ofa keenly-fought national U17carnival inBrisbane.Having beatenthe Blues inthe qualifyingrounds by twowickets on theback largelyof Jess Jonassen’s53 runsand 2-19 offnine overs,the Maroonswere routed inthe rematch.ChasingNSW’s total of8-193 from 45overs, Queenslandwas dismissed for 86 inthe 33rd over. Jonassen topscoredwith 36 from 36 ballsin the Queensland inningsand took 2-25 off nine oversto be the stand-out for herside in the final.Beth MooneyNot surprisingly, Jonassenwas named joint player of thetournament despite playingjust four of the sevenmatches.Four Queenslanders werenamed in the Australian Under18 squad afterwards -Jonassen, RebeccaHollindale,BethMooney andHayley Pattison.Pattisonwhacked 69off 59 ballsand snared 2-15 in theteam’s T20win over WA.Jonassen finishedwith 170runs at 56.67,while Pattisonmade 153runs at 76.50.Jonassen wasalso the leading wicket-takerwith nine at 7.56, while KateMcCarthy chimed in witheight at 10.63, and JemmaBarsby claimed eight at16.75.Final Points: Qld (26), NSW(25), Vic (19), WA (15), SA(12), ACT (7), Tas (2).Queensland squad: KaitlynRackeman (Uni, capt), BethMooney (Hervey Bay – vicecapt),Jemma Barsby(S/R), Taylah Brotherston(S/R), Taylor Fox (Fassifern),Emily Giles (Monto), GraceHarris (Wests), RebeccaHollindale (B’berg), JessicaJonassen (Rock’ton), KateMcCarthy (S/R), Hayley Pattison(S/R) Samantha Taylor(Gladstone), Rachel Withoos(Tannum Sands). Coach:Andy RichardsUNDER 15 GIRLS- 2nd -Rain ruined the hopes of theQueensland Under 15 girlsteam in their national finalagainst Victoria, although thehosts were worthy winners.The Victorians were big winnersof the young Maroons inthe final qualifying game,rolling the visitors for 100and reaching the target forthe loss of just four wicketswith 17 overs to spare.All-rounder Casey Ryan topscoredwith 38 for Queenslandin the early – andonly – battle of the top two.All-rounder Jemma BarsbyJemma Barsbyand left-arm pace bowlerLizzy Hayes were named inthe Australian Under 15 Honoursteam, with Barsby toppingthe batting aggregatesand taking the most wicketsin the tournament.The daughter of XXXX GOLDBulls coach Trevor, Barsbyscored 199 runs at 33.17 andtook 12 wickets at 7.25 to beclearly the stand-out player.Hayes took 11 wickets at theincredible average of 4.64,including 5-3 off five oversagainst SA.Final Points: Vic (25.5), Qld(19.5), SA (12), NSW (10.5),ACT (5), Tas (0).Queensland squad: JemmaBarsby (S/R), Haidee Birkett(Charters Towers), Alexi Core(Hervey Bay), Tess Dowling(Rockhampton), Holly Ferling(Kingaroy), Tamika Hansen(Rockhampton), Lizzy Hayes(W/M)), Lauren Hume(Nanango), Grace McKellar(Wests), Keeley Richards(Kawungan), Casey Ryan(Wests), Jordan Walker(B/Logan). Coach: PeterBlanchfield.Lizzy Hayes

AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS22The team professionalismwas of the highest qualitybut the execution in theTwenty20 game wasn’tquite there as a rebuildingQueensland side finishedthird at the NationalCountry Championshipsin Albury-Wodongalast month.A first-day upset loss toWA in a Twenty20 match,which carried the samepoints for a win as a twodaygame, left the Brahmanswith little room forerror and a heartbreakingloss to NSW ensuredQueensland would finishSteven BakerEVER-PROFESSIONALBRAHMANS FINISH THIRDAFTER TWENTY20 SLIP-UPoutside the top two forthe first time in six years.The Brahmans, captainedfor the first time by Rockhamptonbatsman ToddWells, nonetheless wonfive of their seven gamesand produced a numberof memorable performances.“I was really impressedwith just how professionalour boys were,”said second-year coachSteve Baker. “In my 10years as a player andcoach with Countryteams, I have not beenassociated with a morecommitted side. They leftno stone unturned.“Of all the teams at theTodd Wellschampionships, they werethe most professional interms of their post matchrecoveries and managementof injuries. Theygave the best they had.“The T20 game that wedropped against WAreally hurt us. And allcredit to NSW, last yearwe had their measurebut this time they putthe bite on us. We hadour chances with themat 4-27 and 5-50 chasing140 but Harnettproduced an amazinghundred to turn thegame.“We didn’t cash in andget any bonus pointsagainst East Asia Pacificand that hurt us too.”The highlight was undoubtedlythe team’s gutsyeffort to knockover eventualchampions NorthernTerritory froma seemingly impregnableposition.“The NT had avery good battingline-up, so to take6-13 at the endgave us an amazing victoryover those guys,”Baker said. “They have acouple of first class playersin the making - one justcame from the nationalunder 19 championships.“If we had won our lastgame outright and the NThad lost, we would havewon the title, so it wasthat close.”Continued page 23

AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS23From page 22The main lesson was thelack of T20 experience,with some considerationrequired for the introductionof more of theshortened form ofthe game in regionalcompetitions.“There were a numberof players in theteam that wereplaying their firstT20 competitiongame,” Baker said.“It’s such a dynamicform of the gameand you have to beso specific with yourplanning.“The Country committeeknows whatwe have to look at –they only want the best forour side. We have to addressthe T20 participationin regional areas whilethere is such a reward withthe points.”It was nonetheless a competentperformance by theBrahmans considering theylost the services of bigrun-scorer and former captainDarren Frakes, leadingwicket-taker Luke Feldman(to the XXXX GOLD Bulls)and quality paceman MarkSharrad.In addition, regular strikebowler Ryan Dowson wasslowed by injury throughthe second half of the carnivalafter representingAustralian Country againstthe ACA Masters at thehalfway point.The big success story wasall-rounder Peter Reimers,whose 12 wickets at 16made him the Brahmansequal leading wicket-takeralongside Matthew Burton,and he had the best bowlingaverage.Peter Reimers (left) and Sean Fitzsimmons(above) won All-Australian honorsTo cap it all, theToowoomba policemanproduced the best battingaverage of 42.50 and wasdeservedly picked in theAustralian Country honoursteam at the conclusionof the championships.“Peter put in a very matureperformance,” Bakersaid. “He had an extraedge this year, he wasparticularly focused. Withthe experienced playerswho moved on, we neededsomebody to step up, andhe was a real leader.”Matthew Burton took 12wickets at 26.17 to sharethe Brahamsbowling spoilswith Reimers,while Dowson (10wickets at 18.20),Martin (8 wicketsat 18.50) andCraig Mitchell(26.75) also didwell with the ballat times.Sean Fitzsimmonswas the onlyother Queenslanderto makethe Australianteam, earning his thirdCountry baggy green.Fitzsimmons topped theBrahmans run aggregatewith 324 runs, crackingthe biggest score of thecarnival (165) in the finalmatch against SA that sawQueensland chase down384 to win by four wickets.Continued page 24MATCH SCORESAT A GLANCERound 1 (T20): WA 4-132(Mitchell 1-15) d Qld 131(Fitzsimmons 25).Round 2 (T20): Qld 9-108(Wells 41) d EAP 86(Dowson 4-16, Burton3-24).Round 3 (50 Overs): Qld9-134 (Martin 29) d ACT110 (Evetts 3-21, Burton3-25, P Reimers 2-29).Rd 4 (50 Overs): Qld7-203 (Reimers 46no,Wells 46, Stains 35) d NT200 (Reimers 4-44, Martin3-22, Weare 3-31).Round 5 (Two Days): Qld9-329 (Wells 71, Dennis56, Fitzsimmons 53, Stains45) d Vic 212 (Mitchell5-91, Evetts 2-31).Round 6 (Two Days): NSW229 (Frankling 3-28, Burton3-61, Dowson 3-64) dQld 148 (Reimers 33no,Stains 30, Frankling 30) &9-135 (Reimers 44no,Fitzsimmons 34).Round 7 (Two-Days): Qld6-386 (Fitzsimmons 165,Frankling 133, Weare 34) dSA 364 (Reimers 4-65,Martin 3-74, Burton 2-84).

AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS24From page 23Fitzsimmons finished asthe third leading runscoreroverall.Frankling, the Queenslandopener whoscored 133 in a magnificentfifth-wicketpartnership of 280 withFitzsimmons in theirmemorable run-chaseagainst SA, was the Brahman’sNo.2 run-scorer alland 12th on the run list.He scored 219 at 27.38.Wells (196 at 28.00),Reimers (170 at 42.50)FINAL STANDINGS1st - North Territory 312nd - New South Wales 313rd - Queensland 244th - Victoria 195th - Western Australia 146th - East Asia Pacific 117th - Aust Capital Territory 108th – South Australia 4and Nathan Stains(158 at 19.75) alsotopped 150 runs forthe carnival.Fitzsimmons finishedwith five catches – secondhighest in the carnivalfor non-wicketkeepers,while Queensland‘keeper TonyHampson, with fivecatches in the final gameagainst SA, topped thecarnival’s dismissals list forglovemen with 16 catchesand two stumpings.Fitzsimmons was fifthoverall in the Player of theChampionshipsvoting with52.40 votes behindACT’s JohnNicol (68.60),NT’s Daryl Short(66.80) andBatty (65.60),and EAP’s Vala(59.50).Reimers finished13th andFrankling 14thin Player of theChampionshipsvoting.Tony Hampson (above) and Tom Frankling(left) were two other good contributorsQUEENSLAND BRAHMANS STATISTICS - 2O10 AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPSBATTING BOWLING FIELDINGPlayer M Inns NO Runs HS Ave 100's 50's Overs Mdns Runs Wkts BB Ave SR ER Ct StpdBurton, Matthew 7 7 1 63 18 10.50 - - 84.4 16 314 12 3-24 26.2 42.33 3.71 - -Dennis, Matthew 7 8 1 121 56 17.29 - 1 - - - - - - - - - -Dowson, Ryan 7 1 1 3 3* - - - 53.2 15 182 10 4-16 18.2 32.00 3.41 - -Evetts, Ryan 6 2 1 1 1 1.00 - - 37 10 108 5 3-21 21.6 44.40 2.92 2 -Fitzsimmons, Sean 7 8 0 324 165 40.50 1 1 - - - - - - - - 5 -Frankling, Tom 7 8 0 219 133 27.38 1 - 11.3 3 43 3 3-28 14.3 23.00 3.74 1 -Hampson, Tony 7 6 2 28 16 7.00 - - - - - - - - - - 16 2Martin, Glen 7 6 0 65 29 10.83 - - 41.3 6 148 8 3-22 18.5 31.13 3.57 2 -Mitchell, Craig 7 8 1 63 19 9.00 - - 60.3 9 214 8 5-91 26.8 45.38 3.54 - -Reimers, Peter 7 8 4 170 46* 42.50 - - 45 5 192 12 4-44 16.0 22.50 4.27 1 -Stains, Nathan 7 8 0 158 45 19.75 - - - - - - - - - - 1 -Weare, Barry 7 4 1 63 34 21.00 - - 21 0 89 3 3-31 29.7 42.00 4.24 3 -Wells, Todd 7 7 0 196 71 28.00 - 1 1 -

AUSTRALIA POST QUEENSLAND SECONDARY CHAMPIONSHIPS25The Southport Schoolremained composedunder pressure on severaloccasions toemerge with their firstever Australia PostSecondary Schools titlebefore Christmas.The Gold Coast-basedschool advanced automaticallyto the third round ofthe Statewide competitionby virtue of finishing in thetop two in the Great PublicSchools competition.They had a tricky assignmentfirst-up against RosewoodState High School,which featured the undoubtedtalents of AustralianUnder 17 player SamTruloff.The run machine scored acentury against The SouthportSchool, but his sidemanaged just 150, andTSS comfortably achievedthe target.Boasting the talents of bigrun-scorersNick Stevensand BenMcDermottthemselves,TSS thengained revengeoverNudgee College,who hadbeaten themto the GPSchampionship,in thequarter-finals.SOUTHPORT TAKESSECONDARY SCHOOLS CUPThe final fourin the AustraliaPost SecondarySchools Cup comprisedNorth Mackay StateHigh School, St Columbans,John Paul CollegeandTSS.Captain Nick Stevens and his winning TSS teamTSS appeared in huge troublein their semi against StColumbans after scoring199 and watching the oppositionamass 0-150.The equationeventuallywhittleddownto StColumbansneeding afour off thefinal ball,which theycould notachieve.“It was amassiveturnaround – the boys justhung in there,” said TSScoach Steve Baker, whoalso guides the QueenslandCountry team andshares coaching dutiesat the Gold Coast Dolphins.TSS bowled out JohnPaul College for 150 inthe final at the BrisbaneGrammar Fields atNorthgate, but battled tothe victory target with onlytwo wickets in hand.“They provided a verytough fight,” Baker applauded.Sam Hain, a member of theState schoolboys under15 side and QC EmergingPlayers program, wasnamed player of the finals.TSS blooded a number ofnew, younger players andwill be strong challengersfor the title again in 2010.