Cricket Ipswich congratulates Hornets men’s first grade team

Cricket Ipswich (CI) congratulates the Hornets men’s first grade team for securing its fifth red ball semi-finals appearance in seven seasons.

The Mark Rasmussen-coached team finished the two-day competition in great form to claim third place on the Brisbane Premier Cricket ladder.

The Hornets will now play the Sunshine Coast Scorchers needing to secure a first innings victory (at a minimum) to book a grand final berth at Allan Border Field commencing on the weekend of  March 22.

Toombul (1st) plays Norths (4th) in the other semi-final.

Should Ipswich beat the Sunshine Coast, it will be the Hornets’ fourth red ball grand final appearance in seven seasons.

That record is the envy of many other clubs, who have historically struggled to break Ipswich at its home ground Baxter Oval fortress.

Rasmussen is in his first year as Hornets head coach after assisting Brendan Creevey throughout the 2023/24 campaign.

Ipswich claimed the KFC T20 Max competition with a stunning victory over Norths in that season, before Norths got revenge in the red ball decider.

The foundations for this year’s success have been laid by a core group of senior players, led by Harry Wood (481 runs), Bryn Llewellyn (339 runs), Jack Wood (314 runs), Noah Emmerson (297 runs and 24 wickets), Jem Ryan (23 wickets) and Sean Lutter (19 wickets).

Rising first graders Jared Adamski (25 wickets), Harry Sheppard (382 runs), Ethan Ramsbotham (263 runs), Paul Nasser (251 runs) and Matt Andrews (253 runs and 24 dismissals as a wicketkeeper) are all improving each week under Rasmussen’s guidance.

“Mark is doing a terrific job as head coach of our men’s program,” Hornets selector and CI board member Mathew James said.

“It’s no secret that we lost some big-match experience leading into this year, so to be where we are is a credit to him and the players, many of whom are coming on in leaps and bounds under his guidance.

“The board acknowledges the work Mark has put in with this group. Premier first grade cricket throws up many challenges, so to be within one win of a grand final appearance is a feather in the cap for everyone involved.”

James also paid tribute to former coach Aaron Moore, who was at the helm of the Hornets during the club’s early foray into finals cricket.

Moore continues to support the Hornets and CI in his role as a board member.

Hornets recent first grade finals history

2018/19:  50 over Semi-Final v Valleys

2019/20 : 50 over Semi-Final v University

Two Day Grand Final v University

2020/21: 50 over Semi-Final v Norths

Two Day Semi–Final v Norths

2021/22: T20 Semi–Final v Sunshine Coast

Two Day Grand Final v Wests

2022/23: -

2023/2024: T20 Premiers

Two Day Grand Final v Norths

2024/25:  Two Day Semi–Final v Sunshine Coast