Round 6: Saturday, 1 July 2023 Over 60s Division 1 Ipswich Hornets vs Gold Coast Blue at Runaway Bay

A thoroughly bleak and cold day greeted the Hornets for their must win game against Gold Coast Blue. Stand-in skipper, Murray Rogers called incorrectly and the Coast elected to bat on a hard flat wicket and fast outfield.

The Gold Coast got away to a run a ball start with Dave Russell (10) and Roger Boyd (28) before Kerry Brueur got both openers and slowed the run rate. John Guiver (16) and Craig Hamshaw showed stubborn resistance and moved the total to 3/76 at the first drinks break. Craig Hamshaw swung purposely before retiring not out. His retirement brought Graham Rose and Darel Vidler together and their partnership proved crucial to the Coast total, although the Coast had not capitalized on the good start and where 6/134 at the second drinks break. Darel Vidler (42) and Graham Rose (18*) continued doggedly after the break. The Coast suffered a double blow when both Vidler and Rose suffered leg injuries, both requiring runners to complete their innings. Hamshaw then returned to the crease and belted 17 from 7 balls to top score 52*. The Coast finished at 9/213 off their 45 overs.

In what was a frustrating day for the Hornets bowlers with plenty of chances just out of reach, Geoff Freiberg (2/21) and Murray Rogers (2/27) were the pick.

After lunch, the polar bears were removed from the field and Darryl O’Sullivan and Bungee Freiberg set about chasing down the target. With Freiberg (15) and Mallett back in the sheds the Hornets were 2/58 at the first drinks break and behind in the run chase. Murray Rogers (21*) steadied the ship allowing Dougie Meagher (22) to free his arms. The Hornets were 4/126 at the second drinks break with work to do. The run rate was increasing with every over, the Coast’s left arm spinners operating up the hill from the southern end were proving hard to get away. Phil Hopgood capitalised with a 5/38 well supported by Bernie McDonald 3/23 and Dave Elder a miserly 0/11 off his 7 overs. The Hornets all out 171 chasing quick runs and any prospects of playing finals were gone. There will always be a next season.

Man of the match for Ipswich was Darryl O’Sullivan with another impressive innings of 46.Gold Coast’s man of the match was Phil Hopgood with his 5 for 38.