Round 7: Saturday, 8 July 2023 Over 60s Division 2 Ipswich Hornets vs Gold Coast Green

The weather was kind and provided a bright sunny day with light winds for the Hornets in their must win game against Gold Coast Green. Skipper Brad Hines, the best tosser in the business called incorrectly and the Coast elected to bat on a hard flat wicket and dry outfield. The Hornets were down on troops with a late withdrawal that morning leaving them with ten players while the Coast used the rules to include two higher division players to bolster their chances of winning the game and thereby securing a spot in the finals.

The Gold Coast got away to a brisk start punishing any short balls. Peter Holley (38*), Jeff Manitzky (33) and Robert Laing (25*) moved the total to 0/76 at the first drinks break. The Hornets dropped three catches which proved crucial in the opening overs. Geoff Lougoon (25*) and Dave Elder (21) dominated the second stanza although the Hornets bowlers did get some joy taking 2 wickets, the Coast continuing on their good start and were 2/136 at the second drinks break. Col Taylor dominated with the ball in the third stanza quickly getting rid of the tail bringing the retired batters back to add quick runs to the Coast total. The Coast’s top order had laid the foundation for a competitive total of 8/187 off their 45 overs.

In what was a frustrating day for the Hornets bowlers with plenty of chances either put down or just out of reach, Col Taylor (3/22) and Brian Olsen (2/29) were the Hornets best. The Coast believed that the target was at least 50 runs short of a match winning total.

After lunch, Brad Hines and Gary Copeland took the game to the Coast. Copeland back in the sheds early, the Hornets were 1/67 at the first drinks break and in the run chase. Glenn Gotting (18*) and Brian Olsen (16*) continued the scoring and retiring giving Hines the opportunity to re-enter later to get the Hornets home if required. Dave Wingett (30) played his natural game and swung freely. The Hornets were 4/119 at the second drinks break with work to do. The run rate was increasing with every over, the Coast’s spinners operating from both ends and proving hard to get away. The Hornets batters were finding fielders instead of boundaries further reducing the scoring. Dom Treston capitalised as the batters were forced into going for quick runs with a 3/16 well supported by Dave Elder 2/6. The Hornets ran out of overs and were left at 7/157 after their 45 overs, a 30 run loss. Any prospects of playing finals were gone.

The inclusion of the two higher division players paid handsome dividends for the Coast with a combined run total of 46 and bowling statistics of 8 overs 2 for 18.

Man of the match for Ipswich was Brad Hines with a subdued innings of 47 of 54 balls. Gold Coast’s man of the match was Dom Treston with his 3 for 16.