Round 8: Saturday, 22 July 2023 Over 60s Division 2 Ipswich Hornets vs Gold Coast Blue

The weather was kind and provided a glorious Gold Coast day with light winds for the Hornets with their encounter against Gold Coast Blue. Skipper Brad Hines called correctly and chose to bat on a shiny flat wicket and dry outfield.

The “Silver” Hornets got away to a dismal start, the top order of Hines, Copeland and Meagher all in the duck pond, 3 for 7 after 4 overs. The middle order rescued the day with multiple partnerships, Pettersson (37*), Jeffrey (47), Olsen (30*), Wingett (40*) and Lockey (27) all showing the top order how to be patient, risk free and still move the score along. The Hornets dominated the second stanza and were 5/159 at the break. The third stanza had our tail wag to add valuable runs, the Hornet’s middle order had laid the foundation for a competitive total of 7/222 off our 45 overs.

The best of the Coast bowlers was their skipper Keith Reynolds with 3/36. The Coast could not believe that they let the opportunity slip for a small Hornets total and an early finish to their day.

After a great BBQ lunch, the Coast lost an early wicket before Andy Pinho (77) and Richard de Silva (43*) took control. The Hornets bowlers battled gamely but could not remove the Coasts batters. The Coast were 1/77 at the first drinks break and well in this game. As has been the case this season, the second stanza belonged to the Hornets, tight controlled bowling backed up with good field placements and whatever opportunities given were taken. Brian Olsen 3/12 and Jan Pettersson 3/43 dominated and the Coast had slumped to 7/135 at the second drinks break. Tony Williams (37*), the only Coast batter to make the highlight reel. The third stanza was a see-sawing affair as both sides struggled to gain the ascendency. Astute captaincy from Hines had Bill Jeffrey and Pettersson close down the game in the last 5 overs. The Coast close but not close enough, all out 203.

Man of the match for Ipswich was Brian Olsen with 3 for 12 off his 8 overs with 5 maidens and a 30*. Gold Coast’s man of the match was Andy Pinho with 77.