Round 9: Saturday, 5 August 2023 Over 60s Division 2 Ipswich Hornets vs Lockyer

Again the weather was kind and provided a sunny winter’s day with light winds for the Hornets with their encounter against our country brothers from Lockyer. Lockyer skipper Peter Neale called incorrectly and Brad Hines had no hesitation in having a bat on a green grassy wicket and dry outfield.

The Silver Hornets got away to a blistering start, the top order of Hines (39*), Copeland (25) and Meagher (16) all avoiding another dunking in the duck pond, 2 for 87 after the first 15 overs. The swagger had returned. The middle order carried on the good work with Pettersson being particularly brutal with 38 of 21 balls before skying a simple catch to mid wicket. The Hornets finished the second break at 4/162. The third stanza had our tail wag to add more valuable runs, Robson Lockey (28*) produced arguably his best innings of the season to halt a minor collapse along with Davey Frampton (11) and Mark Burbidge (12). The Hornet’s finished with a competitive total of 9/224 of our 45 overs.

The best of the Lockyer bowlers was Nev Maroske with 2/30.

A great BBQ lunch was provided by Cricket Ipswich stalwarts Bronis and Chris Carkeet, Darryl O’Sullivan and Craig Morgan, many thanks Lady and Gents.

After lunch, the Hornets bowlers took the game away from Lockyer. Lockyer were never really in the game. Outstanding opening spells by Glen Jackwitz (2/12) and Bill Jeffrey (2/14) started proceedings, our bowlers in total control, Lockyer 4/24 at the first drinks break and praying for rain. The second stanza belonged to the Hornets as well with more of the same tight controlled bowling although Lockyer rallied a little to be 5/60 at the second drinks break and needing a miracle. The third stanza saw Lockyer provide stiff resistance but little else, Mark Burbidge returned from injury to capture 3/38 to complete the rout. Graham Zirbel (23) and Gary Hughes (23) were the only Lockyer batters to make the highlight reel. Lockyer were never in this contest, all out 117.

A sausage sizzle ended the day’s play, thanks again Bronis, Chris, Darryl and Craig.

Man of the match for Ipswich was Robson Lockey with his highest score of 28* and some great work in the field.Lockyer’s man of the match was Graham Zirbel with 23.