Western Power expects to match top teams in BPL challenge

Having seen what the fast-paced standard is like, Western Power coach Aaron Moore knows his team can challenge all sides as the BPL fires up in Ipswich. See the latest mission.

Ipswich Hornets wicketkeeper/batsman Jake Cross made the BPL T20 team of the week after displaying his aggressive batting in Western Power’s opening two matches of the new series.

Having seen what the fast-paced standard is like, Western Power coach Aaron Moore knows his team can challenge all sides in the Brisbane Premier League (BPL) T20 competition being staged in Ipswich.

After a win and a loss in the opening round at Ivor Marsden fields, Power faces the Dingoes and Marlins in Sunday’s next clashes at the same venue.

“It’s probably what we expected,’’ Moore said of the historic new competition.

“Most sides have got a number of very good players and you could see probably every game is going to be close.

“There wasn’t any sort of blowouts.

“It’s a pretty even competition.’’

Big-hitting action from the opening round of the Brisbane Premier League T20 competition at the Ivor Marsden Sporting Complex. Picture: Tam Wrigley

Getting two players in the Brisbane Premier League T20 team of the week was a positive start for Western Power making their historic competition debut.

Aggressive opening batsman/wicketkeeper Jake Cross and right-arm fast bowler Donal Whyte were named among the leading performers after the first round of the delayed series in Ipswich.

Cross scored 56 off 43 balls in Power’s nine-wicket win over Southern Rockets. Whyte snared 3/28.

The Power pair again featured prominently in Power’s seven-run loss to Moreton Magic.

Cross made 32 and Whyte snared 3/17 off his four overs.

While seeing what Cross could do in his debut season with the Hornets, Moore welcomed the contribution of Whyte in the Power combination.

“Donal was exceptional,’’ Moore said.

For this weekend’s games, star signing Steve Paulsen is unavailable due to other commitments.

However, Emmanuel Petersen returns to the squad after missing the opening round.

The Western Power players prepare for their next T20 players after the Ipswich Hornets open their Queensland Premier Grade season against Sunshine Coast on Saturday at Baxter Oval.

“We’ve built pretty nicely actually so we’re looking forward to getting back on the wicket,’’ Moore said.

The Hornets players have been back training for “a solid’’ three weeks.

The Hornets have cricketers involved across a number of BPL franchises so they have plenty of Saturday and Sunday matches ahead.

Sunday’s second round senior BPL matches at Amberley start at 7.30am.

Power’s matches are at 10.45am (v Dingoes) and 2pm (v Marlins).

Moore praised Ivor Marsden groundsman and former state cricketer Craig Jesberg for his efforts preparing the fields and pitches for the big day of T20 play.

“It was a good atmosphere actually,’’ he said.

Under-19 matches at Grammar Arms Park, Brassall, start at 8am on Sunday.

Western Power play the Dingoes at 11am and Marlins at 2pm.

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