‘Redemption’: Fusion crowned 2024 Bulls Masters champions with emphatic victory over Seamers
The Far North Fusion stormed home at the Gabba, securing a 37-run win over the Central Queensland Seamers in a stunning grand final rematch.
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The Far North Fusion stormed home at the Gabba, securing a 37-run win over the Central Queensland Seamers in a stunning grand final rematch.
The Fusion avenged their 2023 grand final defeat against the Seamers, with top-order batsman Aidan Firman and Mulgrave duo Jake Roach and Matthew Wilkins setting the tone in the opening innings.
“The boys were keen to resurrect what happened last year,” Fusion captain Roach said.
“We knew 150 plus would be a great score, we backed our ability, finding the gaps and running hard. Aidan started off with fireworks. Took the game on and put the CQ bowlers on the back burner.”
18-year-old Firman got the Fusion off to a flyer, slashing a pair of sixes and racing to 38 runs from 18 balls before falling to youngster Sam Gassman.
Fusion captain Roach and classy cricketer Wilkins piled on the score before Seamers stars Joe McGahan (2-30 from four overs) and Brent Hartley (2-9 from two overs) broke through.
Barron River basher Adam Trewin (15* runs not out from 10 balls) and Norths wicketkeeper Angus Warnock (20* runs not out from 11 balls) showed their quality with a crucial late-innings partnership, creeping the score up to 6-172.
“That partnership was a game changer for us,” Roach said.
“Trewin and Gus ran their hearts out. They were the difference between getting 145 runs or 172 runs. They didn’t overhit the ball, found the gaps and put the pressure back on the (Seamers).”
The Fusion bowling brigade showed no mercy, with Seth McGinty leading the way with 3-27 from four overs.
After being hammered for a six, all-rounder McGinty had the last laugh, taking the huge wicket of opener Joe McGahan (24 runs from 15 balls).
Demon pace trio Jake Roach (2-17 from three overs), Marcus Berryman (2-33 from four overs), and Henry King (2-4 from 2.3 overs) each collected two wickets, crumbling the Seamers’ line-up, all out for 135 runs after 19.3 overs.
Seamers first drop Callum McMahon top scored for his side with 33 runs from 20 balls, while Hayden O’Connor smashed 27 runs from 20 runs before he was caught and bowled by Roach.
While the Fusion have been crowned Queensland premiers in 2016 and 2022, they had suffered defeats in the past two grand finals at the Gabba, with Fusion coach Wade Frazer breaking the trend this year.
“Wade has been unreal,” Roach said.
“He’s an older head, he’s played high level cricket. Just picking his brain has worked wonders for us. He’s not a stressful bloke. He keeps everyone composed and relaxed.”
It was departing Queensland Country Cricket president Kev Maher’s last grand final before he officially hands over the reins in 2025. Maher has made a huge contribution to providing local country cricketers the opportunity to compete at the Gabba.
“Kev is the father of Cricket Far North,” he said.
“He’s done a lot for CFN and Queensland Country Cricket. He deserves a break, but what he’s done for the last 40 years has just been incredible through the Queensland region. He deserves all the accolades he gets. He’s been outstanding for so long.”
Fusion gunning for revenge in Bulls Masters showdown
A stacked Far North Fusion will be gunning for revenge in a blockbuster grand final rematch at the Gabba this Sunday.
The Fusion are gearing up for an exciting grand final clash against the Central Queensland Seamers in the prestigious Bulls Masters Country Challenge T20.
The team’s line-up is loaded with players capable of turning the game in their favour, providing Fusion coach Wade Frazer with plenty of options heading into the final.
“The quality of cricket that we have the potential to play excites me most about the side,” Frazer said.
“We haven’t quite pulled the trigger on a complete game of cricket yet. We understand not everyone will have a day out, and they all have a role to play, but any one of them has the potential to be a game-winner for us. It’d be wonderful if that all comes together (for the grand final).”
After an impressive run in Cairns in October, the Fusion have made their way to the decider for the third consecutive year, showcasing their dominance with two victories and a narrow defeat in the pool phase.
The Fusion’s semi-final performance against the Mackay-Whitsundays Nitros was a masterclass, led by an undefeated 126-run partnership between openers Aidan Firman and Jake Roach.
Rising star Firman bashed a brilliant 68* off 47 balls, while Roach struck 55* off 36 balls, chasing down the Nitros’ total of 5-125 in just under 14 overs at Griffiths Park.
Experienced bowlers William Robertson (3-13 from four overs) and Brenton Edwards (1-20 from four overs), who restricted the Nitros to a modest total, were also crucial.
The side’s strength is evident not only in their batting depth but also in their balanced line-up.
Elite batsmen Edwards and wicketkeeper Angus Warnock are likely to bat outside the top six, while the team boasts a plethora of all-rounders in captain Roach, Tully-born Edwards, Rovers captain Marcus Berryman, Rovers coach Andrew Phelps, Barron River’s Adam Trewin and 18-year old Seth McGinty.
Frazer also highlighted the strong mix of youth and experience within the team.
The Mulgrave club legend emphasised the importance of mentoring and growth, praising the open environment for learning and development.
“It’s a wonderful luxury to have. We encourage the younger players to ask for advice and be open to feedback. There aren’t any better cricketers to learn from than the teammates they get to travel with,” Frazer said.
While the Fusion have been crowned Queensland premiers in 2016 and 2022, they have suffered defeats in the past two grand finals at the Gabba.
Frazer, who took over as coach in 2023, is determined to break the trend.
“I’d just like to see a couple of blokes have a day out, because then the other blokes tend to rise as well,” he said.
With Demon paceman Henry King returning from a quad injury after missing majority of the rep season, the Fusion are primed for a strong showing against the Central Queensland Seamers, who were last year’s champions.
Mulgrave stalwart Justin Reid will miss the Gabba showdown, but the Fusion’s depth makes them formidable contenders for the title.
As the grand final approaches, anticipation is high, with both teams eager to make their mark on the prestigious Bulls Masters Country Challenge stage.
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Originally published as ‘Redemption’: Fusion crowned 2024 Bulls Masters champions with emphatic victory over Seamers
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