Ipswich players impress for Qld masters teams

QUEENSLAND reaffirmed their dominance of masters indoor cricket, winning three out of four divisions at the national titles in Western Australia.

QUEENSLAND reaffirmed their dominance of masters indoor cricket, winning three out of four divisions at the national titles in Western Australia.

Ipswich also proved that it is an indoor cricket stronghold with 15 players/officials representing their state.

The over 35 team was the most impressive, going through the week-long tournament undefeated. The over 35's won the final in a mini game (41-22) after the teams couldn't be separated at the end of normal time.

Ipswich player Brendan Kleidon was in awesome form, winning both the Player of the Final and Series awards.

The over 40 team had a terrific week, also losing only two games during the fixture rounds before hitting a white hot ACT team in the semi-final. The team would get revenge in the grand final with a thrilling 81-80 victory.

The over 50 side also would lift the trophy with a week that only contained one fixture round loss. However a semi-final loss to Nth Queensland would only spur the team on with a comprehensive final victory 114-66.

The over 45 team competed well during the fixture rounds losing three games and finishing third. A semi-final loss would end their chance of a final's' appearance.

Ipswich players to be awarded national honours were Brendan Kleidon, Craig Cummings, Kevin Borchert, Tony Ferstera (0/35) and Lee Morphew (0/50).

Other Ipswich players/officials that represented Queens-land with honour were Grant Suthers, Troy Pitt, Steve Wilson, Peter Bellingham, Jan Petterson, John McLochlan, Craig Window, Rob Maddox, Barrie Sandford and Sally Crawford.

Whinging fans

GAME 1 of the 2018 Origin series has been played and what a start for the Blues.

A hard-fought game between the two states resulted in NSW taking a series lead heading towards the Sydney showdown where the Blues will try to wrap the series up or the Maroons will take the Brisbane game to a decider.

The young, inexperienced Blues really stood tall on a night that showed rugby league stirs the fans of both states. Social media went into meltdown after the game.

Usually it's the Blues fans that whinge and complain about the referees. But the wheel turned with Maroon fans pinpointing a forward pass for their anger.

While the pass was forward, it wasn't the reason for Queensland's loss. Maybe they should look towards the effort of a few forwards or the huge 51 missed tackles.

Bring on Game 2.

Quick thoughts

HERO of the week: The Golden State Warriors sit on the cusp of another NBA win with two great victories in games 1 and 2. Steph Curry has really stepped up to the plate.

Villain of the week: The officials that abused a teenage referee last weekend. The game has no place for people like you.

Bomber's best: My horse tip ran well but could only finish third.

This week I am tipping the Brisbane Lions to take care of the Essendon Bombers at the Gabba.

Did you know?

Without including points for scoring goals, ice hockey great Wayne Gretsky would still lead the scoring for any hockey player in history. His record is with his career assists points.

Originally published as Ipswich players impress for Qld masters teams