Former Australian players shine in Toowoomba

THE Bulls Masters was able to take down the ACC XI in an exhibition that meant more than the result.

CRICKET: Fans were treated to a masterclass from former greats of the game, as the Bulls Masters and Australian Country Championships XI turned it on for an exhibition match at Heritage Oval.

Featuring a handful of former national players alongside some of Toowoomba's form players over the past year, the Bulls Masters proved too strong for the composite side, scoring by 53 runs.

Batting first, the Masters flew out of the blocks with former Australian T20 representative Nathan Reardon (27 runs) and Troy Gurski (34 off 19) producing early runs.

Troy Gurski bats for Bulls Masters against Australian Country XI in Australian Country Cricket Championships exhibition match at Heritage Oval, Sunday, January 5, 2020. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Brian May (50 off 38) and Andy Bichel (25 off 16) kept things ticking along, before Cameron Brimblecombe removed them both, as they piled on an impressive 7/168 from their 20 overs.

The ACC XI never really got things going in their run chase, despite the best efforts of Aaron Burrage (23) and Jarrod Marston (40), were dismissed for 115 from 17.1 overs.

It wasn't the result that mattered according to Masters captain Michael Kasprowicz, more so the chance for the former greats to give back to the regional area.

"From a personal point of view, getting out into country Queensland is great. I love it," he said.

FORMER GREAT: 19-test and 67-ODI veteran Andy Bichel laced them up for the Bulls Masters. Picture: Kevin Farmer

"Being a part of the Bulls Masters and helping create it 10 years ago, that was the incentive and the inspiration was to get cricket back out into the bush.

"In the 19 years I played cricket for Queensland, I reckon 75 per cent of blokes every team I played for were from the bush.

"Because the game has moved so fast and with the professionalism today, people in the bush aren't getting access to the players like they used to.

"I've always thought that as former players if we can get together, the impact we can have, not just to the kids, but to their parents and the volunteers.

Bulls Masters players including Michael Kasprowicz and Andy Bichel during the game against the Australian Country XI in Australian Country Cricket Championships exhibition match at Heritage Oval, Sunday, January 5, 2020. Picture: Kevin Farmer

"It's about giving back to the game out here, really engaging them and a sense of why we all love cricket so much."

"I retired 13 years ago so my run up is a lot shorter," he joked.

"Essentially with the Bulls Masters we've reached so many different parts of Queensland, but when we've got players like Andrew Symonds, Stuart Law, Andy Bichel and Wade Seccombe who are all from the bush.

"To go back out into the regions is what it's all about."