GABBA - Queensland Cricket

The Official E-Newsletter of Queensland Cricket — October 2005CRICKET: IT’S BACK -FRIDAY AT THE GABBAJust 201 days after the2004-05 season ended inheartbreak for the XXXXGold Bulls it’s on again …the 2005-06 season startsat the Gabba on Friday.ChrisHartleyThe busiest Gabba schedulein history kicks off with anING Cup day/nighteragainst the NSW Blues,starting at 3pm.Ironically, the seasonopenerbrings to Brisbanethe same side that stole anagonizing one-wicket winover the Bulls in the PuraCup decider on 20 March.It sees Michael Kasprowicz,limited to one one-day appearancefor the Bulls lastseason, return to begin acampaign to reclaim hisplace in the Australian side.Something like the 4-37 hetook against WA at theGabba in February in hisonly ING Cup outing of2004-05 would suit the bigheartedquick and his Bullsteammates nicely.Only Matthew Hayden andShane Watson and an injuredChris Simpson of theBulls squad are unavailableMichaelKasprowiczfor the first game of thesummer in which competitionfor places in the team,particularly in the fast bowlingand batting ranks, willbe at a premium.But one spot in no doubt isthat of Chris Hartley, who isfresh from the Australian ‘A’visit to Pakistan.After two years, six PuraCup games and seven INGCup games as understudyto the recently-retired WadeSeccombe, the former AustralianU19 ‘keeper will assumethe role of first-choicegloveman to carry on a richtradition behind the stumps.Queensland Cricket officialsare expecting a good crowd,but if you cannot get to theGabba you can follow theprogress of the game viathe ‘live scores’ system onthe new Bulls website.Cricket Australia, who hadproblems with their livescores system last summer,have undertaken a rebuildand after a trouble-freeAshes campaign there isnothing to suggest it won’twork throughout the domesticseason to keep cricketingfans right up to date.Just got to bulls.com.au andclick on the ‘live scores’ link.HEY KIDS!WANT TO BE AJUNIOR BULL?This very special treat forone lucky fan is on offer ateach ING Cup game at theGabba again this season.You’ll find an entry couponin The Courier-Mail on theFriday a week before eachgame - then watch theChannel 9 News on thefollowing Tuesday.The winner will spend theday with the team, helpingto take out the drinks andfill other important roles.Plus, they’ll receive:-· Family tickets· An autographed bat· A Bulls shirt & cap· A ‘New Wickets’ gamefrom Play Stats· Bulls Player Cards· ING sports bag• Lunch/dinner withboth teams1

Edition 8 – October 2005CONTENTS2 ‘Leading the Charge’ –With Graham Dixon3 Test Lunch & BreakfastCorporate Hospitality4 Hayden: Take Me HomeHow To Win a Car!!!5 Bulls Preview6 The Bill Brown Medal7 Volunteers DayBulls Family Fun Day8 The Code of the Bull9 “Bulls Eye” -Jimmy Maher10 Fire Preview11 Sponsors News12 A New Building at QCHQ13 Game Development14 New Bulls Merchandise15 Girls Get Fired Up16 Behind the Sight Screen“Between the Wickets” isthe official E-Newsletter ofQueensland CricketEditor: Peter BlucherQueensland Cricket1 Bogan StBreakfast Creek, Q, 4010Ph: (07) 3292-3100Fax: (07) 3262 9160Email: qldc@qldcricket.com.auQC website: qldcricket.com.auBulls website: bulls.com.auIt’s hard to believe it’smore than six monthssince the end of last season,and that we’re backinto first-class cricket atthe Gabba on Friday.Where did the off-seasongo?I probably shouldn’t usethe term ‘off-season’ becausereally no such thingexists.Since the 2004-05 PuraCup final we’ve had MattyHayden, MichaelKasprowicz, Andrew Symondsand Shane Watsontour with the Australianside, and Symonds, Watson,Jimmy Maher, MartinLove, Andy Bichel, AshleyNoffke, Nathan Hauritz andAaron Nye play at variouslevels in England.Watson, James Hopes,Chris Hartley and MitchellJohnson have been to Pakistanwith the Australia “A”side, Johnson, NathanReardon and State U19captain Ben Gledhill havetoured India with the CommonwealthBank Centre ofExcellence, and nowReardon is off to HongKong for a six-a-side tournament.That’s on top of Queensland’sInstitute Challengewin in Darwin, and a successfulSuncorp CountryChallenge in Rockhampton,where Country won theone-day game despite apower-hitting 136 from100 balls by City’s CraigPhilipson, and City captainChris Simpson hit a six offthe last ball to give his sidea Twenty20 win. And, alively start to the XXXXGold Grade Competition.Still, despite the freneticon-field action staff in alldepartments at QueenslandCricket have usedthe time to prepare for anotherhuge summer, withthe biggest and best list ofmatches ever seen at theGabba in one season.We go into the 2005-06campaign with good solidarityat the top level. TheBoard under Chairman DamienMullins SC returnsunchanged; likewise theState selection panels formen and women, and thecoaches and captains ofthe XXXX Gold Bulls andthe Konica Minolta Fire.A full review of both sidesin conjunction with coachesTerry Oliver and Jo Broadbent,and some minorpreparation changes givesus every reason to be confidentof a good showing.Chris SimpsonOver the winter we’ve alsoseen the completion of theGabba. Now with a capacityof 42,000, it will be adelight for patrons, withthe new section on theStanley Street side offeringexcellent facilities for thegeneral public in additionto the corporates.We’ll put the new sectionto the Test during a phenomenalsix days of cricketfrom 6-17 January in whichwe’ll host the first Twenty20international in Australiabetween Australiaand South Africa, a BullsTwenty20 game againstTasmania, a Bulls one-daytour match against SouthAfrica, plus the traditionalVB Series ODIs.It promises to be a hugecampaign, and, havingwon the right to host thewatershed Twenty20 international,it’s imperative wepull a bumper crowd.It’ll be one of those occasionswhen, in 10 or 20years time, people will ask“do you remember the firstTwenty20 international inAustralia …?”It’d be great for you to beable to say you were there!And, of course, all that’s ontop of the first Test of theseries against the Windies,and an ever-busy domesticprogram, with three PuraCup and ING Cup games atthe Gabba before Christmas,and a four-day tourgame against the Windiesat Allan Border Field.Enjoy the summer!2

FIRST 3-MOBILE TESTAUSTRALIA v WEST INDIES3-7 NOVEMBER- GABBAENJOY THE FIRST TEST IN A LITTLE EXTRA STYLEWant to enjoy the First Test at the Gabba in a little style this year? You’d better be quick! Asalways, there’s something for everyone as the international summer gets under way in Brisbane,but tickets are selling fast. There’s the traditional and ever-popular Test Match Lunchand Test Match Breakfast which always fill quickly - don’t delay. This year, too, there’s aneven more extensive range of first-class corporate options. Already the Corporate Suites andthe VIP Lounges are sold out for the entire Test but there are other corporate box options,plus three dining alternatives.TEST MATCH LUNCHIan Healy will M.C. the traditional Test MatchLunch, to be held this year at the Sofitel Brisbaneon Monday 31 October – three days beforethe start of the 3-Mobile Test series against theWest Indies at the Gabba.Jointly sponsored by 3-Mobile and KPMG, itoffers the latest word from both camps, someexpert predictions on what may unfold over thesummer, plus other great entertainment andfirst-class hospitality. Members of both teamswill be in attendance, with Adam Gilchrist, GlennMcGrath and Michael Clarke set to provide a specialpre-Test insight. It’s 12noon for 12:30pm,and tickets which include a two-course meal,plus a cheese platter, beer, wine and soft drinkare $125.TEST MATCH BREAKFASTWhat do Michael Holding, Michael Slater, RodneyHogg and Robert Craddock have in common?All will be VIP guests at Queensland Cricket’sever-popular First Test Breakfast, sponsored forthe first time by 4BC and to be held in the LegendsRoom at the Gabba on Thursday3 November from 6.30am. It’s the perfect wayto start the international summer of cricket, withplenty of entertainment and an expert insightinto the cricket ahead, plus first-class cateringand hospitality.Patrons are invited to attend the breakfast onlyfor $75, or purchase a combined breakfastcricketticket for $105, which includes a reservedgrandstand seat and offers a25% saving on the normal'gate' admission price.For bookings and more information on either function,please contact Candice Tyrril at QC on (07) 3292-3119or email candicet@qldcricket.com.au3TEST MATCH CORPORATE PACKAGESVIP Box – Western Stand—Suitable for eightpeople, they are the perfect option for a businessof any size, or even a bunch of mates whowant to treat themselves to an unforgettable dayat the cricket. It’s $1485 for day 1, $1265 forday 2, or $3000 for all five days.First XI Premium Dining—Only available onthe first two days of the Test, this offers five-starhospitality all the way – hot savouries, a fourcoursemeal, beer, wine and soft drink all day inair-conditioned comfort, and a premium reservedseat right outside the function room in thesouth-west corner of the Gabba. And on day 1you’ll hear from ex-Test paceman Rodney Hogg.Day 1 is $400 per person; Day 2 is $365.Champions Room— Is sold out for day 1 of theTest, but is available for Day 2 and Day 3.Guests will enjoy a two-course meal plus cheeseplatter, beer, wine and soft drink for five hoursin air-conditioned comfort, and a premium reservedseat in the Northern Stand. Day 2 is $260per person; Day 3 is $235.PKF Legends Club Lounge— Offers first-classhospitality for any four days of top internationalcricket this summerfor $900 –why not include theTest match? Enjoysnacks, a buffetlunch, afternoontea and 1-hour ofdrinks, with otherdrinks available onconsumption. Plus apremium reserved seat in the Western Stand.For bookings and more information on allcorporate hospitality, please contact LachlanBegg at QC on (07) 3292 3134 or emaillachlanb@qldcricket.com.au

HAYDEN: I WANT TOPLAY IN KINGAR0YMatthew Hayden has endorsed CricketAustralia’s “Long Live Club Cricket Day”promotion with an extra clause — don’tjust limit it to club cricket.Hayden, who played for Valley recently underthe program designed to recognise andcelebrate the key role of grade clubs, suggestedit should include the cricketingbirthplace of the big-name stars.“This has been great for the clubs but I’dlove to see it go a step further next yearand take the players back to where westarted. I’d love to get back to Kingaroywhere I got my start. I think I was about14 when I first played a grade gamethere – probably at Roger SeccombeOval – there would be a plenty of goodmemories!“We don’t often get a chance to do somethinglike this … but when we do it is certainlya great benefit to those players whoaren’t exposedto thecoaching andthe like thatthe playersexperience atState leveland above.”Matty Hayden— (above) on media duty atValley; (below) obliging some young fans.SPECIAL TEST MATCH TICKETOFFERS FOR KIDS AND ADULTSQueensland Cricket have some fantastic new money-saving ticket optionsto encourage more children and families to the Gabba this summer. Generaladmission tickets for children (Under 16) for Australia’s 3-Mobile Gabba Testagainst the West Indies are just $8 – down from $12 for the correspondinggame last summer. And on Day 3 of the Test - Saturday 5 November - there is aspecial offer via which a child will be admitted free with a paying adult. But it’snot just about the kids – on Day 3 of the Test there is also a “buy two – get onefree” ticket offer for adults, a saving of $30 on a general admission ticket.Calling all cricketing enthusiasts. Want a free chance towin a fabulous Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo? This is for you.To enter this fabulous competition all you have to do isbook your tickets to the 3-Mobile Test, the Twenty20international or the VB Series One-Day Internationalsat the Gabba with Ticketmaster before 31 October2005.Then, visit www.cricket.com.au/ultimatesix. Your ticketswill come with a unique code work— simply enteryour code and you’ll be in the draw.One lucky cricket fan will win a new Ford Falcon TurboXR6 Turbo, with an all-new, 6-speed automatic transmission,and dynamic stability control for the ultimatein performance and driving dynamics.Plus, there are six autographed bats to be won.BOOK YOUR TICKETS BEFORE31 OCTOBER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN4

Sitting around a bonfire in a hastilybuiltcamp site on Stradbroke Islandlast week, enjoying a few beers aftera meal expertly prepared byMatthew Hayden, the XXXX GoldQueensland Bulls put the finishingtouches to their off-season.Coach Terry Oliver oversaw a frank90-minute talk in which the squadoutlined the directions they wantedto take in the 2005-06 season.It was a private two-night culminationto a four-month preparation designedto see the Bulls go one stepfurther than last season, when theyhosted the final of the Pura Cup andING Cup but twice finished the losingteam.Aside from the disruption of overseasplaying commitments, it was apreparation described as first-rateby players and coaches.So, but for a few minor niggles, theBulls will begin their campaign atthe Gabba on Friday in top shape.“For the people who have been hereit’s been an excellent preparation,”said Oliver. “We’ve given the playersownership of their program andwith it personal accountability.”Much of this, according to Oliver,QUEENSLAND BULLS PREVIEWPLAYERS TAKE OWNERSHIPOF PREPARATION FORNEW CAMPAIGNwas possible dueto the extensionof Tony Wilson’slong-held parttimestrength andconditioning roleTonywith the Bulls toWilsona full-time positionwith QueenslandCricket, covering allelite levels of the game.This made for a better mixbetween the Bulls’ long-heldpreference for the players todo something productive outsidecricket, either in a workor study sense, and theirhefty training obligations.“It wasn’t much point usasking them to do somethingoutside the game iftheir cricket commitments made itimpossible,” Oliver said.“So, we set up a program which allowedthem to do some of theirtraining at times and even locationswhich suited them—for someonelike Ashley Noffke it meant he couldWhat was Kaspa and his mates doing on theSunshine Coast? For details, see over the page.do some of the work on the SunshineCoast.QUEENSLAND CRICKET—MAJOR CORPORATE PARTNERS“We still had regular sessions togetherand there was testing tomake sure everyone was doing whatwas required, but happily, exceptfor an occasional tap on the shoulder,there weren’t any problems.The players took things on boardand did a really good job.”Through the winter, too, there wasregular competition between ClintonPerren’s white team, and JamesHopes’ blue team. Games like touchfootball and off-side touch helpedbuild the camaraderie and competitivespirit.“It’s all been really good,” saidOliver, even finding a positive in theprolonged absence of many of hissenior players due to commitmentsin England and the sub-continent.“It really helped the younger playersfind their feet because they hadto assume greater responsibility—they worked hard together andgelled really well.”Going into his fourth season at thehelm, Oliver is planning to extendand formalise the Bulls’ mentoringprogram—on and off the field.This will involve using the likes ofAllan Border, Carl Rackemann, the(Continued page 6)5

QUEENSLAND BULLS PREVIEW(From page 5)newly-retired Wade Seccombe and,when available, Trevor Hohns, in aspecialist advisory role.Ross Duncan, too, has worked recentlywith relevant members ofthe Bulls squad on swing bowling.Oliver also is looking to help educatehis players by strengtheningties with some of QueenslandCricket’s corporate partners.“It might be someone like MarkPowell at Castlemaine Perkins orthe massive network of people atSuncorp, but I’m sure there areplenty of people who can providesome worldly wisdom for our playerswhich will help them in life aftercricket,” he said.The crowning glory of the Bullspreparation was a five-day programwhich culminated in twonights on Stradbroke.Early in the week the players weredivided into four groups, given abudget, and sent to specific regionswith a simple message from thecoaching staff—impress us!It was the expectation of eachgroup that they would act for thegood of cricket, and while doing sowould compile a video reportthat would be shown to thegroup. Aside for some technicalproblems with a videocamera for one group, it wasan exercise that was completedvery well.Michael Kasprowicz, AshleyNoffke, Shane Jurgensen,Ryan Broad and Michael Buchananstole the show witha comical 20-minute presentation.It included a back-handed “tribute”to Seccombe and his feigned reluctanceto break his ties with theBulls.Throughout their journey to theSunshine Coast an unidentifiedcharacter wearing a red RonaldMcDonald-style wig and a Bullsone-day playing shirt with thename ‘Seccombe’ on the back of itkept appearing.With the help of local radiostation MIX-FM, the playersauctioned off an exclusivecoaching clinic.It was purchased for theMaroochydore U12 Bullets,with the winning bid donatedto the charity oftheir choice. So, BloomhillCancer Help, based inBuderim, received a surprisebonus after themulti-talented group raised in total$3650 (see picture—page 5).Andy Bichel, Joe Dawes, NathanRimmington, Nathan Reardon andMitchell Johnson went to Johnson’shome town of Townsville, puttingtogether a special report on the favoriteson of the north.Jimmy Maher, Clinton Perren, MartinLove, Brendan Nash and CraigPhilipson went to Beenleigh where,with the help of Mr Toys Toy World,they put on a treat for the childrenat Beenleigh Special School.And Nathan Hauritz, Ryan Leloux,Chris Hartley, Aaron Nye, ChrisSimpson and Lachlan Stevensheaded to Boonah where, over twodays at Coronation Park StateSchool (pictured left), they put ona monster clinic and informationsessions for more than 600 localyoungsters.GLEDHILL WINS BILL BROWN MEDALQueensland Under 19captain and wicket-keeperBen Gledhill (left) haswon the 2005 Bill BrownMedal.This is a prestige awardpresented by the CarbineClub to an up-and-comingQueensland player.It was won for the firsttime last year by fastbowler Joel Hughes, nowa teammate of Gledhill inthe Australian U19 squad.The medal was presentedby Brown, Australia’s oldestliving Test cricketer,at a lunch at the Gabba.

VOLUNTEERS DAY AT THE GABBASaturday 22 October will beVolunteers Day at theGabba.It’s the day when volunteersthroughout the State are invitedto attend the INGCup game against Tasmaniafor free.This is the fifth time thisjoint initiative betweenQueensland Cricket, theBrisbane City Counciland VolunteeringQueensland will be held,and promises to attracta bumper crowd for thereplay of last season’sING Cup final.Each volunteer has beenoffered free admissionfor two people, plus freetravel to and from the matchon scheduled BCC suburbanbus services, and a $4 mealdeal courtesy of Pura Milkand Four ‘N Twenty pies.Also, free City-Gabba busshuttles will operate beforeand after the match.As a special offer, too, eachticket also provides an opportunityfor volunteers towin a two-night holiday atKingfisher Bay Resort onFraser Island.ING CupBulls v TigersSaturday22 OctoberIf you are a cricketing volunteerand have not alreadymoved to secure your freetickets, please telephoneVolunteering Queensland on(07) 3002 7600 or registeronline at www.volqld.org.au.Tickets will be sent by mail.VOLUNTEERS DAYGABBA CROWDS2004 – 15,9182003 – 9,1782002 – 9,1322001 – 14,731The match starts at 10am,with gates open from 9am.Graham Dixon, QC chief executive,explained that thedecision to hold Volunteers’Day in conjunction with aSaturday day gamewas taken for a varietyof reasons andthe broader interestsof all volunteer organizationsand individuals.“We appreciate thatcricket is played onSaturday, whichmeans many cricketingvolunteers won’tbe able to attend.We certainly don’twant anyone to missout so if the 22 Octobermatch is unsuitable then wewill be happy to offer clubsand associations free ticketsfor coaches, volunteers,players and their parents toattend an alternative INGCup match at the Gabba thisseason,” he said.If you wish to book ticketsfor an alternative game,please visit the Bulls websiteat bulls.com.au, go tothe Volunteers Day page viathe home page, and completethe form.Everyone is invitedto the free Channel 9Bulls Family Fun DayAll cricketing enthusiastsyoung and old are invitedto attend the free BullsFamily Fun Day at AllanBorder Field onSunday, 4 December.Sponsored byChannel 9 andheld on the topoval, Ray LindwallOval, from10am-2pm, itpromises plentyof entertainment,with freerides and cricketingactivitiesfor kids and a chance tomeet Bulls players andChannel 9 celebrities.The Family Fun Day will coincidewith the final of theXXXX Gold Grade Cricketone-day competition onA.B.Field.One luckyfamily willwin a fivenightholidayfor twoadults andtwo childrenatKingfisherBay Resort,Fraser Island.Thewinner willbe drawn and announcedon the day – you have tobe there to win.UPCOMING MATCH PROMOTIONSDollar Day - On Sunday 18 December all patrons will beadmitted to Day 2 of the Bulls’ Pura Cup game against WAat the Gabba for $1. Upon entry patrons will receive avoucher for a $1 Four ‘N Twenty Pie and a $1 BigM FlavouredMilk.Surf Life Saving Day - On Thursday 22 December membersof Queensland surf lifesaving clubs will attend theBulls’ ING Cup day-nighter against WA at the Gabba asguests of Queensland Cricket in recognition of the wonderfulpublic service they provide. There also will be a surflifesaving display during the dinner break to promote the‘Surf Safe’ message that is so important in Queensland.

Q IS THE LETTER — AGAINAn exciting new era forQC and the BullsThe Queensland Bulls are back foranother sizzling summer … and sois the ever-popular marketingtheme ‘Home Grown Heroes’. Exceptit’s all had a facelift.Sporting poet Rupert McCall has rewritten‘The Code of the Bull’, theofficial poem of Queensland Cricketand the XXXX Gold QueenslandBulls, with a focus on the future.It will be officially released and recitedby McCall at the corporateseason launch at Allan Border Fieldon Wednesday 12 October but hereit is, exclusive for readers of‘Between the Wickets’.Rupert McCall“It was always our intention forHome Grown Heroes to be an ongoingmarketing vehicle and we’revery happy with it because it capturesbeautifully the spirit of whatQueensland Cricket and the Bullsare all about,” explained QC Marketing& Operations ManagerAndrew Blucher.“But we recognized the need for anadjustment in timing. So, we askedRupert to re-word the poem tobring us into the present, ratherthan the past, and focus more onthe next generation of Bulls likeJames Hopes and Shane Watson,Mitchell Johnson and Chris Hartley.“We’re not forgetting the playerswho have been around for a fewyears, and they’re still just as importantas they have ever been, butwe’re moving into an exciting newera for cricket and good marketingmeans new and fresh.”MAROON GROWN HEROES2005-2006IT HURTS WHEN TO THINK WE WERE POISED AT THE BRINKOF ‘SO NEAR’ BUT YET ‘SO FAR AWAY’BUT THE STRENGTH OF A TEAM IS TO FEARLESSLY DREAMAND THIS ONE IS READY TO PLAYTHE FEVER RETURNS AND A BULL’S COURAGE BURNSIN THE BLAZE OF A QUEENSLAND VENDETTAREMEMBER THAT KID WITH THE STARS IN HIS EYE?WELL THIS TIME THE STORY GETS BETTER!!!TURN A NEW PAGE! TAKE THAT CRICKETING STAGEWITH A FORMULA PROVEN AND PROUDWHEN MAROON HEARTS ARE THUMPING – THE GABBA IS PUMPINGIT’S BIG AND IT’S LIVE AND IT’S LOUD!RED LEATHER FLIES – THERE’S BELIEF IN THE SKIESFOR THE SKILL AND THE THRILL OF THE MISSIONFOR THE CHARGE AND THE CHASE AND THE LOOK ON HIS FACEWHEN THE GAME IS AFLAME WITH AMBITIONWHEN JOHNSON’S THE SPEED WITH A VENOMOUS SEEDAND PERREN IS SCORCHING THE ROPESWITH FLIPPER AND HARTS PLAYING PASSIONATE PARTSAND THE BRILLIANCE OF WATSON AND HOPESTHE BALANCE OF YOUTH WITH THE VETERAN OF TRUTHAND ONCE AGAIN, Q IS THE LETTERWE’RE READY - WE’RE SET – NO EXCUSE – NO REGRETTHIS TIME THE STORY GETS BETTER!MARCH ON YOU MAROON GROWN HEROES!QUEENSLANDERS RISE AS THEY GOWITH THE WEIGHT OF OUR STATE RIGHT BEHIND THEMOUR HEART AND OUR HUNGER WILL SHOWWITH OUR BULLS WE CAN RECTIFY JUSTICE!WITH OUR BULLS, WE CAN CARRY THAT PRIDE!MARCH ON YOU MAROON GROWN HEROES!WE’RE COMING ALONG FOR THE RIDE!

I woke up one cold morningin England late last monthto see a missed call on mymobile phone. It was WadeSeccombe so I rang himback. We chatted for 10minutes about football andthe likes, and all of a suddenhe dropped a bombshell I’llnever forget.There was an eerie silence. Icouldn’t believe it. An iconof Queensland cricket, aBulls teammate for 14years, was retiring.I was flabbergasted. I didn’tknow what to say. I stilldon’t, really, because wordscan’t adequately describethe contribution ‘Chuck’ hasmade over such a long andillustrious career.He’d done the full preseasonand, like everyoneelse, I just assumed hewould play on. He was super-fitand there had beenno suggestions he wouldhang up the gloves.For a few days, so far fromhome and without the opportunityto drop in to seehim for a chat and a beer, Ifelt really strange. Thingsjust weren’t right.Not long backfrom England andquickly into thefirst-class season,I’ve still not hada chance to catchup with him faceto face. But I willbecause when itcomes to wicketkeepersand peoplethey don’tcome any better.I’ve often said‘Chuck’ was thebest pure glovemanI’ve everplayed with.That’s no slighton Ian Healy,Adam Gilchrist orChris Hartley, oranyone else. It’sjust a fact. And his phenomenalrecord backs it up.Yet as good a gloveman ashe was, he’s an even betterbloke.He was just sensational tohave around; the sort ofbloke you’d want to go towar with. The ultra professional,he was a fierce competitor,at his best whentimes were tough. A loyalteammate who would doanything for a mate.I really appreciated that‘Chuck’ took the time to ringme and tell me the newspersonally but, in hindsight,you wouldn’t expect anythingelse. He’s all class,and epitomizes what Queenslandcricket and the Bullsare all about.I couldn’t begin to count thehours I’ve spent standingbeside the now 33-year-old‘keeping maestro, sittingwith him in the rooms, travelingwith him or trainingwith him. Or just enjoyinghis company.Yet it wasn’t until the mid-Wade Seccombe (left) and Jimmy Maher enjoy the first Shield win of 1994-95.90s that I fully appreciatedhis worth behind he stumps.‘Chuck’ had been hit on thehip batting in a gameagainst WA one day andcouldn’t ‘keep. I had to fill inwith the gloves for threehours, and when I woke upthe next morning I couldhardly walk either.As a captain, too, he was anincredible ally. He alwayshad a good feel for how agame was going … what theball was doing, whether abowler was getting tired,whether a batsman was gettinga little impatient.He was alwaysone stepahead of thingsand I called on hisadvice all thetime.Going through thethings you do beforethe start ofthe season, it didn’tseem quiteright that ‘Chuck’was missing. Icouldn’t helpthinking ‘he’ll beback tomorrow’.That he won’t beback, at least notin a Bulls uniform,makes me sad.We’ll miss himbecause you don’treplace people like WadeSeccombe overnight.But we’ll catch up soon,mate, and have that chatand an icy cold XXXX Gold …my shout!9

Coach Jo Broadbent isn’thiding behind past disappointmentsin setting goalsfor the Konica MinoltaQueensland Fire this summer– she’s aiming for atop two finish.Broadbent, in her thirdyear at the helm, says theside which finished fourthin the five-team Women’sNational Cricket Leaguelast summer certainly hasthe capabilities to figure inthe title decider.Why? Because the experienceof a 2004-05 campaignin which they lostfour extra close games willstand them in good stead,she says, plus the additionof international leg-spinnerLouise Broadfoot and thefact that Jude Coleman,Australian indoor women’scaptain, will play a fullseason after joining theFire partway through lastseason.Also,Broadbentsenses agenuineself-beliefwithin theFire ranksamid aWOMEN’S NATIONAL CRICKET LEAGUEHot Prospects for Fire in2005-06 WNCL Seasongeneral evening out of thecompetition.The Fire, with current AustralianrepresentativesJulia Price and KirstenPike, will begin their campaignagainst SA in Adelaideon 5-6 November.The season was officiallylaunched last Thursday6 October by ex-Australiancaptain Belinda Clark butbefore they get down tobusiness the Fire playerswill have to conquer atesting pre-season camp.Broadbent, keeping detailssecret to maximize impact,would confirm only thatthe players would shortlybe off camping in the bushfor a night as part of abonding exercise designedto improve communicationwithin the group.Belinda Clark withGrahame Campbellof Konica Minolta“It’s been a great preparationand we hope this willjust top us off,” she said.The 2005-06 Konica Minolta Fire - (Back Row): Cameron Garnham (coaching assistant),Angela Murnane, Jude Coleman, Danielle Hollis, Jodie Purves, Kirsten Pike, Rikki-LeeRimmington, Belinda Matheson, Louise Broadfoot, Laura Bates, Grahame Campbell(Konica Minolta). (Front Row): Jo Broadbent (coach), Kirby Short, Kasee Marxsen,Melissa Bulow (captain), Kate MacGibbon, Angela Christie.In other Fire news:-• Australian Youth representativeKasee Marxsenwill miss the firstand possibly the secondround of matches of theWNCL season followingrecent leg surgery.• Rookie Reanna Brown, afringe member of theteam last summer, istraveling overseas andisn’t expected to play atall at WNCL level thissummer.• Fast bowler LeteyshaRandall, who missedvirtually the entire2004-05 season due toa knee injury, will lookto impress in earlyrounds of the gradecricket competition topush her claims.

NEW MEMBERSHIPTARGET FOR FORDAND KASPA’S CREWFord Australia has re-signed asmajor sponsor for QueenslandCricket’s popular volunteer recognitionprogram Kaspa’s Crew – andthey are looking to drive it hard allthe way to a record level.Now in its third season, Kaspa’sCrew is chasing a membership of3000-plus after figures of 1500 in2004 and 2500 in 2005.So, if you are a cricket volunteer inQueensland and have not registeredfor Kaspa’s Crew, please contactyour local club secretary. Whoqualifies? Anyone who donatestime to assist cricket at any level.ADRENALINBULLS PARTYCONTINUESAdrenalin Sports Bar,official after-matchvenue of QueenslandCricket, is also set for a big summerafter they renewed their sponsorshipwith QC for three years.To celebrate the extension of thisvaluable relationship, Phil and GaryHogan, proprietors of Adrenalin inCharlotte Street, City, recentlyhosted a dinner party for the Bullsplayers and their partners.PKF: MORETHAN ABUSINESSPKF, charteredaccountants and business advisorsto Queensland Cricket for manySPONSORS NEWSyears, have also extended their associationwith QC and the Bulls fora further three years.Naming rights sponsors of QC’sever-popular corporate lunches forthe past four years, PKF have notonly extended that relationship butthey have taken on naming rightsto the Legends Club BusinessLounge at the Gabba, which offersexcellent corporate dining onmajor match days.Also renewing their Bulls contractfor a further 12 months recentlywere the Sofitel Brisbane,official hotel of QC, Wolf BlassWines, who have the QC pouragerights at the Gabba and the PavilionFunction Centre.KFC, sponsors of the Junior Bullssign-on campaign and metropolitancoaching clinics, Yellow Cabs, theofficial QC taxi, Griffith University,Gabba scoreboard sponsor, andmedia partners Triple M, 4BC andWIN-TV have also extended theirQC association through to the endof the 2005-06 season.BIG SAVINGS FORCLUBS ON C0CA-COLAREBATE PROGRAMAll cricket clubs throughout Queenslandare encouraged to join theCoca-Cola Rebate Program – a loyaltyprogram specific to cricket.Now in its fifth year, it’s like a frequentflyer club whichdeals in Coke and associatedproducts. Forevery Coke purchasethe club willreceive rebatepointsthat can beredeemed formore Coke products or promotionalitems. For clubs new to the programthere’s a $200 starter pack of20 sports bottles, 12kg of PoweradePowder (to make 200 litres), a15-litre Powerade Barrell and twoPowerade Cooler bags (as above).For more information, please callQC Sponsorship Manager KateGredden on phone (07) 3292-3100or email kateg@qldcricket.com.au11

COME AND SEE THE GREAT NEW FACILITY AT QCHQQueensland v West Indies – 27-30 OctoberThe new three-level multipurposefacility at Allan BorderField is fast taking shape.So quickly, in fact, that it willbe used for the first time duringthe Bulls’ four-day tourgame against the West Indieson 27-30 October.Patrons will be able to watchall the action from the new300-seat sheltered grandstandat the front of the facility,located in between thePavilion Function Centre andthe Queensland Cricket administrationbuilding.What better time to have afirst-hand look at the new“home” of QC, and warm upfor the First Test at the Gabbathe following week?Tickets to the tour game atAB Field are just $8 adultsand $2 concession and children,and there’s a value-pluscorporate offer which alreadyis proving most popular.For $70 per person patronscan enjoy admission and agrandstand seat, a car pass,morning tea, a buffet lunchand afternoon tea, plus drinkson consumption. But pleasenote – this value-plus optionis already sold out for theThursday and Friday.Get in quickly for the weekend– please contact MeganMurdoch at The Pavilion on(07) 3292-3155 or emailfunctions@thepavilion.net.auThe new building, which won’tbe fully completed for the tourgame, will house a new canteen,an expanded gymnasiumand a standalone publictoilet block on ground level,with an administrative homefor the Centre of Excellenceon the middle level, and amulti-purpose function facilitywith views of the playingarena on the top level. It willbe opened later this year.12

GAME DEVELOPMENTPUTTING BACKINTO THE STARSOF TOMORROWBulls quick Shane Jurgensenand rookie pair NickKruger and Nathan Rimmingtonput the lessons ofa new Level Two coachingcourse into practice recentlywith some topQueensland’s juniors.Jurgensen, Kruger andRimmington joined the developmentstaff of QueenslandCricket in puttingmembers of the AustraliaPost Emerging PlayersSquad and the State YouthSquads (boys and girls -U17s and U19s) throughtheir paces at school holidaycamps in Brisbane.Also lending their advicewhere three past membersof the EPS who have goneon to higher honors – LeeCarseldine, Steve Paulsenand Steve Farrell.“It was all part of the educationprogram to assisttheir cricket developmentand enhance the overallwelfare program. We liketo use players who havebeen through the systembecause they know what ittakes to get to higher levels,”explained QC GameDevelopment ManagerMark McLatchey.The holiday camps, whichsaw players staying atBrisbane GrammarSchool and St.Margaretswhile practicing at AllanBorder Field and the BGSplaying fields at Northgate,is a lead-in to upcomingnational youthchampionships.In the boys program,sponsored by AustraliaPost, the U17 team willplay in Sydney from 9-20January, with the U19team off to Perth from4-15 December.And in the girls program,sponsored by Konica Minolta,the U17 team willvisit Adelaide from 18-25January, and the U19team will play in Canberrafrom 4-11 January.EX-PAKISTAN TESTACE SET TO BEPUPIL & TEACHERWaqar Younis, one-timeking of swing bowling andformer Pakistan Test captain,will visit Allan BorderField from 17-21 Octoberfor the Level Two coachingWaqar Youniscourse. Now living in Penrith,Waqar (below) will notonly lecture the 30 applicantson the mechanics ofhis chosen profession but,following a special application,he will do the course.The program, headed byQC’s Coaching & EducationCo-Ordinator DavidBannister and involving allRegional Cricket Managers,will also include two peoplefrom Sri Lanka and onefrom Mongolia to join anextensive group fromthroughout the State.WHERE TO BEGINFOR NEW COACHES“OK – but where do Istart?” It’s a questionasked often at this time ofyear by parents who suddenlybecome first-timejunior coaches in an effortto support their children inenjoying cricket.So, to try to accommodatethe vast influx of willingbut inexperienced parents,Queensland Cricket hasscheduled a string of OrientationCourses for beginnercoaches.Conducted throughouteach of the cricketing regionsin October and November,they are free, runfor four-six hours andcover the basics of juniorcoaching.For information on thenearest “Level O” coursefor you, please contactyour local Regional CricketManager or call DanielleHarris at QC on (07) 3292-3100 or email danielleh@qldcricket.com.au.INDIGENOUSTALENT I.D.Queensland Cricket willstep up its approach toAboriginal and TorresStrait Island talent identificationthis season.Specialist DevelopmentProgram Co-Ordinator NevPaulsen will visit NorthQueensland and Far NorthQueensland, North-WestQueensland, DarlingDowns and South WestQueensland and Wide Bay/Central Queensland duringOctober and November.He will be identifying talentedcricketers aged between10 and 30, with theyounger players becomingpart of the Eddie GilbertTalent Identification programand the older playerscoming into contention forthe Queensland Aboriginaland Torres Strait Islandersquad to compete in theImparja Cup.The QC Eddie Gilbert TalentIdentification ProgramSquad will train with theEmerging Players Squadduring their annual campat Allan Border Field inJanuary.For further information,contact Nev Paulsen on(0419) 725 823 or emailnevp@qldcricket.com.au

BULLS MERCHANDISEA NEW RANGE OF BULLSGEAR COMING TO YOUON-LINE SOONQueensland Cricket have launched a fantastic new range of Bullsmerchandise for the 2005-2006 summer … and it will soon be availablevia a new, easy-to-use E-Shop on the Bulls website. For the first time this summercricket fans can purchase not just replica Bulls training caps but also replicaBulls training shirts and shorts. And the only place you’ll be able to buy the trainingshorts will be the E-Shop. Also new his year will be a Bulls’ leisure polo innavy blue, bucket hats, as worn by the players, plus the customary ever-popularsinglets and t-shirts. All are expertly modeled here by the ever-obliging MichaelKasprowicz on his return from England. The E-Shop is in the final stages of developmentand will be open for business shortly. So, check out the E-Shop button onthe bottom right-hand corner of the Bulls homepage at www.bulls.com.au

Get Fired UpFor Girl’s CricketQueensland Cricket is working hardthis summer to make sure thepopularity explosion in the gameisn’t confined to the boys.There has been a hefty push togrow the participation numbers injunior girls and women’s cricket,with a specific promotional poster(right) having been produced forthe first time.The season began recently with 10teams playing in the grade competition– Wests, Sandgate,Beenleigh and Wynnum in firstgrade, and Wests, Beenleigh, Wynnum,Norths, Souths and Universityin second grade.But Jo Broadbent, Queensland Firecoach and women’s cricket coordinator,has also launched astring of other initiatives to helpgrow the game.Gala DayAn introductory day will be held onSunday 23 October at ShawSportz, Wavell Heights, for teamsand individuals in Open, U15 andU13 age-groups. It will includeeight-a-side games from 8.30amto 12noon.Julia Price CupCricket CompetitionA follow-on from the Gala Day, thiswill be a four-week competitionplayed weekly from 20 Novemberby U15 and U13 teams underTwenty20 regulations.Girls on the GabbaSome participants in the Gala Daywill also be invited to play cricketon the Gabba during the lunchbreak on the Saturday of the FirstTest – 5 November.Women’s Cricket Australia CupFor the first time Brisbane will hostwhat is effectively the interstateSecond XI competition this year.It will be held at Redlands from5-9 December and will includeteams from Queensland, NSW,Victoria, Tasmania and ACT.For more information on the localdevelopment programs, pleasecontact Heather Wilkins at QueenslandCricket on (07) 3292-3100 oremail heatherw@qldcricket.com.auFor more information on the CACup, please contact Kellie Baker atQC on (07) 3292-3100 or emailkellieb@qldcricket.com.au

TWENTY20 A SURE HITIN SUNCORP CHALLENGEAnyone doubting the excitementappeal of Twenty20cricket need only to havebeen in Rockhampton for therecent Suncorp CountryChallenge to realize they areoff the mark. The City-Country game over 20 oversa side was a sensation.City captain Chris Simpson,needing four runs off the lastball to win, clubbed a six aftera flurry of power-hittingwhich suggests batsmen willbe licking their lips and bowlerswill be after dangermoney as the shortened versionof the game reaches interstateand internationallevel this summer.City scored at better than 10runs an over to finish at 3-208 after Country, led byNathan Reardon’s 70 off 31balls, with 11 fours and twosixes, had posted 8-205.Simpson followed his 3-22with the winning blow afterClinton Perren (67no off 34balls) and Nick Kruger (51off 40 balls) had led the runchase.In the full one-day game, apowerhouse 136 off 100balls by Craig Philipson wasn’tenough to get City home.He blasted 20 foursand four sixes to seehis side to 250 afterQAS newcomer GregSchossow (4-49) hadrocked the top orderto have them teeteringat 6-42. Countryreplied with 5-252thanks to BrendanNash (42), LachlanStevens (52), andSteve Paulsen(76no).DISCOUNT THEATREOFFER FOR BTW READERSQueensland Theatre Companyis offering readers of‘Between the Wickets’ a specialticket price to see acclaimedactor Richard Piperin The Daylight Atheist(right) at QPAC.Piper plays the bitter, brilliantand bullying drunkDan Moffatt - a wickedlyfunny and fantastic storyteller. Fuelled by a drink(or two), and a potent doseof Irish humour, he deliversthe story of Dan’s lifefrom Belfast boyhood toshotgun wedding and subsequentlife as a New Zealandimmigrant.You can save $10 and seethis world-acclaimed performerat the CremorneTheatre for $45 – offer validuntil Saturday 15 October.For bookings: Call QTIX on136 246, mention this publicationand ask for the concessionrate.SELECTIONISSUES FORCOUNTRY SIDEThere will be atleast one key vacancyin the QueenslandCountry sidethis year, withlong-servingwicket-keeper andQC regional cricketmanager StevenBaker now out ofcontention followinghis move to theCity.But the Country fast bowlingstocks will be strengthenedby the availability of Bundabergquick Boyd Williams,who has started the summerin top form after he missedlast year’s national seriesthrough injury.The Country selectionprocess will kick off laterthis month, with NorthQueensland championshipsfor U17s, U19s andOpen teams in Mackay on29-30 October. In theSouth Queensland division,U17s will play inCaloundra on 3-4 December,with the U19s inMurwillumbah on 22-23October, and the Openteams in Bundaberg on5-6 November.JUNIOR NUMBERSON THE UP AND UPIt’s too early for final numbers,but junior and countryadministrator Eric Adamssays indications are that participationnumbers are onthe climb, especially in thesouth-east corner.This, too, is reflected in anincreased number of teamsfor the State junior championships.Eight regionalteams will contest the U12championships on the GoldCoast from 12-16 December,while on the same weekend12 teams will play in theU13s in Ipswich, the U14s inCharters Towers and theU15s in Bundaberg. TheU16s, too, will have 12teams in a series held atGrammar’s Northgate fieldsfrom 18-22 December.DON’T MISS THE SIX-DAYSUPERTEST LIVE ON NINEDon’t forget, you can catchevery ball of the six-daySuper Test between Australiaand the World XI at the SCG,starting on Friday. RichieBenaud will lead the WideWorld of Sports commentaryteam, which includes localfavorites Tony Greig and BillLawry, plus Englishman MarkNicholas and West Indiangreat Michael Holding.