Cpl Martin Blackman, one of South-East Queensland Army’s pace bowlers, fires a sharp delivery to one of the RAAF Queensland openers, in the Queensland inter-service cricket championship decider.

South East Queensland Army cricked squad, with coach WO1 Lindsay Holmes in the centre, celebrate their fourth State Championship, convincingly defeating RAAF Queensland. Photos by Pte Tim Asher, 7 Bde

By Pte Tim Asher

SOUTH-EAST Queensland Army took out the 2002/03 state inter-service cricket carnival recently, with a convincing victory over hosts, RAAF Qld.

The competition this year featured four teams, traditional rivals Sth East Qld Army, Nth Qld Army, RAAF Qld and the Barbarians, a composite team of players who missed out on selection from each of the three teams.

In qualifying for the final Sth East Qld Army won two from two, with RAAF Qld managing one win and a loss.

Wet weather played a part in the final, resulting in a (reduced) 45-over match.

Sth East Qld Army won the toss and sent the airmen in to bat on a pitch that was considered suspect.
Army’s bowlers adapted to the conditions quickly and bowled well. After 45 overs RAAF Qld was nine wickets for a meagre 74 runs.

Best batsman was Flg-Off John Price with 21 not out.

Cpl M. Jones took four wickets for 15 runs off nine overs, backed up by Cpl M. Blackman, with three for five off nine overs.
In response Sth East Qld Army amassed the total of 76 runs in just 22 overs while losing only 4 wickets. Cpl M. Blackman was the best with the bat, scoring 30 runs.

Pte D. McKennariey, Sth East Qld Army, was declared batsman of the carnival with an average of 61.5 runs, and was also voted player of the Qld inter-service cricket carnival for 2002/03.

Bowler of the carnival was RAAF Qld’s Cpl M. Hancock with 16 overs at four – 24.

Sth East Qld Army coach, WO1 Lindsay Holmes, RTC, chalked up his fourth win from four outings at the state championship.
He thanked the team sponsors, Carlton & United Breweries (VB Bitter), Enoggera Area Amenities Fund committee, Defcredit, I’m Magic Print and One Stop Clothing and Embroidery.

Commenting on the inclusion of the Barbarians, WO1 Holmes said the exercise proved very worthwhile with a number of players forcing their way into each of the first elevens with outstanding performances.

The Qld Combined Services Cricket team for season 2002/03 is: Capt M. White (team captain), Capt M. Jackson, Lt C. Clunas (keeper), Cpl M. Blackman, Cpl M. Jones, Sqn-Ldr C. Ward, LAC D. Amiet, Cpl M. Hancock (team vice-captain), LAC R. Mace, Cpl J. Hahn and Bdr M. Castek.

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