Top three to lead the field

Volume 48, No. 12, July 13, 2006

SWING BATTER: FLTLT Greg Thomas at the crease against Navy.  Photo by LS Neil Richards

AIR Force will be looking to three key members to provide the core of its team for the Australian Services Cricket Association’s national carnival in Brisbane this year.

The carnival will be held at Brisbane Grammar School’s grounds in Nudgee Road, Nudgee, from November 20 to 24.

Batsman CPL Michael Gunn, bowler LAC Matt Monaghan and all-rounder LAC Adam Bosworth are expected to lead Air Force’s challenge for the crown.

CPL Gunn, who looks likely to captain the side, has been a prolific run-getter at past inter-Service carnivals and will be looking to do likewise this year.

Navy holds the title, having beaten Air Force in 2004, and will play host for the carnival on the same grounds used in junior development for Queensland Cricket for its under-19s, 17s and 15s.

Games will be 50-over one-day matches from 10am daily, with Air Force and Army opening the carnival on November 20. The loser of that game will play Navy on November 21, with the day-one winner playing Navy on November 22.

Air Force’s carnival team is expected to contain a number of new faces because half of the team members of previous years will be absent. 

“The make-up of the team will not be known until completion of the Air Force trials the week before the carnival,” Air Force cricket spokesman SQNLDR Steve O’Hara said.
“Trials are being held at RAAF Base Amberley and are open to all available PAF members.”

The team will be without the services of a number of its past key players because of deployments, members leaving the Air Force and injuries.

Some key absentees this year are: CPL Greg Weller, an Air Force and ADF opening batsman who was player of the carnival in 2002; CPL Matt Cooper, Air Force and ADF all-rounder who was player of the carnival in 2003; and CPL Shane Anderson, a long-serving Air Force and ADF opening bowler.

ASCA did not stage a national carnival last year because it was in Britain for the 60th anniversary of the Victory Tests, the first Test matches played after World War II.

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