Challenge to win eights comp

WITH Ipswich expected to field a side in the Brisbane Warehouse cricket competition next year, the challenge has been issued for Ipswich to enter a team in this year’s eight-a-side competition.

Now in its 13th year, the 32 team competition is on Sunday, August 8 at Chermside’s Marchant Park.

Entries are still open for new teams wishing to participate.

“There is no limit to the players as far as grading or their origin,” Warehouse Cricket Association Queensland chairman Laurence Christie said.

“In 2008 Queensland Sheffield Shield players, such as Mitchell Johnson and Lee Carseldine played with Bracken Ridge and Norths respectively and many grade players are involved in teams such as Redlands, Valleys and Toombul.”

The competition has taken on a life of its own since it was thought up in the late 1990s.

“Back in 1998, Phil Cooke, the then chairman of warehouse cricket floated the idea as a fundraiser to improve our grounds and facilities,” Christie said yesterday.

“Over the years, an average $10,000 to $12,000 was raised.

“In that time we have built a clubhouse and new cricket nets at Kianawah Park and a new building at Marchant Park.”

There will be a free BBQ breakfast and $3400 of prize money on offer.

“The Country boys always do their best to best the city boys and there have been some good contests,” Christie said.

“Now it could be Ipswich’s turn.

“The prospect of winning some money for the team and the opportunity to knock over some Brisbane teams must surely be a ‘holy grail’ for the Ipswich boys.”

A maximum of 10 players per team can be nominated with interchange of players between matches permitted.

For more information or an entry form, visit www.warehousecricket.org.