Ipswich mates chase national crown

Ipswich indoor cricketers Michael Ridgewell (left) and Tim Wichura have added reasons to impress at this week’s national titles.

David Nielsen

IF there is one thing better than representing Queensland, it is doing so with your best mate.

Ipswich friends Tim Wichura and Michael Ridgewell headed to Sydney on Saturday as part of the Queensland team contesting the national indoor cricket titles.

Wichura is a man on a mission with a bitter taste left in his mouth after last year’s titles.

After dominating the tournament, Queensland were walloped in the final by WA, with Wichura benched for the match.

“We’re looking forward to it,” Wichura said of this year’s titles.

“We’re looking to get back a bit of justice after losing the final to WA.

“It hurt us as defending champs losing like that. It gave us more ammunition for next time.”

Ridgewell also has a point to prove.

Last year he was overlooked for the Queensland team, instead getting picked in the North Queensland side.

He responded by finishing runner-up as player of the championships.

Having the two in Queensland’s top side could be a good omen as last time they were, at Ipswich in 2008, Queensland won the title.

Wichura for one is confident Queensland will return with the silverware.

“I think it just comes down to everyone is a little bit more experienced,” he said.

“We’ve got a few younger blokes in there as well.”

Wichura is one who definitely feels he is a better player now than then.

“I’m probably a little bit smarter when I bat,” the 25-year-old said.

“Knowing what balls to hit.”

Whether it is a positive omen or not, Wichura is excited about having Ridgewell as a team-mate again this week.

“His bowling for sure (is a big asset),” Wichura said.

“He’s pretty quick, but he’s pretty good all-round.”