18 year-old Queenslander Preston White capped a magical week in which he took 8-3 against Victoria and was named to tour the United Kingdom, by making 101 and backing up with 4-15 as Tasmania were bowled out for 115 in reply to Queensland’s 4-202 from 40 overs.
White’s match-winning performance backs up his six wicket haul in last year’s Final against the same opponents.
It completes back-to-back titles for Queensland, who have now won five from six Imparja Cups since 2004.
The women’s division saw a tight contest between runaway table leaders New South Wales and the gallant Bellette Cougars of Alice Springs. Batting first New South Wales made a powerful 3-112 from 14 overs before a spirited chase from the Cougars ended 20 runs in arrears at 6-92. It was New South Wales’ second consecutive women’s division title.
The Indigenous All-Star team also had a triumphant day as they defeated the ACA Masters XI in a crowd-pleasing curtain raiser to the men’s Final.
The major centres division title was won by Alkupitija who defeated Alice Springs in the Final, while Tangentyere took out their first community division title when they were too good for the Stuart Highway Mob.
The Imparja Cup’s Presentation Dinner on Friday night also saw two significant announcements for Indigenous cricket.
Cricket Australia Chairman Jack Clarke and the National Chairman of the Lord’s Taverners, Greg Brown, agreed to proceed with the formalisation of the Lord’s Taverners becoming a major partner of Indigenous cricket, involving the Imparja Cup, the overseas tour to the United Kingdom and localised activities.
The night was capped with the naming of an Indigenous Development squad to tour the United Kingdom during this winter. The primarilyUnder 23 squad aims to develop players in a range of ages, while allowing for some older players to fill leadership roles. The squad was picked from performances at the Imparja Cup as well as player’s performances in club and representative cricket and will be captained by South Australian Redbacks Weet-Bix Sheffield Shield and Ford Ranger Cup player Daniel Christian – a former player at the Imparja Cup.
