by JAN DOVER
The Fassifern Under 18 Vigoro team are the 2020 State Champions.
The Under 14 and Under 18 representative teams, coaches, managers, scorers, parents and supporters travelled to Cairns to compete in the Queensland Vigoro Titles, which were held over three days from January 10 to 12. Cairns turned on brilliant sunshine and heat for the competing teams from Ipswich, Cairns and Fassifern.
This was the first time that the Titles have been held at the new Cairns Vigoro Association fields at Gordonvale.
Teams were fortunate to play on lush, green fields with beautiful surrounding shade trees and a cooling breeze in the afternoon.
On the first day, the U14 team met a very enthusiastic Cairns home side in the first game and then a very strong Ipswich side in the afternoon.
To the U14s credit, they were able to learn from these games and lift themselves to the next level on the second day.
To make the final on Sunday, the U14s had to defeat Cairns by an outright and gain maximum points. In a very determined display, Fassi was able to complete this challenge successfully with a terrific, sharp game to get the points and a spot in the final.
The very strong and experienced Ipswich side deservedly took out the final in a game that demonstrated the great developing skills of the youngsters and the wonderful relationship between the Fassifern and Ipswich Associations.
The U18 competition between Fassifern, Ipswich and Cairns was the closest fought one for a number of years.
Having lost to Ipswich in the Pennant game in December, the Fassifern side knew it was going to be a tough assignment.
Under the thoughtful guidance of their coaches Susan Parker and Janet Wilson, the Fassifern U18 team excelled and remained undefeated at the end of the round games.
It was not an easy journey and with a lot of sweat, hard work and “come from behind” gritty wins, Fassifern cemented their spot in the final against arch rivals Ipswich.
Fassi put their stamp on the final early with a great opening batting partnership which was then backed up by the rest of the team. Accurate bowling, sharp fielding and typical Fassi determination allowed the U18s to take out the final in style and be named State Champions 2020. Well done Fassi!
Fassifern players who featured in the trophy presentations were:
Under 14s
• Bella Jorgensen - Aggregate wickets
• Sarah Barrett - Wicket keeper’s dismissals
• Georgia Gilloway - Fielder’s catches
Under 18s
• Alyssa Gilloway - Batting Average
• Alyssa Gilloway - Bowling Average
• Alyssa Parker - Wicket Keeper’s dismissals
• Jacinta Ashton - Most wickets for least runs
Fassifern Vigoro Association was also awarded the shield for best presented team. Playing great while looking good! Congratulations Fassi!
Queensland Honorary teams were selected and announced during the trophy presentations.
Congratulations to U14 players Sarah Barrett (Wicket Keeper), Georgia Gilloway and Bella Jorgensen.
Congratulations to U18 players Alyssa Gilloway (Captain), Jacinta Ashton, Grace Dover, Alex Edbrooke, Alyssa Parker (Wicket Keeper) and Mikayla Wright.
Fassifern Ladies Vigoro Association now looks forward to the Queensland Senior Titles being held in Boonah from February 21-23.