November 4, 2014
Sunday’s Qld Bulls Masters charity cricket match in Kingaroy was “a very special day to be a part of”.
These were the words of former international bowler – and Wooroolin West resident – Carl Rackemann summing up the match, but it was a sentiment echoed around Lyle Vidler Oval.
The Qld Bulls Masters are former Queensland cricketers who enjoy sharing their skills and experience with up-and-coming young cricketers in special one-off matches.
They’ve visited the South Burnett before, but last weekend’s visit was extra special.
It was organised as part of a fund-raising campaign to assist Kingaroy cricket stalwarts Darren and Lynda Geiger; Lynda was diagnosed with terminal cancer earlier this year.
Lynda asked that funds from the day also be directed to research into Crohn’s Disease, a condition she had before she developed cancer.
The Bulls Masters were joined by current Queensland and Australian batsman Chris Lynn, who has been recovering from shoulder surgery, and Kingaroy’s own international cricket star Holly Ferling who recently resumed playing after a back injury.
Two local junior players, Caylan Brown and Louis Fairbairn, also helped the Bulls Masters on the field.
The Bulls Masters took on “Lynda’s XI”, a hand-picked team of South Burnett senior and junior players, which included Darren and Adam Geiger.
The Bulls Masters batted first and made 185 runs in their 20 overs. Former Queensland all-rounder Geoff Foley top-scored with 92 runs before being caught out by Tony Dugdell off a Brendan Weil ball.
Weil also collected the wicket of Ashley Noffke for 43, finishing with 2/22 off two overs. The other Bulls Masters wickets were taken by Darren Geiger and in-form Nanango all-rounder Dean Olzard.
Geiger was unlucky not to get a second wicket when Lynn looked to have been caught in slips off the first ball he faced.
In reply, Lynda’s XI got off to a strong start with Brendan Weil hitting Michael Kasprowicz for a four and a six before being caught behind for 11.
Top-scorer for the South Burnett team was Kingaroy Services’ batsman Mark Schmidt who hit 55 runs off 28 balls, including three fours and four sixes.
Schmidt and Ashley Sippel (37 n.o.) put on a valuable partnership but Lynda’s XI simply ran out of time, finishing with 153 off their 20 overs.
“Lynda the boys and I would like to thank the Qld Bulls Masters for their time and effort in being available for the charity match,” Darren Geiger wrote on social media after the game.
“It was great to have past greats (and a current Australian gun – Chris Lynn) playing.
“Thanks Carl Rackemann, Jimmy Maher, Trevor Hansen and Paul Clegg for their input in getting the game organised.
“Lynda was spoiled by the Bulls on the day and it is something that will stay with her forever. To all the volunteers and sponsors who donated money and time on the day (too many to name them all) we thank you.
“Lynda has been speaking to her specialist and he is very excited about the publicity Crohn’s disease received through the day and that there will be some significant money raised. We live in an amazing community and have great people around us.”
The day was filled with raffles and auctions. The South Burnett Regional Council also joined with Kumbia butcher Brian Lenihan to put on a barbecue to raise more funds.
Mayor Wayne Kratzmann, councillors and council staff volunteered to man the barbecue and raised $1545.
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(Photo: Denise Keelan Photography)
- External link: More photos by Denise Keelan Photography. Denise is donating 50 per cent of the sale of her Bulls Masters photos to Lynda’s cause.
Scoreboard (more photos below)
