GAMESTA Panthers easily accounted for Workers Gol Gol in the 2011 Global Water Willowfest Australian Cricket Championships Cup Grade final at Mildura Senior College Oval yesterday.
The Panthers never looked troubled in their quest to chase down the under par total of 112 posted by Workers; cruising to a six-wicket win.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Workers got away to a solid start before Leigh Thomson-Mathews skied one off Shane Trinick to give the Panthers their first wicket with the score on 26.
Through some disciplined bowling, the Panthers were able to dry up the scoring and make life difficult for the Workers’ batsmen. Glenn Motschall was introduced into the attack with immediate effect; removing key players Nick Carroll and David Hogarth within three overs to have Workers stumbling at drinks.
Opener Levi Thomson-Mathews was continuing on with the fine form that had seen him be the mainstay of the Workers Gol Gol batting lineup throughout the tournament, but when he was removed by Michael Sanderson for 19, the Panthers were well and truly in the box seat.
Motschall continued to cause serious headaches for the batsmen, and he soon claimed his fifth wicket when he had Aiden Calarco caught behind off the glove with Workers Gol Gol in disarray at 7/71.
Simon Groves attempted to revive the innings with a busy 22, but without significant support down the other end, Workers faltered to 112 all out.
Motschall was superb with the ball; claiming 5/27 off 10 overs, and he was well supported by Michael Sanderson and Shane Trinick who each claimed two wickets.
In reply, Tarek Moughanie and Glenn Courts set about finishing the job as quickly as possible with several early boundaries. Moughanie fell for 15 from the bowling of Luke Stafford, but Sam Skinner came to the crease and immediately looked in good touch will some powerful drives.
Courts and Skinner were doing it easy before Calarco took advantage of some lazy running to remove Courts with a direct hit for 29, which sparked a mini collapse .
Workers claimed two quick wickets to make a game out of nothing, but it proved to be a mere blimp on the radar as John Kent steered his side home with 23 not out to give the Panthers yet another Willowfest title.
In the other grades, Kangarilla and Coomealla Wentworth each claimed back-to-back titles in the A and B Grade competitions respectively, while the Johnnie Walker XI took out the C Grade trophy.
In the Ladies’ competition, the Mallee Murray Heat took the honours by one run against the Brighton Beasts after the final came down to the last ball of the day.

The 2011 Global Water Willowfest Australian Cricket Club Championships is gearing up as one of the most successful Championships in 10 years. Once a gain we have a full compliment of 6 teams in the Powercor Cup Grade. We see the return of multiple Champions in The Panthers and Melrymple. Cup Grade is also bolstered by The Wanderers returning once more to have another crack at taking home the tilte. We also see the return of Wendouree Cricket Club, who previously played in the Championships in both A & Cup Grade. This year sees them return with a strong side.  Local Club Workers Gol Gol Cricket Club have entered for the first time boasting a formidable side laced with talent, including Justin Jaensch Who played last year with the Gladiators and is coming of the back of a 5 – 13 performance in last years Championship’s. They have also recruited former local  players in Levi & Leigh Thomson- Matthews who are both playing district cricket in Brisbane. The final team playing Cup grade will be a local combine side boasting some of the best up & coming Talent in the region.

Other notable highlights for teams include 7 new teams who have never played in the Championships. 1 from Adelaide – The McLaren Crushers, The Mercantile Cricket Association U18 team, but supported by Alec Kahn who played Cup grade in 2010 and Steuart Snooks, who previously played with the Red Roosters about 13 years ago!!! In B grade we see the West Vic Warriors and the return of The Muppets, Whilst in C grade we see the a new team from Sydney in the Chocolate Soldiers.

Cup Grade – Panthers, Northern Wanderers, Tankard Dental Melrymple, Workers Gol Gol CC, Wendouree CC, MFC

A Grade – Kangarilla, Johnny Mullagh Squad, Enjoywine Blue Yabbies, Puka Puka, Mercantile Cricket Association, McLaren Crushers

B Grade – West Vic Warriors, The Muppets, Coomealla/Wentworth CC, Mildura East CC,

C Grade – Johnnie Walker XI, Hutt River Dedication, SRL St. Columbs, Chocolate Soldiers

Ladies – Mallee Heat, Puka Puka, Brighton District

The final draws for each Grade will be completed by the end of next week. Organizers are looking forward to a fantastic 2011 carnival with many new additional teams and activities through out the course of the 4 day carnival. If any player is looking for a game over the 4 days of the carnival they can register on line on this website http://www.willowfest.com.au/player-registration/.

If other teams are considering entering the competition then you need to do so by 5th December 2011

FORMER Queensland and Australian cricketing great Jimmy Maher will become the Willowfest Ambassador for 2011.
The 37-year-old will replace former Adelaide Oval curator Les Burdett as the face of one of Sunraysia’s favourite tournaments.
Maher was a part of the Australian Cricketers Association masters team to tour Mildura early this year.
Event organiser Anthony Telfer said the Willowfest board were very excited to have Maher on board.
“With Les Burdett pulling out due to commitments for the Twenty20 tournament in Sydney, we went after Jimmy,” he said.
“From the ACA night earlier this year, he was a very high calibre speaker and I have never laughed so much in my life.
“He was the only one we targeted, he really stood out as a speaker.”
In full flight, Maher was one of the most feared batsmen in Australia, the left hander possessing a mean cover drive as his signature weapon.
He made his one day international debut in 1998, before playing his last in 2003.
Maher has over 13,000 first class runs to his name with 27 centuries and 61 half centuries.
Mr Telfer said Maher will be in Mildura for a couple of days, which in that time, he will travel to the Sunraysia grounds and meet players and teams.
He will also speak at the presentation dinner at the conclusion of the tournament.
Mr Telfer meanwhile said this year’s Willowfest is set to be one of the highest standard tournaments in recent years.
“It has been going exceptionally well,” he said.
“We have a record number of teams with 23 confirmed, with four still showing interest.
“We have seven new teams, and six cup grade teams for the first time in a few years.
“The standard will be up for sure.”
As per last year, there will be four grades of mens cricket and one grade of womens.
“It’s been a struggle to get numbers, but we are just about full now,” Mr Telfer added.
“It has been hard work by the committee, and the support of the Mildura Rural City Council has been amazing.”
Part of the success is due to a new promotional Willowfest video, starring starring former Australian and South Australian star Darren Lehmann.
The video has been uploaded to Youtube, promoting the tournament country wide.
“We sent it (video) out to around 300-400 cricket clubs and it has just spread,” Mr Telfer said.
“Now instead of looking at a poster, they can actually watch a good video and see what it’s all about.”
The popular Willowfest Whack is back once again, plus the return of the TAC Speedball competition, which will see who is the fastest bowler.
Mr Telfer said he is hoping “someone breaks the 140k/ph mark.”
Any local teams considering playing must get their entry to Anthony Telfer (0419 359 618) before November 18.
Any individuals that are looking to join a team can also be entered.

The 2011 Sunraysia Willowfest Championship has been buoyed by a community partnership with the Transport Accident Commission (TAC).

The TAC Willowfest Express competition will be held in conjunction with the Tankard Dental Willowfest Whack during the December 2011 championship.

Willowfest Chairman Anthony Telfer said the committee was delighted that the TAC had come on board for the inaugural TAC Willowfest Express Competition.

“In 2010 we instigated a trial Willowfest Express event and it was such an outstanding success that we looked at taking the event further,” Mr Telfer said.

“The TAC seemed to be an ideal choice as partner given the relationship between speed in the competition and on the roads. When we approached them they had no hesitation in getting involved.”

TAC Chief Executive Officer Janet Dore said the event was held at a time when there would be an increased focus on speeding drivers in the region.

“In the 12 months to June 2011, there were five fatalities on local roads. That’s five families who have been devastated by the loss of a loved one.”

“During Willowfest the TAC will be reminding Mildura drivers that everybody hurts when you speed,” Ms Dore said.

The TAC Willowfest Express will see participants bowl on a cricket pitch and have the speed of their bowl measured by speed cameras. Participants will be bowling as if they were playing in a match and are likely to have at least three attempts at reaching the highest speed.

As part of the partnership, the Willowfest committee will be promoting safety both on and off the roads during the Carnival which runs from the 26th to 30th December.

Mr Telfer said the Tankard Dental Willowfest Whack has been a highlight of the Carnival for many years and the inclusion of the TAC Willowfest Express event will enhance what has always been a great night of entertainment and fun.

“We expect entries, not only from the players competing in the carnival but from all over Australia,” Mr Telfer said.

Further information: Anthony Telfer 0419 359 618

The annual Global Willowfest Australian Cricket Club Championships takes place from December 27 to 30 this year, with 21 teams competing over five separate divisions.

The round robin competitions will consist of three 50 over matches, and two Twenty20′s on day two of competition for the men, while the ladies will play in two 40 over matches each as well as two Twenty20 matches.

The Cup grade men’s competition will be the highlight of the tournament, with Global Water Gladiators leading the charge for the local sides.

Above photos show Willowfest organisers, sponsors & supporters including Global Roto Moulding General Manager Rohan Shugg, festival organiser Anthony Telfer, Mildura Mayor John Arnold and other sponsors, councillors & committee.

All teams in Cup grade will be playing for the Powercor Cup, and the winning side will also receive $3000 in prize money.
The annual tournament will also consist of two of it’s more favourite events, the Tankard Dental Willowfest Whack and the Willowfest Express.

The Whack is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the carnival, with the competition being exactly as it sounds, the person who can hit the ball the furthest will be declared the winner.

The Express will commence after the whack has been completed.

Anyone can nominate to participate and each competing bowler is allowed to bowl three balls to get the fastest radar gun reading possible.

No balls and full tosses will be disallowed, with the fastest delivery recorded being declared the winner.

Final presentations will be awarded on December 30 at the presentation dinner commencing at 7pm.

The inaugural Charlie Haeusler Award will be presented to the player of the carnival, named after the man who is credited with creating the Willowfest, as well the awards for best performed batsmen and bowler of the carnival.

The men in white will also be recognised with the umpires of the carnival to receive awards.

The best eleven players of the tournament will be named and the winner of the Willowfest whack will also be presented with his or her prize.

It all adds up to a magnificent week of cricket in Mildura.

Willowfest president Anthony Telfer said that he was definitely looking forward to the huge week.

“I’m pretty excited about it, especially the Cup grade competition,” he said.

“Usually you can have a look and say one team or another are the favourites, but it is a very even competition this year.”

Despite the Ashes schedule knocking the carnival around slightly, the competition still has an incredible eight new teams.

“The Ashes being on has knocked us around a bit,” he said.

“But it is really exciting to have eight new teams in the competition.

“It is the highest amount of new teams we have ever had at once.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how it all goes.”

There is an added incentive for the best player of this year’s Globalwater Willowfest Australian Cricket Club Championships, as they will be the first recipient of the inaugural Charlie Haeusler Award.
The Willowfest Organising Committee decided to name this award after the founder of the Championships.

President Anthony Telfer said that his Committee felt it was a fitting tribute to the man who started the Championships over 30 years ago.? The Championships started in 1977 when the previous Mildura Country Week Carnival concluded.? Haeusler had the initiative to develop a new club based competition which has grown into one of the popular and successful competitions of its type in the country.

News spread rapidly with 34 teams participating in five grades of competition in 1978, only the second year of competition.? This growth continued with 46 teams competing in 1988, but the organizing Committee had to cap the number of entries due to lack of playing arenas.

However the organising Committee are confident over 20 teams will compete for over $10,000 in prize money this year on grounds that after recent rains should be in first class condition.

The Championships were first played under the Willowfest banner in 1981, another innovation of Charlie Haeusler which has helped identify the Carnival right across country’s south western corner.? Willowfest gained incorporation in 1984, with Ian Sharpe its first President.? When he started the competition, Charlie would not have envisioned how the Championships would evolve into today’s format with four grades of men’s competition and a women’s grade.? Sportspower have come on board to sponsor this award.? Telfer thanked Mick and Adam Thompson from Sportspower, long time supporters of Willowfest after being the original naming rights sponsers, for their generous sponsorship of this award.? Although Charlie Haeusler passed away in 1997, his wife Leonie still takes an active interest in Willowfest and in the past years has attended some of the matches.? This year she will be in attendance to present the inaugural Charlie Haeusler Award.? The Charlie Haeusler Award will be presented at the Championships Awards dinner to be held after the final day of competition on December 30 at the Mildura Workingman’s Club.? Some very talented cricketers such as Hayden Thorpe, Glen Motschall, Lachie Skinner have been awarded the Willowfest Player of the Carnival in past years and with the new name for the award the 2010 winner will join an honoured group of players.

Willowfest president Anthony Telfer said luring Burdett was another coup for the popular championships. “Les is widely regarded in his field and has come across many international players during his time in that role,” he said. “We felt he would add another dimension to the competition outside the playing field.” Burdett follows an impressive list of Willowfest ambassadors, including Hogg and former Australian batsman Darren Lehmann and current Australian selector Merv Hughes.

The Tasmanian-born curator joined the South Australian Cricket Association in 1969 and graduated to head curator in 1978. In the years that followed he developed a reputation second-tonone in international cricket. Burdett was lauded in 1987 when invited to oversee the production of pitches for the inaugural World Cup on the sub-continent — won by Australia. His expertise and advice is highly regarded and he has been a consultant for many international cricket and other projects. In 2008, Burdett was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for services to cricket and the turf industry. A regular these days on the public speaking circuit at sporting and corporate functions, Burdett will be the guest speaker at the championships awards dinner. His role as ambassador will also include attending a one-day session for local curators on turf management issues during November.

The Tankard Dental Willowfest Whack is always one of the highlights of the Globalwater Willowfest Australian Cricket Club Championships and for this year’s Championships, it promises to be even better.

The Tankard Dental Willowfest Whack has traditionally been focused on batsmen, but to broaden its appeal, a fast bowling competition has been added to find the fastest bowler in the Sunraysia region.

With the co-operation of the Victoria Police, who will be in attendance on the evening of December 29, with their radar speed gun to measure speeds of the fastest bowlers in the region.

All Sunraysia Cricket Association clubs are invited to submit names of players who could compete and earn the title of the fastest bowler in the competition.

Entry is free and the competition is open to all local players and visitors who may be interested in measuring their speeds against the gun. The competition promises to be fierce with local players such as Tim Smith, Shane Trinick, Matthew Brooks and Dan Wood, likely starters and with teams coming from South Australia, New South Wales and right across Victoria, the locals are not going to have it all their own way to earn the title. Recent trials of the speed gun indicate that speeds of over 110 kph have been measured but these figures are sure to be bettered when the bowlers really crank up on the night.

With the Whack offering prize money of over $850 for the longest hit and this new fast bowling competition, it promises to be great nights entertainment for all spectators.

The Tankard Dental Willowfest Whack will be held on December 29 at the Mildura Senior College Oval commencing at 7.00 pm. Entry is free for spectators and everyone who attends will be eligible for a special prize of a balloon ride for two, courtesy of Andrew Musgrove Mildura Ballooning. Food and refreshments will be available from the Cricket club rooms throughout the evening