Tuesday 9 February 2010

The Queensland Imparja Cup has made a promising start to the national Indigenous titles in Alice Springs, splitting its opening brace of Twenty20 games yesterday.

In the early match against Victoria, leg-spinner Chris Swain was the star with the ball after Queensland had scored 5-136 from their 20 overs.

A powerful knock of 44 from Michael Strange and quickfire contributions from Trent Clemments (26no) and Cameron Trask (22) gave Queensland a sold total to defend and Swain came to the fore.

The Rockhampton youngster claimed 5-13 as Victoria was bundled out for 99. First time selection Hayden Busk took 2-26 while Mark Thompson nabbed 2-12.

In the second game, Queensland was dismissed in the 20th over for 121, with Brad Stout top-scoring with a remarkable knock of 61. The next best effort was 19 by Swain.

But WA cruised to 4-122 in the 17th over, with Thompson (1-26), Ashley Renouf (1-32), Swain (1-10) and Busk (1-12) all taking a wicket.

Queensland meets the ACT in the opening game today and the Northern Territory this afternoon.

Queensland are the defending champions in the Imparja Cup.