Western Australia has won the Imparja Cup for the first time after defeating New South Wales in the final by five wickets. WA was undefeated throughout the tournament, which is contested annually by the nation’s best Indigenous cricketers.
08 March 2010
The team’s stunning success
was made extra sweet as a number of players were selected in the 'Black Caps Honour Squad’ and the U/23 Development
Squad that will travel to Papua New Guinea in July to take on the PNG national
team.
Julian Feehan, Dane Ugle and Lewis Upton were selected in both squads, while Liam Ugle was selected in the honour squad and Michael Bailey was given the nod to join the U/23 squad.
The U/23 squad will be supplemented by two mentoring players, Imparja Cup veteran Bernie Lamont and South Australian Redback Dan Christian. Christian recently became the second Indigenous person to play for Australia, when he was selected to play for Australia when they took on the West Indies in the recent Twenty20 series.
Western Australian all-rounder Dane Ugle was named player of the tournament for his outstanding efforts with the bat and ball.
The youngest of three brothers on the team, Ugle claimed nine wickets for the tournament with his left-arm wrist spin. He also belted four half-centuries including a special innings of 66, which came off just 49 balls against Queensland and included seven boundaries and two 6s.
“The innings against Queensland was important. They’re such a tough opponent and we were in a bit of early trouble so to play well against them was really satisfying and it provided me with a platform for the rest of the tournament,” Ugle said.
Although according to Ugle, the true highlight was the chance to take the field with his brothers in a WA uniform.
“My older brother Keren has been playing for a few years now and we thought this might be his last tournament so to do this with him was pretty special. Although I’m pretty sure he might go around next year,” he said.
Ugle has his sights set on playing representative cricket for his state and country.
“There’s all this hype about Twenty20 but I still think to wear a baggy green is the highest honour in cricket and so that’s my goal, it’d also be nice to have success at next year’s tournament," he said.
Ugle said the WA side hope to set an example for Indigenous youth.
“A lot of kids play cricket growing up, but usually turn their attention to footy. We just want them to know that cricket’s a great game and there are opportunities for them to play competitively. I think word has already started to filter through," he said.
If you’re interested in playing cricket then why not contact the WACA today on 9265 7222.
