At the start of day 4 of the Queensland Premier Cricket Grand Final between University of Queensland and Ipswich Logan UQ was 7 for 200, Jack Clayton was on 80 and Devon Endersby on 10 and UQ had a lead of 140 runs in the 2nd innings
Clayton and Endersby started the day watchfully as the Ipswich Logan bowlers applied the pressure for an early wicket. Jack Clayton eventually brought up his classy 100 but trouble soon followed when UQ lost Endersby for 20, Belford 10 and Scott Walter for 5. UQ all out for 270. Clayton scoring a brilliant 120 not out - another sign this future Bulls player has what it takes to go to the next level.
The game was now on for Ipswich/Logan to chase down 210 runs to win their first Queensland Premier Cricket Premiership.
With 20 minutes to bat until lunch Scott Henry threw Scott Walter the ball as usual and it paid dividends with Thomson Matthews out for 4 and Llewellyn out for 6, both out LBW and Ipswich Logan were 2 for 10 at lunch.
Lunchtime in the Ian Healy room was once again mixed with nerves with both teams eyeing the big prize. Outside it was good to see captains from other teams like Tom Healy from Norths and Andrew Gode from Valley watching the game with excitement.
After lunch Dan Wilson and Harry Wood looked to build a solid 3rd wicket partnership and so they did as they managed to scramble runs around a bowling attack comprised of Walter, Endersby, Belford and Sale.
Eventually Sale broke through with the critical wicket of Wilson for 30 - a screamer of a catch at bat-pad by Max Clayton. The following over, Endersby made his breakthrough with Wood out caught behind with Fry taking a regulation keeper's catch - Wood made 25.
Ipswich were now 4 for 65. Lachlan Prince showed confidence from the first ball and scored a quick fire 22 before being bowled by Endersby.
At the tea break Ipswich Logan captain Anthony Wilson was not out 15 and Jack Wood was on 3 and the Hornet were 5 for 115 with 95 runs to score to win.
With the Premiership on the line Henry decided it was time to bring Walter back in the attack and he and Belford limited the runs in the first 6 overs after tea. Ipswich now 5 for 130.
In Walter's 4th over after tea he dismissed Jack Wood for 10 as Fry took another diving catch. This brought David Lyons to the crease and fingers were crossed as it may or may not be Lyons final day of Premier Cricket. Unfortunately for Lyons he didn't last long though as a beautiful in-swinging yorker by Walter had umpire Ian Barsby raising his finger without hesitation, Lyons out for 6.
Ipswich Logan now 7 for 143.
Anthony Wilson and Teddy Doggett steadied the innings and at the drinks break Wilson was on 30, Doggett 7 and Ipswich were 7 for 158 still needing 52 runs.
The excitement around the ground was indescribable. Was this going to be Ipswich's year? Could skipper Anthony Wilson bring them home?
Following drinks it was Walter and Endersby turning up the heat as the Hornets scored 10 runs from the next 4 overs.
Another in-swinging yorker by Walter hit Doggett on the back foot and Barsby had no choice but to raise the finger again, Doggett back in the pavilion for 15.
Ipswich 8 for 181, needing 30 more.
With Walter in fine form, could Waters and Lutter hold up the other end and let captain Wilson take them to victory?
Endersby was bowling superbly from the other end and Ipswich were finding it difficult to score runs.
With just 8 overs left Ipswich were 8 for 190 before Endersby snared the wicket of Waters with Fry taking a regulation catch. Ipswich now with only one wicket in hand and still needing 21 runs.
Lutter nervously strode to the crease knowing the situation. Walters bowled two maidens and Ipswich scored 6 runs off Endersby – 15 to win.
Skipper Henry brought Jano Coetzee into bat-pad, Walter steamed in, Lutter looked to play straight and managed an inside edge off the pad and it flew to Coetzee’s left hand and he took an impossible catch to shatter the dreams of the Ipswich Hornets as they were all out for 200, just 10 runs short. Anthony Wilson played a fantastic captains knocks and remained 60 not out.
The UQ crowd roared and they sealed another Bulls Masters First Grade Premiership. Scott Henry, after missing out in last year's grand final, was overcome with emotion at the conclusion of the virtual Grand Final.
After a sterling season that saw them as minor premiers - UQ had snared victory.
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