Full steam ahead to Imparja Cup

After losing the toss and being sent in to bat, Noogal Toengorrt Tani posted a score of 9-116 from its 20 overs, with veteran Sandy Hodge top-scoring with 23 not out.

However, a strong partnership from Chris Hill (44) and Rob Bartlett (38) saw the Police triumph in the 18th over.

Newcomer Grant Bell was the pick of the bowlers for the Noogal Toengorrt Tani, claiming 2-30 from four overs.

“Unfortunately we didn’t perform too well with the bat, but there were some positive signs with the ball and in the field,” Noogal Toengorrt Tani captain Ben Abbatangelo said.

Commander Ashley Dickinson was in attendance on the day, noting it as a good opportunity to strengthen ties between Victoria Police and the Indigenous community.

“This really shows the true concept of community engagement through sport and this is the sort of thing that police all over the country need to do,” Commander Dickinson said.

“We are very proud that we have an opportunity to do this in Victoria.”

Following the match, a cap presentation was held for both the male and female Victorian Imparja Cup cricketers.

The Victorian Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, the Hon. Jeanette Powell, MP, was on hand to present the caps to the players, along with InfoReady’s Justin Parcell, Wurundjeri elder, Aunty Joy Wandin-Murphy, Cricket Victoria Chief Executive Officer Tony Dodemaide and Cricket Victoria Chairman Geoff Tamblyn.

With two weeks to go until the tournament in Alice Springs, the practice match comes as good preparation with team scheduled to play Twenty20s at the Imparja Cup.  

“With a few new guys in the squad, it was a great opportunity to get the team together, try a few different things and ready ourselves for the fast approaching Imparja Cup,” Abbatangelo said.