2018 Eddie Gilbert Cup

On November 11, the Queensland Police Service Commissioner’s XI cricket team played a team from the Wolston Park Centenary Cricket Club (WPCCC) for the Eddie Gilbert Cup.

The inaugural match was played in 2010 to celebrate the naming of the WPCCC ground as Eddie Gilbert Oval.

This event celebrates the partnership of the QPS with WPCCC as custodians of the Wolston Park hospital grounds.

Assistant Commissioner Alistair Dawson, People Capability Command, spoke of Gilbert’s amazing feats on the cricket field, reminding those gathered that Don Bradman thought Gilbert was the fastest bowler he ever faced.

The Assistant Commissioner also invited the crowd to observe a minute’s silence in recognition of the those who sacrificed their lives 100 years earlier on the battlefields during World War I.

Gilbert was arguably the greatest Indigenous cricketer Australia ever produced.

His career spanned 10 years, taking 87 wickets during 23 first class matches.

He died as in-patient at the Wolston Park Hospital on January 9, 1978.

WPCC batted first and their opening batsmen went to town on our quicks, and looked like scoring 200.

Eventually we gained control and restricted their total to 165.

Detective Acting Sergeant Jason Allard bowled particularly well, taking 3 WPCCC wickets.

The QPS innings got off to a rapid-fire start courtesy of Senior Constable Paul Bonney (Carina Station) who scored 68 runs from 33 balls.

Unfortunately for us, the WPCCC retained the Cup they won last year.

Captain of the QPS XI, Senior Sergeant Wayne Clayton (Centenary Tactician) noted the importance of the event in remembering a great Indigenous athlete and also forging a strong partnership between the QPS and the WPCCC.

He was also pleased with the great spirit in which the game was played and looks forward to challenging the WPCCC in 2019!