Sport
11 June, 2023
New exciting cricket format
Social players to come up against established teams in a first FNQ open
IN what’s possibly a national first, the Cairns Last Man Stands (LMS) franchise will hold the first FNQ Open in July, where three teams from different cricket formats will compete for the trophy.
On July 9, from noon onwards, the Minniecon Oval at the Walker Road sporting precinct will host three cricket teams who will try their strength at LMS, some of them for the first time.
Last Man Stands is a social, eight per side, part of the T20 format, played in two hours where players can track their stats and rank locally, on a state, national and global level.
Cairns league manager and Mooroobool resident Jaime Newfield said the 2023 FNQ Open was the “first of its kind in Australia”.
“It’s rare for cricket organisations to play against LMS teams, and we’re trying to break down that barrier,” he said.
“We have the CFN (Cricket Far North) Young Guns (unofficial), which has the top 18-year-olds from the region who won the Queensland 16th state championships in 2021, the Defender Squad who are 90 on the national ranking and are the 2022 Cairns regional champions and the LMS Dream Team.
“The LMS Dream Team is a computer-generated team selected from our batting and bowling rankings from winter 2023 results.
“With a mix of the best first and second-grade cricketers, it will be an extremely high standard of cricket.”
Mr Newfield aims for the FNQ Open to become an annual event with more extensive participation.
“All games will be live-streamed with commentary on Youtube, and there may be multiple broadcasters on site,” he said.
“The open will be free to attend and watch on Youtube, the canteen will be open on the night, and spectators are encouraged.
“The aim is to secure this as an annual event and offer six spots next year. The tournament is open to any cricket team in FNQ to nominate even if they haven’t played LMS before, and that’s a first.”
The LMS Cairns league plays every Sunday at the Edmonton Sporting Precinct.
Mr Newfield said all ages and abilities were encouraged to come and try.
“LMS player registration is free, it’s a great format for spectators also and with eight teams meeting at the same ground, it creates a wonderful social environment,” he said.
For more information, visit lastmanstands.com/play-cricket/cairns
