Andy Bichel's Postcards

WEDNESDAY 25 APRIL 2001
Champions again - Andy Bichel reflects on another great season from Queensland

Well, what can I say about 2000-01! The Queensland team formally planned this season from as far back as September. It was then - before a ball was even bowled - that we discussed game tactics and how we were going to defend our Pura Cup title from the season prior. I can happily say that, as a squad, we were excellent even though we undoubtedly had our ups and downs along the way.

There were notable changes to the team in both the four-day and one-day games with injuries to several key players throughout the season.

That Geoff Foley was left out of our side made for a big gap to fill. His experience and input into the Bulls planning and tactics was outstanding. All season long, we tried different players in his position, some successful, some not.

Looking at the big picture, the younger players have certainly gained a lot of experience from this year's Pura Cup win. Lets face it, these guys are Queensland's future and while we are going through a wonderful time winning, with a wealth of experience in our squad, it's also a great time to expose some of the younger players.

There is no doubt ‘Foles’ will be sadly missed by all. I personally miss him already - a great mate, a superb bloke and there was never a dull moment when he was around. He was a great organiser who played his guitar, sang and danced at any opportunity; a man that has travelled the world playing cricket and has been the life of the party. I just want to say - “thanks mate, you are a credit to the game of cricket”.

Well done Foles and I wish you and your family every success in the future.

Our one-day line-up also had big changes with some of our players of the future entering. Scott Prestwidge’s retirement represented a huge loss to our side and to try and replace him overnight was a very hard task. We lost a couple of games in the meantime but toward the end of the one-day series were playing quite well - something that puts us in good stead for next season.

‘Presto’ was an excellent man to have in our side. He always took vital wickets for us. Many times he was also scoring quality runs towards the end of our innings and, in a lot of cases, was at the crease when the winning runs were scored. His throwing arm was one of the best in the game and he effected many run outs from the boundary. Once again mate, well done. I wish you every success with your business, and your wonderful family a great future.

Winning is never easy. But somehow in recent years, Queensland has made a habit of it. Since 1994-95 we have won four titles in the longer version of the game. We have had some quality players in this period but, for me, the key has been the will to win and the pride that we all take in Queensland doing well. The unity of the team and the fact that each of us wants to see everyone else in the side do well at this level and beyond have been some of the key qualities of this team. It has certainly been an exciting time. Not only for the players, but also the team of staff at Queensland Cricket and the Board members who have all worked together to achieve this success.

It is hard to thank everyone that played a role in our win. The Bulls squad, the Second XI, Bennett King and his coaching staff were outstanding.

This was Bennett's second title in as many years; well done ‘Kingy’, looking forward to another successful season next year.

Our captain Stuart Law, the most successful captain that Queensland has ever had in the history of the game. He played another key role in this year's win, whilst ‘Matt the Bat’, ‘Kasper’ and ‘Symo’ were away on Australian duty. Stuart scored some important runs for us at the right time of the season - great stuff ‘Lawy’, you must be a happy man.

Not to mention Martin Love and Jimmy Maher as well - they not only had good seasons but they were really solid and consistent performers again.

Adam Dale was there all season leading the way with the ball and The Big Joe Dawes finally received his chance after being twelfth man all the season before and he went on to have a huge season for us.

Well done lads; like I said, it is hard to thank everyone but it was a fantastic year and I hope we can do it all again next season.

And just before I go: on behalf of the team, I would like to thank all our supporters for your on going support year-in, year-out.

Thanks again,

Andy Bichel

More Postcards 21 November 2000 Andy Bichel reflects on Queensland's form in the lead-up to his Test recall 10 October 2000 Andy Bichel looks at what's in store for the Bulls in 2000-01