Inaugural Open Day a Huge Success!

The inaugural Ferny Fireballs Family Fund Day has been hailed as a huge success by all who attended the day. After a worrisome Saturday, the weather turned out to be spectacular, and both club members and the general public flocked to the grounds to celebrate the opening of the new playing fields. "We couldn't be happier. Everyone enjoyed themselves and we got to give something back to the community that has supported us over the last 29 years." said club President Gary Somerville.
 

The day consisted of a smorgasboard of cricketing entertainment for those present, with continuous cricket games for the younger players, sometimes fielding up to 30 players, and a demonstration 20-20 match for the older players at the end of the day. Appreciation for the skill on show in the 20-20 game was evident from the encouragement emanating from the bar area, almost resulting in a catch to the first row of patrons!

"It's so nice to get the whole club together in one place and have a chat with those people you don't get to see on a Saturday morning." said club VP Rob Mander.

Queensland Cricket's Brett Stephenson ran some fantastic and fun coaching activites and his speed gun bowling competition was a huge success. Premier Cricket made a wonderful contribution to the day, running the throwing contests and helping to make the day enjoyable for everyone.

On show at the Cover Point Kiosk was a tremendous range of cricketing memorabilia from the history of the club, as well as the prestigious Pura Cup - something that not everyone gets to see up close.



The Wizard tent was a big hit with sample bags for the kids.

An official ceremony was held at 12.30pm to open the new facility. Geoff Wilson, our club patron, state member for Ferny Grove, and newly appointed Minister for Mines and Energy, officially opened our new complex on behalf of the club and the Brisbane City Council. Geoff acknowledged the fantastic support of the Brisbane City Council, and in particular our local ward councilor, Ann Bennison, who has assisted the club greatly to secure the funds to achieve such a fantastic result.

Our two net complexes were officially named in honour of two state and Australian representatives, James Hopes and Geoff Foley, who are both ex-Ferny Fireballs. James was represented on the day by his family, as he was interstate with the Queensland Bulls. He sent along a prepared speech which was read out by Lloyd Russell. He spoke of the Fireballs being his junior club, and expressed gratitude to the club for honouring him in this way. Geoff Foley was present, and spoke warmly about the growth of the club, and how honoured he was to receive this recognition.

Geoff Cowles, our current club statistician and one of our two Life Members, spoke about the history of the club, and paid due respect to the pioneers of our club, who started the Fireballs back in 1977. Damien Mullins, Chairman of Queensland Cricket, spoke of the importance of grass roots clubs such as ours, and suggested that this complex and its facilities was the equal of anything he had seen for junior cricketers in Australia, something for which the club can be very proud. Brian Battersby, local Pine Rivers Shire Councillor, and Peter Dutton, Federal Member for Dickson, were also both in attendance on the day.

The Club and Committee would like to extend a big Thank You to all of the day's distinguished guests who have all contributed to help create the superb facilites and Club that we enjoy today.



The FDCC committee with Councillor Brian Battersby.

Kids of all ages enjoyed the free entertainment and goodies all day - Wizard sample bags, giant slide, jumping castle and sno-cones, while the Wizard Bowling Competition had the youngsters lined up to try and bowl out Warwick Baillie for one of the prize packs of considerable value.

The Lion's Club put on a fabulous lunchtime fare to fuel the hungry hordes while the Rotary Club did a splendid job of quenching their thirsts.

"An enjoyable day was had by all, and I for one can't wait to start planning the next one." said club VP Bill Ledger.