Australasia Open 15-18 November 2015

AUSTRALASIA OPEN

15 - 18 NOVEMBER 2015

TOURNAMENT INFO

2015 Australian Open Official Odds

 

2nd XI - Ipswich - 8/1

Needing no introduction these boys have been everywhere and done everything. Winning the Aussie title in 2012 they took their bats to the home of cricket Lords for the London World Champs and were knocked out in the quarter finals by a fellow Aussie team in 3 Short. A dissapointing 2013 and 2014 campaign has them as hungry as ever and you can only hope they've been up all night and you're facing them at 9am. Whether they're a bowler short as rumoured remains to be seen but one thing you can be assured of is that if you don't know who they are now you will know all about them by the end. They'll be playing on Wednesday but I don't think they'll make the final. Recent losses to the Woodies in the Sth East QLD Challenge may well have sharpened their resolve though so don't write them out of contention

 

3 Short - Canberra - 10/1

Nevermind the name they'll field at least 7 each game and that's about all they will need. These blokes are a seriously good LMS out fit. They're on the big stage for the opening game of the tournament up against Spofforth from Brisbane and I'd think for an early indication of who might win the whole shebang set your alarm clocks and get down to Runaway Bay 1 to watch this one play out. 3 Short have good pedigree after winning 6 Canberra titles and 2 runners up plus a runners up at the 2012 Aus Champs and reaching the semi finals of the 2013 London Worlds after getting revenge over 2nd XI at Dulwich Sports field in the quarter finals. Whoever wins this opening game will likely win the tournament!

 

Abusement Parks - Ipswich - 40/1

After spending more time on the Logan Motorway than on the cricket pitch last year the boys have sensibly decided to rent a pad for the week. This while being a very sensible decision could actually end up costing them any real chance at the title. The bright lights of the Coast could prove too tempting for the boys from the Switch although a late run at the bar tally is not out of the question. A better bunch of blokes to play cricket with and against you will not find. A tilt at the $1000 eliminator challenge is expected since they're staying down here this time. On a side note this group has the most concerning collection of team names so we're hoping that there's not too much violence out there.

 

AusPak - Toowoomba - 66/1

Another team coming down the range from the mountains of Toowoomba and they could struggle unless they've had time to adjust to the change in altitude. Cricket balls behave differently at sea level and if they've prepared for it they'll go well. Most teams don't take this into account though and this could be their undoing. Three games max for these guys although if they get a good run in the Plate they could make the semi finals.

 

Brad Beneke Plastering - Sunshine Coast - 22/1

Everyone loves a good incorporate the business into the team name plug and if you need anything patched up after a big night out and you're concerned about getting your bond back after Thommo threw Macka into the lounge room wall after a fight over the TV remote then give Brad Beneke Plastering a call they will fix it up good as new and have you on your way in no time! On the cricket front they're also one of Sunny Coasts finest and boast a couple of top 100 batsmen and bowlers. Up against the Rock Lobsters in the opening round it would be worth a head to head bet here as Lobsters may well start favourites but my money is on these lads

 

Brisbane Blasters - Brisbane - 12/1

Bowing out in tragic circumstances last year to eventual runners up the Rock Lobsters it will surprise no one to learn of the distinctly South African flavour to the Brisbane Blasters. No one wants to say choke but after coming in as one of the more fancied teams last year a fundamental error saw a double play take the wicket of one of their best players then a split ball saw one of their biggest hitters caught on the boundary and they just never recovered from there. AB de Villiers couldn't make it unfortunately for them but I still forsee at least a top 4 finish from these guys and they have the cattle to go all the way but cricket is a funny old game as they saw last year so anything could happen

 

Chainhackers - Ipswich - 20/1

They have the highest world ranking coming in at 5 but they've lost a couple of key players like Wichura and Peach who are each devastating with both bat and ball. Skipper Shaun Tronc has his work cut out for him this tournament in my opinion. I expect they'll get out of the group stages and no doubt win a couple of knockout fixtures but their best work on Wednesday arvo could well be on the hill having a few cold ones and telling stories of what might have been

 

Crease Monkeys - Ipswich - 25/1

Will do well if they can stay away from the Casino, the Grand, the local, the pub down the road, the Runaway Bay Bar but they'll probably just end up drinking at the house anyway. One of the most experienced LMS teams in Australia having been there since the first games in QLD they've been to every Aus Champs since inception they are also the former World Plate Champs of 2010. With a new leadership team and a couple of new additions to the squad they are set for their best showing at a nationals yet. With 225 LMS games played they've seen it all so there's no point sledging them. If you're not good enough to beat them at cricket then don't think a bit of chat will get under their skin. Mixed results over winter but they've had 4 straight wins and are primed for a big tournament

 

Dirty Slappers - Adelaide - 18/1

Well the boys from Adelaide were going to bring along their cheer squad but instead named the side in their honour which was a nice touch. All jokes aside though these kids don't know how to lose a game of cricket...well just that one time but that was their first ever game of LMS and nobody explained the double play rule (two wickets one ball what sort of a rule is this??). They've put it behind them now and have gone on a run of 23 straight! Not much is known about the quality of their opposition in the sleepy township of Adelaide but you'd be mad not to put them in your box trifectas with form like that!

 

Frederick Spofforth - Brisbane - 11/1

Aus Open newbies they might be but new to cricket they are not. Expect big things from these lads from Brisbane's North. Although they've come to LMS relatively late in their sporting career they bring with them a wealth of talent. The mind is willing but the flesh is weak though and they're suffering from more injuries and broken down bodies than the Fortitude Valley ER on a Friday night, but what they lack in fitness they make up for with brute cricketing force. Cricket is a gentlemans game but if it's banter or competition you're looking for you've come to the right place. Big hitting, big talking, fast bowling and although the cricket gods haven't been kind to them so far and the trophy cupboard is relatively bare this is the one they're after

 

Greenbank Gunners - Brisbane - 88/1

While the Gunners have a win/loss ratio of 62.5% they've only managed to win 1 from their last 5 starts. They are wet weather specialists though and if the weather turns nasty they'll be giving the bar a good nudge for sure and certain - even if the weather is good make sure the fridge is stocked. Look out for them in the Plate comp as they give you the sense that would be their best chance for glory in this field. They've got a brutal draw first up and could well struggle to win a group game but a charge towards the Plate title is not out of the question.

 

Here for the bar - Gold Coast - 110/1

Need I say any more. It's all there in the name - LMS regulars since early 2012 which is when they last had success of any note when they took out the Gold Coast Div 2 title. They've been to the last couple of Aus Champs but haven't managed to get past the 3rd or 4th game. The boys enjoy their cricket but they are up against 2nd XI first up and the Toowoomba boys won't be easy beats either. Luckily though they're mainly Here For The Bar

 

In and Outs - Toowoomba - 88/1

Despite winning 32 from 49 in their local comp a more significant stat is 3 losses from as many starts in the recent Sth East QLD Challenge. Getting out of the group stages will be one thing but for mine they'd be best suited in the Plate comp where they would be a real threat and could possibly win the whole thing.

 

King Kong Strikers - Brisbane - 33/1

The Giant Killers from the North of Brisbane. Famously charging their way from Nth Bris second division earlier this year to dramatically take out the title from much more fancied opposition Frederick Spofforth they have been in a slight form slump of late but you'd have to feel it's more that they are timing their run. Skipper Ned is the master tactician and if ever a side was going to cause an upset it will be this one. I can't see them making the final but if they don't knock out at least one fancied contender I'll be very surprised.

 

Loose Screws - Sydney 25/1

You can tell a lot about a team by their choice of name.... Looking closer at their stats though and you wonder just what they're capable of. Losing only 2 games in their career (very 1st game and their last game) they'll be looking to make an impact in their first foray into the big leagues - they'll be up against it though and one does get the feeling that it could be more of a Jarryd Hayne scenario where they impress early on, get a start in the big time but fumble the ball a couple of times early on and go back the practice paddock. Prove me wrong lads its all up to you from here you've made it this far so now is your time to shine!

 

No Name - Gold Coast - 80/1

Playing a no frills brand of cricket, what the No Name team lacks in creative thinking with one of the most lack lustre team names LMS has ever seen they more than make up for with cricket ability.... No that's not strictly true either with a 50% win/loss record who would know if they're going to bring their A game or they're just here for the banter. It's sides like these that cause bookies to lose everything with no solid form either way they're as big a mystery to you as they are to me. They could win both group games or lose both but likely it seems to win one lose the other. Definite contenders for the $1000 eliminator challenge though

 

Ocean 12 - Sydney - 10/1

Ocean 12 come to the Gold Coast with big wraps from the Sydney connections winning 9 of their last 10 matches and they arrive on the Gold Coast as the 2015 Sydney Champs. A real LMS success story and showcases how sport can transcend circumstance after arriving in Australia as Tamil refugees fleeing the conflict in Sri Lanka Expect they ended up in Villawood Detention Centre but through a mutual love of cricket they’ve been able to mix in with the Aussie community and start building new lives in this great country. Expect to see these guys still playing late Tuesday and very likely to be still around when it all counts come Wednesday afternoon. Definitely a big chance of taking home the big prize don't be surprised if they go through undefeated although they have a big test up against the Blasters on Turf on Monday morning

 

Old Arrack - Sydney - 500/1

No chance of winning a game in their group stage let alone winning the Cup, completely out of their depth in this field despite having been to more World Champs than any other team in LMS and being amongst the most capped and most decorated LMS players of all time. All they can hope for is that the Arrack has been packed and they can drown their sorrows and nurse their bruised ribs and sore heads as they face the all too familiar feeling of regrouping after suffering two massive defeats in the group stage and then making a charge for the business end of the Plate. Look out for them in the bar, whilst they will compete in the $1000 Eliminator Challenge don’t put any money on them as none of them can even hit a 6

 

Old Fools - Melbourne - 50/1

Still slightly hungover from their Barbados World Champs adventure the Old Fools make their annual pilgrimage to the Coast intent as much on having a good time as playing good cricket. They do come into the comp after a runners up performance in the Melbourne Champs last year of course but everyone knows they do their best work in the club house when the drinks are flowing. Honestly they'll probably qualify for the Cup stages but I don't know that the run will be too long.

 

Red Dragons - Tweed - 66/1

Ranked number 1 in the Tweed region though you get the feeling they are a big fish in a small pond down there with only 8 teams in the rankings. That being said they haven't been beaten since July and you can only beat the team put in front of you. Probably get through to the round of 16 but unless they can pull some wizardry out they'll struggle to make an impact from there.

 

Rock Lobsters - Wollongong - 6/1

Making the epic journey up the east coast of Australia for the second time there are rumours floating around that they've done some solid recruiting over the last 12 months and have assembled a squad ready to take the title. They were the silent assassins last year, sneaking in under the radar and popping up in the grand final taking everyone by surprise. The Kiwis aren't back to defend their title and the Lobsters must feel they have a good shot. 2nd time around though and everyone will be taking the pink shirted lads much more seriously. Entertaining on and off the field watch out for these guys come Wednesday! They'll start as favourites only because there's been some big money placed early but the bookies will keep a close eye on their early form.

 

Gold Coast Punjabi Cricket Club - Gold Coast - 66/1

Playing on home turf Gold Coast Punjabi Cricket Club are a late entry to the tournament, and could spring a surprise after an impressive run in the Gold Coast winter playoffs. Sudheer Kamboj has been on fire with the ball this year and boasts an impressive record of 59 wickets at an average of less than 19.

 

Smaharita's Sultans of Swing - Sydney - 66/1

They've won 26 from just 37 starts which is a fantastic start to their LMS career. Could be outclassed in this field with some quality opposition about. If they can get the swing bowling happen though anything can happen. Everyone knows LMS batsmen have no idea unless the ball is coming straight through off a synthetic deck so they'll be itching to have a crack on the Turf and show their stuff.

 

Spider Monkeys - Sydney - 33/1

These guys play in a fairly high division in inner Sydney so unlike a lot of teams who win regularly their victories are probably something to take notice of. In the pool of death last year they were knocked out of the first round of the plate. This year it's a slightly better group for them and they'll probably go through but once they start mixing it with the big names of the tournament their campaign could finish fairly quickly

 

Sunday Sloggers - Ipswich - 66/1

First time to the Coast for the Sloggers and that's not just for the cricket, they make their way down the motorway with stars in their eyes and dreams in their hearts. Relative newcomers to LMS with their first game only in February this year they face a baptism of fire as they're up against two time winners Tradies in the opening fixture on Sunday. Although most pundits would agree that is the best time to face the Tradies they'll be doing well to win this one. Wombats also a tough task, so realistically I'd be putting them in your Plate/Cup doubles as near favourites to win the Plate. Cricket is a funny game though and they could just as easily see themselves with a Cup knockout game or two

 

Swannies - Sunshine Coast - 15/1

Hailing from the Sunshine Coast they'd love nothing more than to swan down to the Goldie and take the glory away from their rival Coastal town. They'll be hard pressed to get out of the group stages though as if they don't fire against the Woodies on Turf on the Sunday they face the might of Old Arrack on Monday morning. Two losses will see them swept into the plate which they'll then win with their eyes closed. Woodies game is most important as none of the Plate contenders wants to be facing a team of this calibre.

 

Tamil Eelam - Perth - 150/1

Only having played 6 games it's impossible to guage how well these Westernites are going to go over here in their first ever trip across the Nullarbour. Thanks for making the journey guys that's quite an effort so early on in your LMS career! Given the lack of LMS experience though you'd have to think they will struggle in unfamiliar surroundings. Their only hope is recruiting a couple of experienced campaigners from the local leagues and staging an ambush of epic proportions.

 

The Cavaliers - Perth - 20/1

First timers The Cavaliers come to us all the way from the small mining town of Perth in the countries far west. Their biggest challenge will be the Gold Coast night life as these lads can certainly play cricket. They've got themselves a great draw - Old Fools are exactly that and Crease Monkeys haven't done anything significant since getting themselves kicked out of the Casino at the 2010 World Champs. Daniel Bonasera the man to watch here as he's in scintillating form this season with 9 fifties and a ton to his name averaging nearly 60 with the bat

 

The Killers - Sunshine Coast - 100/1

Beginning their LMS campaign in February this year the Killers got off to a flyer with 9 wins on the trot. April through June wasn't so good though and September / October was a minor disaster losing 6 in a row! 2 victories in the last 2 weeks has seen them regain some confidence but they're going to have to perform better if they plan on playing in anything but the eliminator challenge come Wednesday.

 

Tradies you cant trust - Gold Coast - 16/1

Champions on and off the field in 2013 as they took the double. Winning both the Cup and the bar tally. These guys will be first at the ground and last to leave and try and get in a game or two of cricket in the meantime. If they don't have a Carlton Mid in their hands it must mean its your shout. Just how long they can keep going is anyones guess but the lowest they have ever placed is the semi final round so whether they are able to win it I'm unsure but I wouldn't be tipping them to be in the Plate comp that's for sure!

 

Tyson Warriors - Toowoomba - 125/1

Well Toowoomba have quite a show of force at this tournie with 3 teams attempting to do what no other Toowoomba team has done although I think if these fine lads will be able to get their way out of the group stages they won't get too much further. There are some cracking good cricket teams in this comp so it'll be a big ask

 

Wombats - Sydney - 16/1

The Wombats make their way to the Gold Coast again and they'll be frustrated to find themselves in the same draw as the Tradies You Can't Trust who knocked them out of contention last year. The good thing is though they're getting them on the opening day in their second game. Tradies are notoriously slow starters due to their love of a good opening ceremony so I expect the Wombats to top this group and go straight through to the Round of 16. Will be tougher going from there but with 129 career victories under their belt they could go all the way

 

Woodies - Brisbane - 8/1

Woodies last couple of Aus Open campaigns have only seen them take out the Eliminator challenge in tropical Canberra 2012 which is surprising as they have a solid line up. With the nucleus of the side still remaining they're all a couple of years older and a couple of years more experienced, coming off the back of a successful Sth East QLD Challenge this could be the year of the Wood. Their biggest challenge this tournament will no doubt come from Old Arrack so they had better make sure they dispose of the Swannies or they face the prospect of competing for the plate. Playing on turf they have no excuses against the Swannies but the match of the round will be later that afternoon.

 

DATES: Sunday 15th November to Wednesday 18th November 2015. The tournament opening function will be held on the Saturday 14th November at 7.30pm at the host venue, Runaway Bay Cricket Club (where team uniforms will be given out along with tournament information packs). However, teams will not play their first games until the Sunday. Finals day will take place on Wednesday 18th November along with the Eliminator Over tournament (up to a $1000 cash prize and open to all teams at the tournament) so there's every reason to stick around until the Wednesday even if your team bombs out early!

 

STRUCTURE: Pool stages held inititally on the Sunday/Monday morning with teams subsequently qualifying for knockout matches either in main cup, or plate tournament for teams failing to qualify from pool stages. A minimum of 3 matches is guaranteed per team, and there will be up to 7 matches depending on how far your team advances. All teams will play on the Sunday and Monday, with at least one double header on one of those days, while only teams qualifying for the latter stages (either of the cup or plate) will play on the Tuesday and Wednesday. All teams will be invited to enter into the Eliminator Over tournament on finals day when the biggest hitters will have the chance to win $1000!

 

COSTS: The tournament is open to any LMS team, with team entry costing $880 per team for non city champions (early bird rate), which pays for all match fees, plus 2015 Australasian Championships shirts and caps. Entry will go up to $1060 per team for payments received after 22nd July (dependent on team spots still being available). City champions receive free entry, but will need to buy a set of the limited edition Australasian Open shirts & caps to secure their entry. Tournament entry includes all tournament costs (Fields, umpires, balls  - basically everything LMS) as well as team shirts and caps. Tournament outfits will be available for order throughout August so keep an eye out for further information. Note that entry payments are non refundable. The tournament winners will receive $8000 AUD in LMS Tours vouchers (made up of $4000 LMS Hotels Voucher & $4000 LMS Tours Voucher).

 

Team payments should be made to the following account (with team name as reference note) or via the Entry Link (for credit card payments) below:

 

Last Man Stands Australia
Westpac Bank
BSB: 033118
Acc: 309231

 

LOCATION: Runaway Bay Cricket Club is one of the premier clubs on the Gold Coasts with great facilities, including five great pitches, four synthetic training nets, a childrens playground, and full catering and bar facilities. It is located at 2 Sports Drive in Runaway Bay, towards the north of the Gold Coast (see this map). The club pavilion will be providing food, drinks and entertainment night and day throughout the tournament, and there will be a big prize for the team investing most heavily at the clubhouse bar during the event! Check out this link for an ICC Cricket 360 piece about the great facilities at the host venue!

 

ACCOMMODATION: With mid-November being the time of 'schoolies' in Queensland, accommodation is likely to get booked up fast in the central areas of Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise. For easiest access to the matches & catering/bar facilities at the cricket club, we recommend staying closer to the grounds in either Runaway Bay, Paradise Point, Labrador or Southport. Traffic delays caused by P plate drivers in Surfers Paradise won't be allowed as an excuse for late arriving teams - from past experience we know that Jupiters' Casino tends to be the cause for any late arrivals!!

 

TEAM CRITERIA: All Teams entering must be entered in a local LMS league in 2015, except in cases where a team does not have an existing LMS competition in their state/territory/county or country. By the time the tournament gets underway each team will need to have played at least 3 league games of LMS in 2015. All tournament squad lists must be submitted to [email protected] by 6th November, along with a brief profile of your team and any heroes/banter that you want mentioned in the tournament team info packs.

 

PLAYER ELIGIBILITY: Team taking field for each game at tournament must include 5 players that have played at least 2 games for the team in 2015 prior to the 14th November. If a player does not meet this criteria, they will still be allowed to play a full part if they have played 5 career games for that team. I.e. three players in the team do not have to meet the criteria as long as they are on the pre-tournament squad list. Please note : players need to have received stats and must be registered for the team for above to apply. If he played a game but did not recieve stats for that game because he was not registered then this will not count as a game for the purpose of the qualification criteria above. Also please note that players may only play for one team during the Australasia Open. In case of injuries a substitute fielder may be used but this substitute will not be allowed to bat, bowl or keep wicket.

All Entry Details can be found below

Click on the links below to enter the Australasia Open and book your accommodation at the best rates around with LMS Hotels.

Email queries to: [email protected]

 

NB Links:-

LMS Rules

LMS Tied Game Rules

LMS Terms and Conditions of LMS play

Additional terms and conditions Australasia Open