Queensland Patriots Team Announced

Softball Queensland is proud to announce the Queensland Patriots Team to compete in the John Reid Shield to be held in Hawker, ACT on 4 – 8 December 2012.

Head Coach:                      Wayne Saunders
Statistician:                        Sean Francis

Athletes:
Thomas Bailey                    Redlands
William Bailey                     Redlands
Andrew Blackshaw             Redlands
Guy Covacin                        Redlands
Shaun Goffer                       Redlands
Julian Jemmott                    Redlands
Marshall Kronk                    Redlands
Hamish Monkman              Toowoomba
Damien Nairn                     Bundaberg
Jason Nathan                      Redlands
Adam Pearce                     Redlands
Jacob Rooke                      Caboolture
Nick Shailes                       Caboolture
Luke Van de Griendt         Redlands
Josh Wagner                       Redcliffe
Aaron Whitefield                 Redlands

Open Men’s State Championship Wrap Up

From Friday the 24^th till Sunday 26^th of August, the Open Men’s State Championships were held at Redlands. Over the three days, 14 men's teams from across the State showcased their talent against some of the best male softballers in Australia.

Toowoomba 1, Redlands Green, Ipswich and Redlands Red made up the top four teams in the Queensland Cup with Mackay, Logan City, Redcliffe and Gladstone the top four in the Open Championship after the round robin games.

Redlands Green took out the Queensland Cup once again after a close grand final win against Ipswich, with the final score 1 runs to 0. In the Open State Championship Logan City narrowly defeated Redcliffe 5 runs to 4.

Congratulations to the following teams:

QUEENSLAND CUP

Winner:                                      Fourex Trophy                                             Redlands Green

Runner Up:                                South Brisbane Trophy                                 Ipswich

Best Defensive Team:                National Taxation Trophy                              Redlands Green

MVP of the Grand Final            Lester Nathan Memorial Trophy                   Andrew Blackshaw

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

Winner:                                    City of Hervey Bay Trophy                            Logan City

Runner Up:                               Mount Isa Trophy                                         Redcliffe

Final Positions:

     1. Redlands Green
     2. Ipswich
     3. Toowoomba 1
     4. Redlands Red
     5. Wynnum
     6. South Brisbane
     7. Brisbane Red
     8. Logan City
     9. Redcliffe
   10. Mackay
   11. Gladstone
   12. Mount Isa
   13. Toowoomba 2
   14. Brisbane White

To view the results newsletter for the Open Men, please click here

New look website launched

We are pleased to inform the launch of our new look website for the Queensland Heat and Patriots. It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears but we personally love the finished product. It is still at the same web address http://qldheatandpatriots.com/ so please visit, and comment on what you think below. We also have two other blogs that will help the website and hopefully keep everything nice and neat.

http://qldsoftballphotos.blogspot.com.au/ has all our heat and patriots photos and http://hapmerchandise.blogspot.com.au/ has our mechandise that is for sale.

And if you havent already, please like our Facebook Heat Page and our Facebook Patriots Page.

John Reid Shield Campaign & Aussie Squad Announcement

Congratulations to the Queensland Patriots team on their strong National Championship campaign. After finishing the round games in 4^th position, the Patriots defeated Victoria in the minor semi-final advancing to the Preliminary Final against WA where they were defeated 6 – 1.  

Click here for a full wrap up of the tournament. 

Congratulations to Patriots members Bill Bailey, Andrew Blackshaw, Guy Covacin (subject to fitness), Shaun Goffer and Julian Jemmott on their selection in the Australian Open Men’s Squad March – December 2012. 

The final team for the 2013 ISF XIII World Championship will be announced following the 2013 John Reid Shield being held 4 – 8 December 2012.

To see who else made the squad, please click here.

Gilley’s Shield Campaign & Aussie Squad Announcement

Congratulations to the Queensland Heat on their strong Gilley’s Shield and Edebone-Weber Shield campaign. Heat finished 4^th in the Edebone-Weber Shield and 3^rd in the Gilley’s Shield. Heat started the finals series in 4^thposition after the completion of the round games and defeated defending champions WA Flames in the minor semi-final. They went on to fight out a tough preliminary final before being narrowly defeated 4 – 3 by NSW Firestars.

Sandra Holden was rewarded for her achievements winning the Lorraine Woolley Medal for the Best Pitcher.

Click here for a full wrap up of the Finals.

Congratulations to Danielle Bowman, Jodie Bowering, Sandra Holden, Jocelyn McCullum, Jade Wall and Melinda Weaver who have been selected in the Australian Open Women's Squad to compete against Japan in a 7 Test Series to be played at Hawker International Softball Centre (ACT) from 21-24 March 2012.

The Aussie Spirit team will be selected following this event to play in the 2012 ISF XIII Women's World Championships to be held in Whitehorse, Canada from 13-22 July 2012.

To see who else made the squad, please click here.

Queensland Patriots Video

Check out the Softball Queensland YouTube Channel for an insight into the Queensland Patriots preparation for 2012 John Reid Shield in Blacktown, NSW.

Patriots Fundraiser Tournament

Nominations are now open for A and B grade men's teams, as well as men's and women's masters teams, to participate at the Patriots Tournament to be held at Redlands over the weekend of Saturday January 28 and Sunday January 29. 
The tournament is designed to help the Patriots fundraise for their journey to the Nationals in February and also the Southern Cross Challenge in Christchurch in April as well as give the Patriots players some extra game time ahead of Nationals.

A feature of the tournament will be an exhibition match between the Patriots and an All Stars Men's team on Saturday night.

Don't miss out! Contact Patriots Manager Lisa Anderson on 0410 632 062 to register or seek further information.

2011/2012 AIS Open Women’s Squad

Softball Queensland would like to congratulate Jodie Bowering, Jocelyn McCallum, Carmelle Sorensen, Kate Sternes, Jade Wall and Melinda Weaver on their selection in the Australian Open Women's AIS Squad for 2011/12 (1 December 2011-31 July 2012).

To find out who else received scholarships click here.

Queenslanders Selected for NZ Test Series

 Congratulations to the following players who have been selected to represent Australia in the Aussie Spirit.

• Jodie Bowering, Co-Captain
• Sandra Holden
• Danielle Stewart
• Melinda Weaver

Aussie Spirit will play the New Zealand White Sox in a 3 game Test series following the Gilley’s Shield Round 3 & Edebone-Weber Shield Finals. The series will be played at Hawker International Softball Centre, ACT from 7- 8 January 2012.

Queensland Heat Still In Contention

Queensland Heat remain in contention for the 2011/2012 Gilley’s Shield and Edebone-Weber Shields following Round 2 held at Brisbane’s Downey Park last weekend.

The Queensland Heat commenced round two in equal third position on the competition ladder and, following competitive results in Brisbane, are positioned fourth leading into Round 3 when it the combined tournament resumes in January in Canberra.

With no more than three runs between the teams in all of Queensland’s matches, the Heat defeated ACT Diamonds 6-5 followed by a 2-0 defeat of the SA Starz and 1-0 defeat of the VIC Titans from seven matches played on home soil.

Queensland Heat finished third in both the Gilley’s Shield and Edebone-Weber Shield last season, and this year are seeking their first national title since the 2008/2009 season.

All players have added incentive to present their best form in the current tournament ahead of selections to be made for next year’s Women’s World Softball Championship in Canada.

The Gilley’s Shield, Australia’s premier open women’s softball tournament, is played over four rounds and four months in four different states.

The winning team of trans-Tasman Edebone-Weber Shield is determined following the completion of three of those rounds, after which the New Zealand White Sox then return home.

The Gilley’s Shield Finals Series is contested by Australian state teams only.

Round four and the Finals Series of the 2011/2012 Gilley’s Shield will be played in Sydney in February.

Gilley’s Shield & Edebone – Weber Shield Round 2

On home ground in Brisbane for round two of the combined Gilley’s Shield & Edebone – Weber Shield, Queensland Heat will aim to close the gap on competition leaders, NSW Firestars and WA Flames, who are respectively four and six points ahead of the rest of the field led by Queensland and South Australia.

As a result of inclement weather during round 1 in Victoria, Queensland Heat will have an additional 2 games to play with the first being on Thursday 24 November at 7pm. This will be followed on Friday 25^th at 11am (vs VIC Titans), 1pm (vs SA Starz) and 7pm (vs NZ Whitesox).

Saturday 26^th sees Heat take on WA Flames at 12pm and VIC Titans at 4pm and on Sunday 27^th at 1pm and 3pm where they will finish the 8 game stretch against ACT Diamonds and NSW Firestars respectively.

Check out the full draw for the Brisbane leg of the series here. Look forward to seeing you all on the park for a fantastic weekend of premier softball.

Queensland Patriots Team Announcement

Softball Queensland is proud to announce the Queensland Patriots Team to compete in the 2012 National Championship – John Reid Shield to be held in Blacktown, New South Wales 14 – 18 February 2012.

Manager:                            Lisa Anderson

Head Coach:                       Murray Rivers

Assistant Coach:                 Maurice Paraha

Assistant Coach:                 Loran Algar

Statistician:                        Ngaire Huston

Athletes:

William Bailey                     Redlands

Andrew Blackshaw              Redlands

Guy Covacin                       Redlands

Josh Davison                       Ipswich

Shaun Goffer                       Redlands

Jim Grego                           Wynnum

Julian Jemmott                    Redlands

Corey Matakatea                 Ipswich

David Metekingi                  Wynnum

Hamish Monkman               Toowoomba

Jason Nathan                     Redlands

Adam Pearce                     Redlands

Wade Prouten                    Toowoomba

Darren Pyke                       Redlands

Jacob Rooke                      Caboolture

Luke Van de Griendt           Redlands

Queensland Heat on Totally Wild

Check out our Queensland Heat members on Totally Wild (episode 144, 1 – 3) which aired on Channel 10 on September 2, 2011. The girls’ are showing their skills and teaching viewers a little about Softball.

http://ten.com.au/video-player.htm?movideo_p=41457&movideo_m=127034

Queenslanders head to Argentina

Shaun Goffer and Josh Davison have been called into the Aussie Steelers team for the tour to Argentina 18 September to 5 October 2011. They join Andrew Blackshaw in the Steelers who are touring with the Aussie Colts U19 Team which has eight young Queenslanders Sam Daff (Captain), Mitchell Daly, Jeremy Jemmott, Marshall Kronk, Ryan Merriman, Jayson Morgan, Josh Wagner, Jono Wall.

Good luck to the Aussie Steelers and Aussie Colts for a successful tour.

Softball Queensland on YouTube

Softball Queensland has launched its own YouTube Channel. Follow us athttp://www.youtube.com/user/SoftballQLD?feature=mhee.

If would like something added to the channel, please email events@softballqld.asn.au .

Aussie Spirit at the Canada Cup and World Cup

Queenslanders, Jodie Bowering, Jocelyn McCallum, Carmelle Sorenson, Jade Wall helped Aussie Spirit to a third place finish at the 2011 Canadian Open Fastpitch International Championship. Aussie Spirit competed against national teams from Canada, Japan, the USA and Venezuela at the tournament played in Surrey earlier this month. The team then went on to participate in the USA World Cup of Softball in Oklahoma where they were aiming to build on their performance at the Canadian Open. 

Finishing in 4^th place at the World Cup, Australia played the USA, Japan, Canada, Great Britain and the Czech Republic. They got off to a great start with a convincing 11-0 win over Czech Republic, followed by a 7-1 win over Great Britain later in the day. Unfortunately Aussie Spirit went down to both Japan (3-0) and the USA (5-2) but bounced back to defeat Canada 8-3. Australia then played Canada again for the bronze medal leaving Japan to take on the USA for the gold medal. 

Congratulations to Jade Wall and Stacey Porter on being named in the Canada Cup All Star Team at the conclusion of that event.

The combined results from the Canadian Open and USA World Cup will help the Aussie Spirit gauge how much work they have ahead of them if they are to match the best teams at the 2012 International Softball Federation Women’s World Championship.

2012 QLD Patriots Assistant Coach

Softball Queensland Inc is advertising the position of Assistant Coach for the Patriots for 2012. Application close on Monday the 25th of July. For further information please contact Nigel Hooper on 07 3391 2447 or admin@softballqld.asn.au .

If you would like to apply please complete the application form and return it to SQI.

20th South Brisbane Club Classic

Some of Australia’s best softball players from around the country will be strutting their stuff over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend as the South Brisbane Club Classic take place for the 20th time.

The event brings together the country’s best men’s softball clubs to the South Brisbane Softball Association Grounds, Preston Road, Carina, who will be in show and looking to impress the Aussie Steelers selectors.

The standard will be high as 26 of the 36 players in the reigning World Champion Aussie Steelers squad will be competing over the weekend.

Games will be played from 8:00am through to 8:00pm on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th of June, with the final of the Club Classic being played at lunchtime on Monday 13th June.

The South Brisbane Softball Association Masters Classic will run across the weekend also with five women’s masters teams from Queensland participating.

Canteen and bar facilities will be open over the weekend and we encourage any softball fans to come along and watch some top quality softball.

For more information please contact:
Jenny Covill
Tournament Convenor
South Brisbane Softball Association Inc
M 0412 910 813
E  southbrisbanesoftball@yahoo.com.au

Heat and Patriots Raise Funds for Charity

Queensland Heat and Patriots team members have helped raise almost $1 500 for abused and neglected children at the Doomben Cup in Brisbane on Saturday, May 21 by selling pins for ACT for Kids. Child abuse and neglect is a huge social issue that largely goes unheard.  Sharing similar values, Softball Queensland and ACT for Kids are proud to be partners and are grateful for the support from the Heat and Patriots team members who have become ACT for Kids ambassadors.

2011 AIS Women’s Scholarships

Softball Queensland would like to congratulate Jodie Bowering, Jocelyn McCallum, Carmelle Sorensen, Kate Sternes, Jade Wall, Melinda Weaver and Stacey Webber for being selected to receive an AIS Scholarship. The scholarship period is for 6 months from June-November 2011. To find out who else received the scholarships click here.

4 Queenslanders make the 2011 Aussie Spirit Team

Congratulations to Jodie Bowering, Jocelyn McCallum, Carmelle Sorensen and Jade Wall for their selection in the 2011 Aussie Spirit team to compete in the 2011 Canadian Open Fastpitch International Women’s Championships from the 9-17^th July in Surrey, British Columbia and the 2011 USA World Cup VI in Oklahoma from the 20^th-25^th July.

To see who else made the team, please click here.

Queensland Heat and Patriots head to Winter Racing Carnival

This Saturday, the 21^st of May the Queensland Heat and Patriots will spend a day at the races as ACT for Kids ambassadors. 

This year, ACT for Kids is the chosen charity for the entire Brisbane Winter Racing carnival. 

On Saturday at the Kirks Doomben Cup Day, the quintessential family raceday, our Queensland Heat and Patriots will be selling a souvenir lapel pin which will raise much needed funds ACT for Kids.  

Please come along to support ACT for Kids and our Queensland Heat and Patriots, if you are interested in attending, please click here to view ticket prices.  

Sorensen debuts in Italian League

Queensland Heat's own Carmelle Sorensen will make her debut this weekend in the Italian Softball League playing for Macerata.

Macerata has a proud history picking up Queensland Heat players, last year Kym Tollenare, Melinda Weaver and Jocelyn McCallum all played for the team.

The Italian season runs parallel to the Australian summer softball season.

Minister to launch new partnership between child safety and sport

The Hon. Phil Reeves MP, Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Sport will launch a unique partnership between ACT for Kids and Softball Queensland at Downey Park before the Brisbane Softball junior grand final hits off this Saturday.

Originally known as the Abused Child Trust, ACT for Kids is an Australian charity which has worked to treat and prevent child abuse for over 20 years.

ACT for Kids provides free professional therapy for children who have experienced the trauma of abuse and neglect and work with vulnerable families to help them develop the skills, care and support networks to prevent abuse and neglect.

Softball Queensland General Manager Sue Nisbet said there are meaningful synergies between the values of Softball Queensland and ACT for Kids which the organisations look forward to promoting through their newly formed union.

“Softball is a family orientated sport which values the participation and nurturing of children,” Nisbet said.

“As a key component of our partnership with ACT for Kids, we are proud to be putting forward our elite athletes as ambassadors for the charity’s very worthwhile cause,” she said.

ACT for Kids CEO, Dr Neil Carrington, said they are pleased to announce the new partnership and are keen to work together with Softball Queensland.

“ACT for Kids has been supporting Queensland kids for over 20 years; one of our goals is to provide kids who have suffered abuse and neglect with the skills and confidence to overcome their experiences. Many of our kids find a release through sport and develop new friendships, purpose and self-esteem.

“We look forward to working Softball Queensland and talented players to further our goals and raise funds to support our free programs,” Dr Carrington said.

Media photograph and interview opportunity:

Who: The Hon. Phil Reeves MP, Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Sport; Sue Nisbet, Softball Queensland General Manager; Karyn Lambert, ACT For Kids Executive Manager; and the Queensland Heat and Queensland Patriots elite women’s and men’s softball teams.

What: The official Launch of the partnership between ACT For Kids and Softball Queensland at the Brisbane Softball grand finals.

When: This Saturday 12^th March at 10.00am.

Where: Brisbane Softball Association, Downey Park, 90 Green Tce Windsor 4030

Queensland Heat players selected in Aus squad

Congratulations to the following Queensland Heat players who were selected in the 2011 Australian Open Women's Squad;

Jodie Bowering

Jocelyn McCallum

Carmelle Sorensen

Kate Sternes

Jade Wall

Melinda Weaver

Stacey Webber

Queensland Patriots make John Reid Grand Final

The Queensland Patriots came agonisingly close to being crowned 2011 National Champions after making the John Reid grand final against ACT.

On home soil, the Queensland Patriots displayed their skills when they took on the powerhouse ACT in the final.  It was an exciting game with great defensive plays and good hitting by both teams, but unfortunately the Patriots couldn't score a run, and they lost 3-0.

It was a long road to the final for the Patriots after they came in fourth position after the round games.  In their first sudden death semi-final verse NSW, Queensland won 6-4.  Then, in the second elimination semi final verse last year's national champions, WA, the Patriots won the game in style, with an Andrew Blackshaw walk-off home run in the bottom of the 7th innings to put Queensland in the grand final.

Following is their round and final results;

Tuesday 15th Feb
QLD 6 def VIC 2

QLD 11 def NT 0

QLD 13 def WA 4

Wednesday 16th Feb
ACT 9 def QLD 2

NSW 5 def QLD 4

QLD 11 def NT 1

Thursday 17th Feb
NSW 1 def QLD 0

QLD 11 def VIC 1

Friday 18th Feb
WA 5 def QLD 1
ACT 2 def QLD 1

Semi Final 1: QLD 6 def NSW 4 

Saturday 19th Feb
Semi Final 2: QLD 6 def WA 5
Grand Final: ACT 3 def QLD 0

Congratulations to the Patriots on a great 2011 John Reid Shield campaign.

Queensland Heat finish Gilley's Shield in third spot

Queensland Heat have improved on their performance last year to finish third in the 2010/11 Gilley's Shield.

They headed into the final round in second position, but slipped to third after losing vital round games against the ACT Diamonds and the VIC Titans.

Following are the Round 4 (pre-finals) results;

Thursday 17th Feb
ACT Diamonds 3 def QLD Heat 0

VIC Titans 3 def QLD Heat 0 

Friday 18th Feb
QLD Heat 7 def NSW Firestars 2

On Friday night, they played the ACT Diamonds in a sudden death semi-final.  With great team hitting and defense, Queensland won 3 runs to 2, moving them into Saturday's second elimination semi final against NSW Firestars.

Unfortunately, Queensland Heat lost to the NSW Firestars 4-0. 

In the grand final, the WA Flames won back to back titles when they beat the NSW Firestars 1-0.

Congratualtions to the Queensland Heat for their Gilley's Shield campaign.

Redlands couple to lead QLD campaigns on local diamonds

Redlands couple Jason Nathan and Kelly McKellar-Nathan have a double Queensland victory planned for the national softball finals to be held in Redlands next week.

The final round of the 2010/2011 Gilley’s Shield national open women’s tournament and the complete 2011 John Reid Shield national open men’s tournament will be hosted by Redlands Softball Association from next Tuesday 15 February to Saturday 19 February. 

Jason is the captain of the Queensland Patriots open men’s softball team, and Kelly is one of the most experienced members of the Queensland Heat open women’s softball team.

The pair agreed it would be a dream come true for Queensland to achieve victory in both the men’s and women’s national tournaments in front of a home crowd.

“My ambition is to win the Gilley’s Shield at home!  It would be even more extraordinary to be part of a double national championship, and Patriots win the John Reid Shield at home!” Kelly said. 

“My ambition is the same as my wife’s. To win the John Reid Shield at home and share that win with the Heat taking out the Gilley’s Shield on home soil!,” Jason said.

Fellow members of Redlands Softball Association will compete alongside Kelly and Jason for Queensland. Ngamoko Hiku, Aperira Stone, Jade Wall and Stacey Webber will play as members of the Queensland Heat line-up, and Andrew Blackshaw, Guy Covacin, Shaun Goffer, Julian Jemmott, Josh King and Luke Van de Greindt will play for the Queensland Patriots.

The Queensland Heat will begin the final round of the 2010/2011 Gilley’s Shield in runners-up position after strong performances in the first three rounds of the tournament played over the last three months in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth respectively.

The Queensland Heat are trailing their arch rivals the NSW Firestars by just one game in the premier domestic tournament, in which they hold an impressive history with wins in 2006, 2007 and 2009 before finishing a disappointing fourth place in 2010.

The chance to win back the national shield in front of a home crowd should be more than enough to motivate the Queensland Heat players; however positions in the Aussie Spirit Squad to work towards next year’s Women’s World Championship will also be up for grabs.

The Queensland Patriots will be looking to build on their third place finish in the 2010 John Reid Shield, and also to impress national selectors who will be scouting talent to help defend the Aussie Steelers’ world title at the next Men’s World Softball Championship to be held in 2013.

World Softball Championships are now the premier international softball events following the exclusion of the sport from the 2012 and 2016 Olympic programs.

Queensland Patriots YouTube Video

Check out the YouTube Video of the Queensland Patriot's preparations for the up and coming 2011 John Reid Shield.

Patriots Tournament - a success!

The 2011 Patriots tournament was again another success, with over $ 2000 being raised for the Patriots from the 29th- 30th of January.
 
Held at Redlands Softball Association, the tournament featured four A grade mens teams (Scorpions, Raiders, TAN and the Patriots) as well as four Masters mens teams (Strikers, PK Pride, Bruins and Scorpions).
 
The weekend was a great preparation for the Patriots who start their national campaign in less than two weeks time.
 
Following are the results:
 
Masters:  PK Pride defeated Bruins in the final
 
Open Men: Raiders defeated Scorpions in the final
 
Exhibition match:  Australia defeated New Zealand
 
Congratulations to the following Patriots players who were awarded individual trophies:
 
Damian Nairn (MVP)
Aaron Clarke (Best Pitcher)
Corey Matakatea (Best Batter)
 
Thank you to everyone who was involved in making the weekend a success!

Queensland Patriots tournament...next weekend

The Queensland Patriots will host a tournament on Saturday the 29th and Sunday the 30th of January to raise funds for their upcoming National Championships and Southern Cross Challenge tournament.
 
The tournament will be held at Redlands Softball Grounds, and will feature an A grade men's competition (where the current Queensland Patriots will play as a team), and both Men's and Women's masters.
 
Games will run all day, from 8am and will feature an Australia verse New Zealand exhibition game on Saturday night.
 
Please head down to Redlands next weekend to support the Queensland Patriots.

Queensland Heat in good position for finals

 

Queensland Heat have headed back from Perth in second position overall, just one game behind New South Wales Firestars.

Over six days of hot weather mixed with rain, Queensland Heat won majority of their games, putting them into a great position heading into the final series to be held at Redlands in February.

The week culminated with the finals of the Edebone Webber Shield which saw Queensland play Western Australia in the semi final.

In a marathon game which when 10 innings and lasted over three hours, Queensland were unable to score one run in the bottom of the 10th to force another tie breaker innings.

Following are their results;

Monday 3/1/11

WA 11 - QLD 0

Tuesday 4/1/11

QLD 6 - SA 0

Wednesday 5/1/11

QLD 4 - SA 0
QLD 7 - VIC 0

Thursday 6/1/11

ACT 6 - QLD 2
NSW 1 - QLD 0

Friday 7/1/11

QLD 4 - WA 1
QLD 2 - NZ 0 (5 innings game)

Saturday 8/1/11

Semi Final - WA 9 - QLD 8

For more information, please click here.