Cricket fans from around the world tuned in to watch the Bulls Masters Country Challenge in Bundaberg, hitting new records for the Queensland regional competition.
Bulls Masters media manager Matt Hogan said the community support had been amazing with lots of people turning out to watch the games and record numbers viewing the games online.
He deemed the challenge a great success.
Before the finals took place, Matt said 21,000 people had tuned in to watch the live stream, up 1000 from last year, and he expected viewer numbers to reach 30,000 during the decider.
“We have had a lot of interest with people locally and internationally watching the game,” he said.
“People obviously love their cricket!”
Matt said the Bulls Masters Country Challenge was just the start of great things to come for the Bundaberg Region in the way of cricket.
“Cricket has become fairly focused in Bundaberg in the last couple of years, now it’s entrenched in the community,” he said.
“It’s going to go forward with some big things to come.”
Wide Bay Flames should be proud
The local team Wide Bay Flames made a great start to the carnival with a five-wicket win over the CQ Seamers.
Wide Bay chased down CQ’s total of 6/137 in the 18th over, finishing the game on 5/140 with Bundaberg’s Brendan Schultz not out on 38.
“Beating CQ in the first game was really something,” Matt said.
“Although they didn’t make the semi-finals they shouldn’t be disheartened.
“There are a lot of people who care about the game here in Bundaberg and we are excited for the next few years and what’s to come.”
The four teams to make the semi-finals are:
- Far North Qld Fusion
- Mackay/Whitsundays Nitros
- Darling Downs Suns
- North Qld Monsoons
Earlier stories:
- Country Challenge ready to light up Bundaberg
- Bundaberg hosts cricket Country Challenge Cup
- Bulls Masters Country Challenge secured for three years
- Bulls match delivers big dollars for Bundy cricket
- Bulls Masters support Bundaberg cricket
