Goldfields cricketers tribute series to Scotty

GERARD Pyne spent more than a decade involved with the Goldfield Ashes Series in Charters Towers, the last two seasons with Emerald outfit 11 FBI.

But this year will be different.

This year's competition will be the first played without good mate and former 11 FBI cricketer Scott Boyle, who was killed in a car crash near Rockhampton last year.

In tribute to their friend, the side will wear specially-designed playing shirts incorporating a black arm band and Scott's name on the sleeve.

"He will be missed but he'll be remembered always with us and we'll all be playing for Scotty this year," Pyne said.

As their name suggests, 11 FBI, or as they're formally known "11 Female Body Inspectors", don't take their social grade competition too seriously in what is reputed to be the largest amateur cricket competition in the southern hemisphere

The half Emerald, half Charters Towers cricket hopefuls placed 25th out of 45 teams in last year's series, and while they wouldn't say no to a move up in the rankings, it's no real loss if they don't.

Instead, they opt for a more laidback approach to the traditionally furious pace of Twenty20 cricket.

"I guess the best thing about playing with 11 FBI is it's just a really social team… the game of cricket is a bonus," Pyne said.

Players will contest the three-day competition during the Australia Day long weekend January 26-28.

For more information, go to goldfieldashes.com.au