by Kerry Larsen

As far as being a cricketer goes, Ben Vikionkorpi has had a weekend to remember.

Not only did the Port Douglas Mudcrab player represent Cricket Far North in the Queensland Bulls Masters match in Port Douglas on Saturday, but Mossman State School's under 19s team - of which Ben is coach - has just won the Cairns regional one-day final against Redlynch's St Andrew's College.

After winning the previous Twenty 20 competition undefeated, Mossman looked the superior side in taking the one-day title in convincing fashion on Monday at the Port Douglas Sports Complex.

Mossman batted first and things looked a little shaky early, losing three wickets in the first seven overs.

But Hayden D'Addona and Glen Ives steadied the ship with a 90-run partnership, and with Glen Ives also making 77 runs, Mossman made 10 for 170 off 47 overs.

A great team effort continued when St Andrew's were sent in to bat, with the Redlynch side dismissed for just 93 off 25 overs. Julian Weimer took 3 for 22 off four overs.

"It was a great team effort," said Ben, or Mr V as he is affectionately known as by his students.

"All bowlers bowled very well and there were some great catches."

After the wicket was prepared beautifully for the Bulls Masters match on Saturday, the Mossman boys used the fast batting conditions to their advantage.

"We made use of the good facilities today by making some good bowling changes.

"Which is better bowling than I produced on Saturday," he said, making light of being hit for five consecutive sixes by former Bulls captain, Chris Simpson, in one over.

Mr V was selected as a bowler for the CFN's invitational XI after an impressive season for the Port Douglas Mud Crabs B-grade side.

He says playing against the likes of Allan Border, Michael Kasprowicz, Ian Healy, Jimmy Maher, Greg Ritchie and Wendell Sailor was a day he will never forget.

"It was a great day, an amazing atmosphere. We all had a ball," he said.