The heatwave, which reached 42.2 degrees, didn’t dampen the spirits of the die-hard cricketers who played their last game of the year before Christmas break.

The Blackstars made an impressive win reaching 4/303.

The Western Bulls were all out for 238.

The fast-paced action began when the Western Bulls won the toss and elected to field.

Captain of the Blackstars Cameron Conlan said they thought themselves lucky they got to bat first.

“They put us in to bat which I thought was great, if you’re fielding through the heat of the day from 10-2pm, it’s worse. I was happy to bat,” Conlan said.

Top batsmen for the Blackstars were Ashley Benson scoring 82 runs and Jamie Stewart who reached 60 runs.

Conlan said Trent Cameron also hit an impressive round of runs, 44, before he was caught out by Western Bulls fielder Wesley Hall.

“Ashley Benson was all rounder on the day for the Blackstars, he bowled out three wickets for 30 runs and made 82 on the bat.”

Other Blackstar bowlers who shared the wickets were Cameron Conlan taking out three wickets and Andrew Lawrenson with two and Jamie Stewart taking out one.

Conlan said Western Bulls batsman Callum Jones steadied the ship for his team.

“He had a really good knock when he got to the crease, clocking up 91 runs before being caught out.”

The opening batsman for the Western Bulls were A. Morrisby and N. Donher.

This was the last 40/40 game for the year.

The Mount Isa Cricket Association (MICA) will be be having their Christmas Break and won’t be playing again until mid January next year.

“Everyone is keen for the break, our team will be enjoying a Christmas beer this weekend,” Conlan said.

The MICA 40 over competition commenced on November 25 with a match between Panthers and Blackstars at Sunset Oval in which the Blackstars won 3-310 and Panthers all out for 94.