THE 2014 Locals Versus Sponsors Douglas Daly Cricket Match held earlier this month was everything we hoped it would be and more.
We were honoured and delighted to welcome our special guest cricket superstar Mervyn Hughes. A right-arm fast bowler, Hughes represented Australia between 1985 and 1994 in 53 test matches, taking 212 wickets. He also played 33 One Day Internationals, taking 38 wickets.
Once again our incredibly generous sponsors provided cash and in kind goods. This year cash sponsorship totalled $28,625 and the auction raised $14,585 making this a record sponsorship pool of over $43,000.
Over 160 adults and 40 children attended the match which was a record crowd for the Douglas Daly Cricket Ground.
The day began with the school kids having lunch with Merv, while he told them about his cricketing days and shared some jokes. The children then moved onto the field to play a game of cricket with him. It was a typically hot September day so well done to all the kids and Merv for playing in the heat.
Soon after, the main game commenced with the two teams kitted out in their smart sponsor’s t-shirts and hats. Frank Wilson was nominated as team captain for the sponsors team and Peter Shotton was nominated as the fearless leader of the locals team. Ben Hindle from NTLEA provided the expert commentary for the game and Jo Rule and Annette Howie were the attentive scorers. Spoof and Trevor handled the umpiring with great flare keeping the scorers and players on their toes.
The hard ground, concrete pitch, Bay 13 Grandstand, Top End Turf grassed bar area, TFS display, handcrafted wooden seagulls, booze buggy driven by Big Ben and friend, happy crowd, colourful sponsors banners and pretty umbrellas all provided a unique backdrop for our memorable 10th anniversary cricket match.
Dave Cannon from Cannon Street Catering in Darwin provided a wonderful Churrasco (Brazilian BBQ) evening meal which was a magnificent treat for everyone, particularly the local ladies who would have otherwise prepared the food.
After dinner the match results were announced as the Locals (0) beating the Sponsors (-5). As Merv said “zero was always going to be a good score with so many lost wickets in the game”.
Man of the Match (trophy thanks to Bonalbo) went to Josh from Noonamah Tavern and the Fastest Run Rate (Sid Parker memorial trophy thanks to S.E.A.L.S) went to Jake Timmers.
Also at the dinner Mervin shared stories of his cricketing days had the crowd in stitches of laughter. It was a tremendous honour to have this great legend come for the day.
Ben Hindle our champion auctioneer raised excellent money for the 26 lots. Included in the auction was a framed cricket bat signed by Adam Gilchrist and generously donated by Frank Wilson from TFS. Another special item of interest was donated by Mike and Margot Black and probably the world’s largest watermelon that actually raised $600.
Later the relaxed crowd enjoyed the band and partied until the wee hours. Many camped the night.
Thank you to everyone who contributed towards making our 10th cricket match such a great success! I would like to make special mention of this year’s TDDCDAI committee whose help was invaluable.
Most of all, thank you to our wonderfully supportive sponsors and all the generous auction bidders.
See you all next year.
