CHERRIED-UP Gray-Nic’s are being dusted off and eskies are being optimised for maximum beverage storage in advance of the 33rd Reedybrook Ashes cricket carnival being held on August 22-23.
As is customary Reedybrook Station on the Valley of Lagoons Road north of Greenvale will play host the 500-plus Northerners expected to attend.
The competition will see 12 teams from as far north as Weipa and as far south as Hughenden battle for the coveted Iron Trophy at the Gum Flat oval on the banks of the beautiful Burdekin River.
Great times and top sportsmanship are the highest priorities of the competition which will see teams play one 33 over match each day, with teams competing across three fields.
Anyone familiar with the Charters Towers Goldfield Ashes points system will know the winning team is worked out from a points-based system that takes into account wins, the amount of runs totalled and if the opposing team is bowled out.
But winning is secondary to enjoying a great weekend with friends and family when it comes to the Ashes.
And cricket isn’t the only activity on the slate at Reedybrook with cake stalls; raffles; a fishing competition and a catch the pig race for the kids; a toad Calcutta and an auction all providing interesting and amusing sidebars to the main event.
The best part is that all proceeds from the weekend are split between the Royal Flying Doctors Service (including local clinics) and Angel Flight.
Ashes coordinator Raeleen Olditch said in 2014 close to $30,000 was raised for the organisations and the hope is to better that this year.
“We’ll be hoping to get to $35,000 this year. Both of the services are very worthy, and it’s great that we get to see some of the funds spent in the local region,” Raeleen said.
“Those wanting to make a weekend out of it are welcome to throw the swag in the car and camp along the river,” she said.
A licenced bar and food will be available all weekend so those attending needn’t worry about the catastrophe presented by an understocked esky; or those that may focus a little too heavily on the liquids and less on the solids pre-trip.
“It really is a top weekend: We’ll also have live music on the Saturday night with Ron Sellars performing to keep visitors on their toes well into the night.”
Come and enjoy country hospitality and a weekend with mates and loved ones in great surroundings at Reedybrook on August 22-23.
For inquiries phone Raeleen Olditch on (07) 4788 4290 or Megan Atkinson on (07) 4788 5523.