Imagine this: One cricket match was played, each team faced just 20 overs, 36 sixes and 41 fours were scored, the game finished in a draw at 259 runs apiece, and the royal Children’s Hospital will benefit by almost $50,000.
Where else but at the mighty Marnoo could this possibly have happened?
The setting was perfect, with the memorial park’s picket fence contrasting spectacularly with the green trees overlooking half the length of the circular boundary.
As for the game, one im- pressed spectator was heard to refer to it as having “every shot in the book – including some that haven’t even been invented yet!”
When it comes to describing the day as a whole, however, who better than the president of the Wimmera Mallee Cricket Association, Ben Duxton, himself a proud Marnoo dweller?
Ben’s summary of a memorable fundraising event was as follows:
“Marnoo Cricket Club hosted an annual 20/20 cricket match on Saturday, March 25, 2023. Having a long tradition with donations to the Royal Children’s Hospital, going way back to the first ever fundraiser for the RCH at the Bolangum Inn at Kanya, the community raised $50,000 from its efforts this time.
“Cricket plays second fiddle on such days, but what a ripping game it was. In the end the game was a draw, 269 runs each on the magnificent surface at Marnoo.
“Highlights: Nic Baird 100 off 47 balls, Callum Ferguson 81 not out off 31 balls, Brad Hodge 57 off 37 balls.
In a thrilling chase, St. Arnaud matched the massive total. Sam Cocks 73 off 42, Tom Douglas 60 off 27 balls including 7 sixes, and a magnificent 46 off 18 balls by 16-year-old batting prodigy, Noah Berry, including 5 sixes, 2 off Brad Hodge in the last over.
“The main part of the day was to raise funds for the Royal Children Hospital Appeal.
“What a magnificent effort by the whole community: $1,780 raised from 6 balls bowled to Hodgey after the game, $3,850 coming from the Luncheon, sponsored by Sandy McGregor, $42,454 raised from the auction of 28 donated items on the night. Being just short of $50,000, local truck identity, Stuart Reading, made the difference up to make $50,000 donated to the 2023 Hospital Appeal.
Life Member
“On the night, Marnoo legend, David Lang, was inducted as a life member. Many hours outside of the playing field make David’s contribution to the club remarkable.
“Many thanks go to our marquee players, Brad Hodge 57 runs, Callum Ferguson 81 runs n.o., and Trent Kelly, absolute legend of a bloke. They “get” grassroot cricket, and had a great day.
“To the umpires, Charles Rees and Chris Guthrie, thanks for officiating the game. Jason Smith, legendary effort in video, audio and social media content. Brett Douglas, number 1 auctioneer in Australia. Kim Fitzpatrick for scoring the whole game. St. Arnaud Cricket Club, always turning up, making a great game of it.
“Marnoo Cricket Club thanks all of our loyal sponsors and the whole community for a successful day.”
Callum Ferguson (L) and Brad Hodge (R).
Photos courtesy The Buloke Times.
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 28 March 2023.
