Over 30 Club members made the trip to Rabbit Island for what has re-established itself as an annual game of cricket with a sociable BBQ and picnic lunch. [Past events are recorded in the NTC Club History that is soon to be published] The weather was hot and dry with an intermittent gusty wind. Almost perfect cricket weather, even if the pitch was a bit on the ‘rough’ side! A late afternoon tide was perfect for a cool-down post-game.
Waimea TC team ready to bat
A long, lazy lunch over some two hours soon used up much of the afternoon requiring the NTC Organiser to call everyone to order; explain the rules to be followed (as much as possible) and get two teams organised. We had 22 volunteers including some who knew very little about the game, but were prepared to ‘give it a go’! [Everyone gets to bowl and bat!]. NTC won the toss and decided to bat. [WTC would be fielding in the blazing sun.. snigger, snigger! A good excuse for extra refreshments!]
Score keeper and NTC team ready to go for the win
A patient innings over half an hour saw NTC amass a grand total of 66 runs with Brian scoring the maximum of 20 runs showing the benefits of all the other bat/ball sports that he plays. Peter and Graeme both got into double figures. While Tom, Gion and Rosie-Anne nearly made the same milestone. Heidi, Michele, Kath and Malcolm were unlucky to lose their wickets early due to some tight fielding by Waimea.
Batting with style
After a short refreshment break, WTC started their innings. The early loss of key wickets [Eric, Esther and Richard (F)] to some great catches by NTC soon had the team on the back foot. A stubborn innings of the 20 maximum by Richard, ably supported by Sue with her double digit innings helped to steady the scoring. Petra, Alison, Maudie and Jamila tried their best against NTC’s spirited bowling attack, but to no avail. WTC- all out for 55 runs on corrected batter numbers. Another win to NTC! WTC runners-up……. again!
Bowler Brian
The score is final
After a brief presentation between the two Clubs it was time to pack up and go home …. but only after a cooling swim for the brave-hearted! Thanks Debbie for keeping score.
The award ceremony
Our tramping Clubs have been working closely together over recent times to address access issues to Mt Richmond Forest Park through Public Access Easements and to make submissions on proposed changes to DOC. That closer relationship has resulted in shared Club Speakers and culminated in this great social event.
Participants: Graeme (NTC event leader & scribe), NTC members and Waimea TC members.