Brilliant sunshine for eventful charity cricket game

March 5th, 2012

Damien O'Connor and ex-Black Cap Ewen Chatfield

Bolty and friends raffling

Just under $1000 for the Jack Inglis Friendship Hospital, and two bin full of canned food for the Sallies' Food Bank, was raised at yesterday's charity "celebrity" cricket match, played in brilliant sunshine.

An estimated 60 spectators (plus others who stayed for short periods) picnicking around the perimeter of Memorial Park joined a group of behind-the-scenes workers and 25 players - many past their prime fitness but eager to try out again their old skills.

For the record, Bruce Miller's Marauders beat Phil Donaldson's Demons in the 35 over-each contest, despite the Demons having the services of guest star player, champion Black Cap Ewen Chatfield, who showed he may have lost some of his pace but can still bowl a demanding length and swing the ball.

The event's organiser, Ian ("Bolty") Bolton put considerable effort into ensuring everyone played their part and supplies were on hand, and MC jovial Brent Maru kept the commentary running so spectators could keep abreast of the scores.

The Marauders amassed 204 runs in their 35 overs, with captain Bruce smashing several huge sixes on the way to his 35 (triggering compulsory retirement) along with ex-CD player Peter Visser and Grant Inglis who also remained unconquered. Others in the team made handy contributions to the score.

For the Demons, 205 was always going to be a tough target, with several of the Marauder bowlers sending down deliveries at a brisk pace. Wides and byes contributed significantly to the score, but the top batsman with some powerful hitting was John Inglis. Damien O'Connor used up two second lives and then smashed a few boundaries in the final two overs, but it was too late and the Marauders won by 32 runs.

Unluckiest of all was Bob Brereton, who was taken by St John's to hospital with a suspected broken collarbone after attempting a diving catch. Had Bob been able to bat later, the Demons may have stood a better chance of winning.

Brent and Bolty announce the results

Chatfield bowls as Miller backs up

The Demons line-up, with Ewen Chatfield (standing, left)

The Marauders, with guest player Peter Visser third from left at back

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