THE most exciting cricketers in the West Gippsland Cricket Association will converge on Glover Reserve in Devon Meadows this Sunday for the first ever West Gippsland All Stars Twenty20 game.
Emerald’s Clinton Marsh and Tooradin’s Aaron Avery will lead the respective North and South squads, featuring the likes of Tom Hussey (Tooradin), Matt Hutchinson (Devon Meadows), Nick Fairbank (Pakenham Upper-Toomuc), AJ Walker (Emerald), Danny Diwell (Merinda Park) and Chris Savage (Upper Beaconsfield).
The concept of the game was conceived and developed by a group of current and former WGCA representative players as a means of showcasing the large array of talent within the association.
“There are so many good cricketers playing in the West Gippsland Cricket Association and we felt that there should be a way not just to showcase that talent, but to celebrate West Gippsland cricket,” said organiser Mick Floyd.
“The WGCA is better than a Division 3 Country Week competition, but the only way we can change that is by winning Country Week in February.
“It’s a big commitment to dedicate a week to playing for the league at Country Week, with the guys taking a week off work and away from the family.
“Thanks to Icon Cricket we’ll be raffling a bat on the day with all proceeds going towards easing some of the financial pressures the players face while representing the league.
“The players and their clubs have been fully supportive of the concept, and the host club Devon Meadows is working to make the day a huge success.”
As well as the showcase T20 match, there’ll be plenty of entertainment on and off field for the expected big crowd.
Finning First National Real Estate will have several boards erected around the ground with cash to be won for any player (and their club) who hits one on the full. Finning First National is also putting up cash for the first catch in the crowd in each innings.
A jumping castle, face painting, kids’ competitions during the innings break, and fun with the mascots will ensure a fantastic day for the entire family.
The game will start at 2pm at Glover Reserve, Devon Meadows with all players expected to arrive by 1pm and wear their full coloured one-day club kits. Entry is by gold coin donation, with all proceeds being donated to the Ponting Foundation to assist in the work in supporting families dealing with childhood cancers.
For more information, visit the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/WestGippslandWarriors.
