Last Friday 15th November was the event we have all been waiting for, the MWDCC 2013 Ashes Luncheon. Hosted by local boy Gus Worland, it was always destined to be a great day….. and a great day it was. 250 attendee’s, an electric atmosphere, good food, good beer (thanks 4 Pines for your generous contribution) and good wine….. you can’t ask for more.
We all arrived for a few quiet 4 Pines beers at midday, ready for the 12.30 start. Nothing better than some quality beers while taking in one of the best views in Sydney. Then, what do we have here, a few ladies selling raffle tickets? Time to empty the pockets gentlemen….. and empty they did, the raffle went gang busters.
As we were ushered inside, everyone was trying to figure out where they were sitting…. if only they had paid attention to the table lists when they walked in. But we all found our chairs and the day began.
If you have ever seen Gus Worland in action, you will know he is a class act. I must say that he is getting better and better at hosting this day every year, knowing when to be serious, when to swear (it’s amazing how people laugh from a simple swear word) and when to keep quiet.
First up was a Q&A with Mitchell Starc. Despite being a Wests player, and being told where to go in no uncertain terms from Gussy as a result, Starcy has an association with our club through our club president Andrew Fraser being his Manager, and it was fantastic of Starcy to give up his day like he did. His insight into the Australian Cricket set-up, especially the testing questions about Michael Clarke’s and Shane Watson’s relationship, were first class and show he has a knack for Public Speaking. Thanks again Starcy for your contribution to the day.
Next up was Thommo and Chappelli. Most of us didn’t realise how good a friends both of these guys were, and it complimented the day perfectly. Chappelli speaks very well, is articulate and witty, and always has a story or anecdote to tell. Thommo is more larrikin. He is so funny mainly because it seems he doesn’t know how funny he is. Just being himself with a few beers is sometimes the most entertaining. Sometimes it takes the entertainment a while to loosen up, and that was probably true in this case…. by the end of the interview, Thommo was swearing like a trooper, as only Thommo seems to be able to do (and get away with).
The boys told stories of travelling together down the East Coast of Australia, stories about the underarm bowling fiasco, and how Thommo floored Graham Wood one day in England with a viscous bouncer (particularly funny).
Overall the day was a fantastic success. Plenty of money was raised, and it was great to catch up with so many familiar faces, with many current and former players, as well as local dignitaries and sponsors in attendance. Manly Warringah District Cricket Club would like to extend it’s thanks to all those who came, and we hope they enjoyed the day. If you have any feedback on the day, please forward to Secretary Steve Beatty at honsecretary@manlycricket.com
Finally a massive thankyou to Tim Blank, Katinga Schroeder, Steve Beatty, Simon Lyon and Scott McLachlan for their fantastic organisation of the day. The day would not have been possible without these guys.
Go Manly!!
