Last Sunday the TravelSim Waratahs and Warringah Cricket Club combined for a Charity T20 match, raising funds for the Movember campaign. The Movember initiative has been a major fundraiser for both clubs over the last couple of seasons, and holds a particularly special place within the hearts of the local cricket community.
A stunning day was delivered, and Manly Oval was looking at its picturesque best for a match that pitted a Manly XI against a Warringah XI, with the addition of a certain former Green Man, Tim Cruickshank.
The Manly Side won the toss and elected to bat first, with big-hitters Dan McKenna (18) and Zac Trewartha (29ret.) getting the scoring rate up early. Captain Cameron Merchant then came to the crease and showed his class with a majestic 60ret. to set the platform for a big score. Some late hitting from Alex Bain (15*) and Sam Hole (21*) pushed the Manly sides score to a respectable 165 from there 20 overs.
The Warringah XI’s chase got off to a tough start with a Josh Wigney maiden putting the brakes on early. Some early wickets further compounded the issue before Tim Cruickshank and Tristan Rajah came together with the score at 3/8. The two powerful batsman smashed the ball to all parts putting on nearly 100 runs in no time at all. Club Captain and genuine part-time leg-spinner Billy D’Arcy copped the brunt of the onslaught leaking 30 runs from 2 miserable overs.
The key wickets of Cruickshank and Rajah by Jimmy Crombie slowed the scoring rate before a few overs of quality from 2nd grade manager and all-round legend Will Harding secured the win for the Manly side by 20 runs.
“Will Harding sending down one of his mesmerising leg-breaks”
It was great to see these two great clubs come together for a great cause, and regardless of the result a great day was had by all. The money raised on the day has gone towards the Movember campaign which is raising money for Cancer research. Thank you to Anthony Caruso and David Gainsford for all your work beforehand and on the day, without these guys we simply don’t get the opportunity to hold events such as these.
We look forward to seeing you all again next year for this match, which we are hoping becomes an annual event on the calendar for both clubs!
“Will with the cup claimed by the Waratahs this year”
