Cricket
ONCE again the annual local ‘Embers’ cricket match in Jalbarragup was hosted by Blackwood Banks Chalets on January 1. The large crowd enjoyed lunch under the trees while team captains Rob Ferguson and Johnny Hillan inspected the pitch, not much had changed with it in the last year – it was still woeful.
Even so, there were some good scores and exceptional bowling with Shedites winning the day over the Sundowners by nine runs. Umpires Geoff Ludkins and Kurt Wiegele’s decisions were final (after the occasional bribe). The lovely Chris Ludkins (who couldn’t be bribed) kept the scores. It was a close call between the Ness Pavilion and The Nancy Tang Pavilion winning the best presentation, with Nancy winning the day on the fact her pavilion was green – the winning team’s colour!
It was hard to choose the best dog, many started off good then were side tracked when the game started, but it was puppy Daisy Fox who caught the eye of the judge. Minnie and Mee chewed her ears, Mally growled at her but through it all she maintained a happy, well behaved demeanour.
Least improved player was awarded to the losing captain Johnny Hillan, who admitted it was his worst game yet. The most improved player was Di Ness. A new award made up on the day – ‘most-stumps-knocked-over-in a-single-blow’ went to Glen Barlow. Trophies for Best Boy and Best Girl of the Match went to Caleb Rummer and Tahnee Briene. The Ben Linden Memorial Trophy was presented by Diana Linden to a very surprised and delighted Richard Linden. Nannup Furniture Gallery sponsored the top awards, with Phil Laird presenting the prize to Toni Ralston for ‘Best Lady of the Match’ for her excellent bowling. Jean Petersen presented the ‘Best Man of the Match’ to Bruce Briene. A beautifully crafted wine box made by Phil Laird was presented to Ryan Abel as the overall ‘Player of the Match’.
Kurt and Avis thank the sponsors – Graeme and Diane Ness of Nannup Valley Chalets who continue to supply the colourful red and green player t-shirts, Richard and Diana Linden for the Ben Linden Memorial Trophy and Phil Laird and Jean Petersen of Nannup Furniture Gallery.
We wish the players and spectators a happy new year and hope to see you again in January 2017.
