From Footy Season To Cricket Season

After recovering from Geelong's win in the AFL Grand Final, and the departure of friends Det and Brenda on Sunday, my thoughts then went to a cricket extravaganza happening this week on the Sunshine Coast. State cricket sides from Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania along with a representative New Zealand 'A' team were participating in a season warm up one-day series here. Yesterday we saw some great cricket as well as current or near future (as well as past) international players. Tait (the Australian Test fast bowler) was there along with other 'on the fringe' Test players such as Cameron White and David Hussey.

The New Zealand 'A' team had 4 players who will depart after this week's matches to become members of the N.Z. test squad to visit South Africa.

But there keeping an eye on N.Z. preparations was the great Sir Richard Hadlee and former N.Z. test opener John Wright against whom I had played when I taught at the RAAF School in Malaysia.

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We had a good chat with Hadlee and he kindly allowed me a quick snap which I have on this page. I had a longer talk with the former N.Z. Test opener John Wright. Though not a wicket keeper, he stumped me off John Embury way back in 1978 in our match, RAAF Penang Vs the Derick Robbins XI. He remembered the tour fondly and even to playing cricket in Penang. The heat was a major memory for him though this was compensated by the icy cold Anchor Beer we drank over there.

N.Z. 'A' played Victoria and got up to win with 4 balls to spare. Victoria's Cameron White top scored for the match with 65.

It was a sensational day! Play continues tomorrow at Caloundra (Weds) with Victoria playing South Australia. This photo shows John Wright keeping an eye on things with the New Zealanders on the field.

Meeting and speaking with Sir Richard Hadlee was a great thrill.