Finn and Charlie Gray star in Archie's charity game
Western Suburbs District Cricket Club Sydney | November 16, 2023
It was Archie Gray’s Day. A tribute cricket game between Archie’s much loved Western Suburbs Magpies and the Manly Warringah Waratahs.
The two clubs came together to play a charity game in honour of Archie and to raise much needed funds and awareness for the Mark Hughes Foundation and Brain Cancer research.
Archie Gray, a hugely talented leg spinner lost his battle with brain cancer on 8 November 2022 at just 17 years of age.
It was fitting, emotional and exciting to see Archie's two brothers Finn and Charlie be the stars of the show.
Finn and Charlie both play NSW Premier Cricket for Western Suburbs. On the night Finn opened the batting for Manly and Charlie for Western Suburbs.
Finn top scored for Manly with 48 whilst Charlie top scored for Western Suburbs with 51. Both received a tremendous ovation from the strong 1500 plus crowd at Pratten Park on Wednesday 15 November 2023.
Charlie Gray, Andrew Gray, Suse Gray, Finn Gray
Charlie Gray reaches his 50
It was an incredibly special day and to date, the funds raised over the past couple of weeks= exceed $70,000 – there is still time to donate. Click here.
There's a lovely line from Manly Warringah’s social media pages that epitomised the day, "Life can be fleeting but when people come together for a common cause, great things can happen. “
It’s so important to acknowledge the efforts of Archie’s parents Andrew and Suse in pursuing the challenge of raising funds for the Mark Hughes Foundation.
Along with Andrew’s drive and enthusiasm Western Suburbs President Mike Swan, Manly’s Vice President David Gainsford, Western Suburbs Club Co-Captain Liam Sparke and Manly’s captain Jay Lenton were enormous in their organisation and commitment to make the day such a huge success. A big thank you to all Manly’s players and supporters.
Well done to Western Suburbs captain James Psarakis, his team and all the players throughout the grades for the efforts and ongoing support.
Jay Lenton and James Psarakis
To Mark Norris, Andrew Myers, Caroline Swan and Rick Wayde who put in hours of work in the canteen the club says thank you. The same to those selling raffle tickets and bucket hats and representing Western Suburbs in a such a positive manner.
Thank you to Kayo Sports and commentators Andrew Menczel and Jack Clifton.
The Mark Hughes Foundation does incredible work, and it was great to see Mark Hughes in attendance. He’s such an inspiration, always smiling and its so important the community continues to support and give generously to the Foundation.
To the celebrities who offered up the generous time to participate, we all say thank you.
A big thank you to Ian Bird Photography for capturing this special day
Archie Gray, forever young
Former Australian Fast Bowler Brett Lee
Steve Menzies, Jackson Bird, Dan Christian, Reed Mahoney, Brett Lee, Pat Richards
