Ireland return to County Coogee in preparation for the ICCT 20 World Cup - Lefand Cricket Week
Randwick Petersham Cricket Club | September 30, 2024
In late March 2022 Richard Holdsworth approached the Club enquiring whether we could host Cricket Ireland again in the lead up to the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup in Australia. Unlike 2015 this only provided 6 months to plan their 10 day stay. John Stewart immediately enlisted a committee to plan every minute detail to engage sponsors, organise accommodation and transport, ground preparation, advertising, catering, match days, opposition, and catering. Randwick Petersham’s gratitude is extended to Mike Whitney, Jeremy Jastrzab, Peter Devlin, Roy Robinson, Jo Robinson, Damian Sidney, Tom Holland, Chris Sullivan, Dale Hackney and E-Young Khoo, Jay Patel, Jaya Murdita, and Nick Saady assisting all the way from New York for their wonderful dedication to pull off this mammoth and successful undertaking in such a limited timeframe.
Mellick Wealth Management are proud sponsors of Randwick Petersham Cricket Club
An air of excitement descended onto ‘County Coogee’ in the lead up to the Lefand Cricket Week with local businesses, the Mayor Dylan Parker and Randwick Council and The Hon Dr Marjorie O'Neill MP getting into the spirit providing enthusiastic support and when Cricket Ireland touched down on September 30 the atmosphere was palpable. It was a thrill for all at the Randy Petes to welcome back former players, now in Irish colours to compete at the T20 World Cup, skipper Andrew Balbirnie, up-and-coming batter Harry Tector, explosive all-rounder Barry McCarthy and talented WK/batsman Stephen Doheny and newly appointed spin coach Nathan Hauritz.
The coastal walks and the Courtyard Cafe assisted the team to overcome their jet lag before hitting the centre wickets expertly prepared by Green Options and the crew led by Kane Campbell on Sunday and Monday afternoon. Bombs were hit into Dolphin St, and it was a unique sight to see the Irish coaching staff lined along the road with baseball gloves at the ready. Several of our younger bowlers had the opportunity to net bowl to the Irish team many of whom were open to impart their knowledge and many thanks to Horrie for conducting an informative and unique Masterclass whic was hugely beneficial to all those who attended.
Blazing sunshine greeted Tuesday October 4 and Coogee was picture-perfect for the first T20 between Ireland and Randwick Petersham's 1st Grade side. Daya Singh called correctly and took advantage of a flat looking pitch with Camden Hawkins and Ben Mitchell striding to the crease. Hawkins (6) fell cheaply to Barry McCarthy (2-11) to have the home side teetering 1-10. Anthony Sams was the next to depart to the spin of Gareth Delany (2-10) before Ayre (27) combined with Mitchell for a 53 runs stand. The other bats pushed the score to 7-125 in the allotted overs as the Irish bowlers tightened the screws backed up by good fielding.
In response Balbirnie fell early to Ayre and Lorcan Tucker (9) fell to a good catch by Sams off Ralston and when Campher (4) fell the scoreline read 3-31. But Doheny stood tall and showed his knowledge of the Coogee wicket to hold the innings together with a well-constructed and powerful innings with 65* from 54 deliveries to give Ireland a 3-wicket win. Doheny was a well-deserved Man of the Match presented by Michael Anker and Randwick Petersham Co-Patrons Robin Gardner and Alan Turner presented Andrew Balbirnie and his team with the beautiful Waterford Crystal Lismore trophy made specially for the match.
Unfortunately, rain intervened the following day for the match between Ireland and an SCGXI to be captained by Chris Green. But a Civic Reception, unveiling a commemorative plaque, attended by the Consul General, Mayor, local MPs and sponsors was a fine occasion to cement relations between Cricket Ireland and our Club. Furthermore, the showcase match v NSWXI on Friday also fell victim to the weather as 90mm of rain decided the outcome. Contingencies were put in place for indoor training at Norm O’Neill and thanks to Anthony Sams providing some of the team the opportunity to train at his gym and to Whit for organising golf at The Coast for some of the braver members of the squad. Also, our gratitude is extended to Michael Anker for organising tickets to Silver Eagle Day at Royal Randwick on the Saturday to round out Ireland’s successful stay.
Randwick Petersham is eternally grateful to the Consul General of Ireland Ms Rosie Keane and her staff for their enthusiastic assistance from the outset and their engagement of partners for the week notably Waterford and Teelings Whiskey. Appreciation is also extended to naming rights partner Lefand, long term partners O’Neills Sportswear, Petersham RSL, Titan Fitness and Mellick Wealth Management for their eager support from the beginning as well as Cricket NSW, NSW Office of Sport, The Lansdowne Club, Randwick City Council, Hydralyte and Zing. Additionally, a huge thanks to Temple Bay Coogee for hosting the welcome cocktail event on the Wednesday evening and finally to Courtyard Coogee and Chargrill Charlies providing nutritious breakfasts and lunches throughout the week. The lads certainly enjoyed the atmosphere, coffees and the delicious spreads that were provided.
In closing, the players, coaching staff and management were extremely pleased with the opportunity to acclimatise in Sydney prior to the tournament in Melbourne and their strong results in the tournament are testament to this including their huge win over England at the MCG. Again, the Randy Petes were cheering on from County Coogee and we hope to see Ireland’s increased success on the International this northern winter and in the seasons to come.
