The annual Cricket Match between the Wily Trouts and IZingari CC is more than just a game. It's a celebration of the Spirit of Cricket and a testament to the power of sport to bring people together. Against all odds, the game went ahead and both teams delivered a thrilling match that showcased the best of the sport.
The Wily Trouts, a father/son combination team, was founded with the goal of reconnecting people with cricket. For players who had lost touch with the sport, playing alongside their loved ones was the perfect opportunity to reignite their passion. The team's founder, Paula Booth, a former SCG XI - Operations Manager, knew that IZingari CC, Australia's oldest cricket club, was the perfect opposition to play in a similar spirit.
“My husband says he never fields so well as when our son is bowling!" commented Paula.
The game occurred at IZingari’s home ground in the historic Macarthur Estate at Camden. Both teams had a mix of fathers and sons, over 60s and under 16s, and every age in between, along with the presence of test players Jason Krejza and Justin Vaughan.
The inaugural match was a nail-biting affair, with the Wily Trouts triumphing over IZingari by just 1 run with 20 balls to go. While yesterday's game may not have been as close as the inaugural match, the Wily Trouts and IZingari CC once again demonstrated the true spirit of cricket. It's not just about the final score, but about the passion, teamwork, and camaraderie that bring players and fans together. For the record Hugh Hansen (23) and Ollie Meroni (56 ret.) pictured above got the Wily Trouts of to a flyer, while Jason Krejza put on 27 including a magnificent 6. Anthony Brooks, a seasoned First Grade player known for his class on the field, joked that he had to blow off the dust from his cricket kit before joining the game, having not played since 2017. Despite his extended break from the sport, Brooks showed that he still had his touch, retiring himself at an impressive 27 runs.
The game featured three sets of fathers and sons in the Trouts team and two playing for IZingari. Watching Krejza play was a delight and you could almost hear the fizz on the ball from the pavilion, and the excitement on the field was palpable.
At the end of the match, the umpires presented the “Rupert Bairamian” Spirit of Cricket Award (cap #45) to Philip Booth for his pure enjoyment of the game, his encouragement to fellow cricketers on both teams, and his general embracing of all things to do with cricket, on and off the field, Philip was a deserving recipient of the award. It's worth noting that during the match, Philip became the third-highest run-scorer in IZingari CC history, amassing over 11,000 runs.
The annual match between the Wily Trouts and IZingari CC is a testament to the enduring spirit of cricket. It's a reminder that the sport is about more than just winning; it's about the camaraderie, the teamwork, and the pure enjoyment of the game. Congratulations to both teams for an exceptional match, and to Philip Booth for winning the Spirit of Cricket Award.
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