FR Cup a success

BRENDAN CRABB

bcrabb@laketimes.com.au

CRICKET Illawarra president Gordon Treadwell said it was great to finally see a ball bowled at North Dalton Park last Tuesday – everything else was a bonus.

“That was the first milestone,” he said. “Then the match turning out the way it did was icing on the cake.”

Last Tuesday, the Ford Ranger Cup made its debut in the Illawarra and the game lived up to expectations, the South Australian Redbacks narrowly defeating the NSW Blues by three wickets and with just two balls to spare.

Highlights included a match-winning 124 from 133 balls from Redbacks opening batsman Michael Klinger and a big-hitting 90 not out from team mate Dan Christian, as well as an impressive 92 from Blues all-rounder Steve Smith and a devastating 65 from a mere 40 balls from NSW dasher David Warner.

Former Australian representative Shaun Tait also decimated the NSW top order with a blistering display of fast bowling, including knocking over former Western Suburbs Illawarra junior Phil Jaques for a third-ball duck.

The previous attempt at an interstate fixture at the ground in December 2007 was washed out, but this year the approximately 3000 people in attendance were able to see an exciting contest.

“It was very hot conditions and all the volunteers did a great job throughout the day,” Treadwell said. “Both sides were really pleased with the wicket and the ground. There’s a whole raft of things we’ll learn out of this, so if we do get another opportunity we’ll improve on it next time.”

Treadwell also said that, Cricket NSW schedules permitting, he hoped to make it an annual Australia Day event.

“It’s totally dependent on schedules, but I’m sure they’ll be keen to get is another match in the future,” he said.

Cricket NSW’s chairman of selectors and former Australian wicket-keeper (from 1966-1970) Brian Taber praised North Dalton Park’s facilities.

“It was disappointing after all the hard work last time and being washed out, so I’m pleased for all the hard workers,” he said.

Taber, who lived in the Illawarra for much of his childhood and played club cricket for Balgownie during his formative years in the game said it was always a great experience to revisit the area.

“It’s a thrill,” he said. “I don’t get back very often, so to come back for a first-class fixture. This ground didn’t exist when I lived here.”