The 2022 ‘Ultimate Backyard Cricket Match’ at Government House

The second annual ‘Ultimate Backyard Cricket Match’ was played in Government House Gardens today.

Under current State health restrictions, numbers were limited, but that didn’t stop the day from being a roaring success. Local sporting legends, celebrities and community heroes took to the pitch to battle it out, Governors XI vs Pirates. All in the name of fundraising for The Pirate Ship Foundation, a charity dedicated to supporting research into childhood brain cancer.

The day started with the teams gathering inside Government House for a quick brief, uniform assignment and to hear Mr Daniel Colgan run through the rules of play. They were then piped down the path and onto the pitch. Speeches ensued, friendly sledges were thrown and the game was on.

The first innings saw more catches from the crowd than those on the pitch, resulting in a shortage of cricket balls! One of the rules, after all, was that if a crowd member catches the ball, they get to keep it. There were some impressive hits, quite a few misses and a whole lot of laughter from all involved.

The halftime show was played by Howie Morgan, followed by a heated esky race that saw last year’s contestants – David Genat and the Ozzy Man – battle it out in a heated rematch. After this, the great diamond hunt was on. Rohan Jewellers had buried an Argyle champagne diamond somewhere on the pitch. Patrons were given the opportunity to leave a donation in order to pick the spot where they thought it may be.

Following the half-time activities, the game resumed. Lunch was traded in for ice creams and the kids abandoned the audience to opt for the water slide, teacup rides and their own games of cricket.

Commentated by Channel 9 and 6PR talent, the day was roaring a success and enjoyed by all.

In the end, it was the Governors XI who came out on top.

The Governor and Ms Annus wish to thank everyone who attended and all those who made today happen.