Waraba CC win charity T20 as community comes together for Beyond Blue

By Chase Christensen 

Image: Waraba Cricket Club First 11 (Winning team) 

Waraba Cricket Club enjoyed a memorable day both on and off the field following a successful charity T20 match against the Blasters at the Sandstone Point Sporting Complex, raising significant funds for mental health organisation Beyond Blue. 

Played in front of a strong local crowd, the match delivered plenty of entertaining cricket while supporting an important cause. Players, families and supporters turned out in great numbers, creating a relaxed and positive atmosphere throughout the day at the Sandstone Point venue. 

Blasters captain David McKay won the toss and chose to send Waraba in to bat. It didn’t take long for Waraba to make their intentions clear, getting off to a fast start that immediately put pressure on the bowlers. Fifteen runs came from the opening over and after two overs Waraba were sitting comfortably at 0/30. 

The first wicket fell when Zane Ridgway was dismissed for six, but the momentum stayed firmly with Waraba. Chris Doolan joined captain Jake MacGregor at the crease and played an important role, batting through most of the innings and contributing a steady 21 to keep things ticking along. 

MacGregor provided the fireworks. Timing the ball beautifully, he retired on an explosive 34 not out from just 12 balls, drawing plenty of applause from the crowd. Nathan Walker’s time at the crease was short-lived after an excellent delivery from English import Ivan, while Harrison Briers managed just one before being dismissed by a spectacular catch from Luke Fowler that quickly became one of the standout moments of the match. 

Waraba continued to build a strong total, with Clint Edwards adding a valuable 22 from 17 balls. Mitchell Smith finished the innings in style, retiring on 30 not out as Waraba closed on 182, setting the Blasters a challenging target of 183. 

McKay led the Blasters’ bowling attack with figures of 2 for 20, while Ivan, Josh Nicholson, Luke Fowler, Daniel Poividen, Lachlan MacGregor and Daryl Mison all contributed with wickets in a solid team effort. 

The Blasters’ run chase began positively, with Daniel Poividen and Gareth Cotter putting early pressure back on Waraba. Cotter looked dangerous, racing to 29 before his dismissal. A key turning point came soon after when Zane Ridgway bowled Poividen, knocking his stumps out of the ground and swinging the momentum back Waraba’s way at 2/47. 

While several Blasters batters managed to get starts, Waraba’s bowlers kept things tight and runs became harder to find. Wickets fell steadily and the Blasters were eventually bowled out for 117, giving Waraba a convincing victory. 

MacGregor capped off a strong all-round performance with figures of 2 for 7 from two overs. Ridgway was equally impressive, finishing with 2 for 0, while Doug Tomsett and Mitchell Smith also picked up wickets. 

A special mention must go to club secretary Kimberly Wardle, who went above and beyond in the lead-up to the event. Through tireless hours of organisation, strong promotion across the club’s social media platforms and extensive advertising, Wardle played a huge role in the success of the day. Her efforts were instrumental in helping the club secure and contribute more than $5000, making a massive impact for Beyond Blue. 

Beyond the on-field result, the focus of the day was firmly on community support and mental health awareness. With overwhelming backing from players, families and locals, Waraba Cricket Club has confirmed the charity T20 at Sandstone Point Sporting Complex will now become an annual event, with the next match already locked in for Saturday January 2, 2027. 

It was a day that showcased great cricket, strong community spirit and support for a cause that truly matters.