Tigers to the fore in aid of charity
4:01:05 PM Thu 8 December, 2005
Ivan Delic, Omega Cricket Club captain
richmondfc.com.au
For six years, the Richmond Football Club has given back to the community, in a great display of public service, by competing against the Omega Cricket Club for the ‘Mike Smith Cup’.
While cricket isn’t the preferred sporting option for the Tiger boys, these naturally- talented athletes certainly have shown us a thing or two about the game.
In the most recent clash for the Mike Smith Cup, an awesome crowd of more than 1000 people turned up at Bricker Reserve Oval in Moorabbin to witness both the Bowden brothers – Joel and Patrick – smash some huge boundaries on their way to half-centuries.
Brett Deledio sent down some ‘thunderbolt’ deliveries that resulted in Omega batsmen losing their stumps.
Nathan Brown tried his hand at leg-spin, however, I would rather place trust in his kicking for goal, than his bowling capabilities.
Andrew Kellaway was brilliant behind the stumps, while Adam Pattison and Dean Polo certainly gave the crowd some entertainment with the bat and in the field.
Omega was fortunate to win this year’s Mike Smith Cup with a nerve-racking six hit off the last ball of the day. This brought the overall record in these matches to 4-2 in Richmond’s favor.
Clearly, this now is an event that players from both sides look forward to each year. It must be pointed out, however, that the Mike Smith Cup wouldn’t have even got off the ground if it wasn’t for the outstanding organisation and determination of Richmond trainer and Omega Life Member Chris ‘Dizzy’ Smith.
The event has grown each year, as word has got out what a unique day it is. And, it has raised more and more money for charity. This year, alone, more than $7500 was raised on the day.
Thanks to Chris Smith and all the sponsors of the Mike Smith Cup. But a special thank you must go to the Richmond Football Club for its wonderful support of this event and assistance with the charity fund-raising.
From the Omega Cricket Club, good luck to the Tigers in 2006, and we look forward to seeing you all at next year’s Mike Smith Cup match . . .
• Footnote: The Richmond Football Club wishes to advise that the funds raised from this year’s Mike Smith Charity Cup match will be given to the “Tigers in Community Foundation” to distribute to one of the four major charity programs it looks after – St Mary’s House of Welcome in Fitzroy. Previously, Richmond has provided funds raised from the annual cricket match to charities such as Very Special Kids and the Lighthouse Foundation.
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