The dream has become a reality.

04/04/04 – A day that will live in infamy…..well in memory anyway!!

Thanks to the incredible efforts of the ANZA Exec Committee lead by Helen Prior & John Baker, , the ANZA Cricket Club management lead by Ron Holmes & Clive Tilbrook , and in particular three robust cricketers – Phil Davies, Glenn Wright and Bruce Jones-Walker, the newest addition to the Singapore Cricket scene is open for business!

Sunday the 4th of April marked the inaugural game for the ANZA Sports Ground Sports ground, and was hailed by all a resounding success.

Early on, things didn’t look great, with a typical Singapore “shower” dumping over most parts of the island. However this did not stop 22 crazy ANZA cricketers getting up at the crack of dawn on a Sunday, braving the rain and searching out the ground in the ANZA Sports Ground complex.

With ANZA President Helen Prior in attendance, Ron Holmes (ANZA CC President) declared the ground open, with Phil Davies and Glenn Wright given the honour of being the first two skippers to grace the field.

The rain finally cleared, and the game commenced. This day was a day of many firsts. In fact…the first ball ever bowled (bowled by Glenn) got the first ever wicket (batted by Phil). A most fitting opening! Given the work Phil has put into the ground, the general consensus was to allow Phil to continue on – unfortunately for Glenn’s team hitting a quick fire 31.

With some great bowling and fielding from Glenn’s players, Phil’s star studded batting lineup was restricted to a total of all out for 113. (Someone say LONG boundaries?)

At the change over, Glenn was fairly confident, until he unexpectedly decided to take a quick single without consulting his batting partner (sorry Glenn – but was the writer of the match report!!) and the 1st wicket was down in the second over. Another runout (this one NOT Glenn’s fault!) had his team in trouble at 2 for 7. Enter Jodie Wachter. With a great display of batting, he posted the grounds first half century (50 N.O), ably supported by John Mair. (24 N.O).

Some great cricket played in terrific spirit, and a great day was had by all.

A few beers and lunch after the game capped of a great opening to the ground.

Once again, we cannot thank enough Phil Davies, Glenn Wright, Bruce Jones-Walker (unfortunately back in Australia already), the ANZA Executive and also Ron Holmes with Clive Tilbrook for their tireless work in getting the grounds up and running.

We hope to see our fellow ANZA sporting groups, Aussie Rules, Soccer & Touch Football sharing these facilities very shortly.

Rob KATHNER
ANZA Deam Team Cricketer