With Bowral bathed in perfect Autumnal sunshine – the leaves themselves blushing a dark cricket ball red – the Bradman Foundation celebrated the conclusion of season 2020/21 with the annual Chairman’s match on Saturday.
In a season ravaged by extreme weather and with COVID concerns persisting unabated, it is something of a miracle that before Saturday, 51 matches had been completed at Bradman Oval across the summer months. The fifty-second match – and the final for the year – gave the Bradman staff, board directors, Foundation members and friends the chance to gather and reflect on a year unlike any other.
So, as Phil Kerr marked the wicket and Jock McIllhatton removed the dew from the outfield one last time, the Chairman’s and Members’ XI’s arrived, prepared to battle it out for the title of champions. Leon Zwier’s first match as Chairman, he was keen to rewrite recent history; his opposite number, the Members’ XI, undefeated since 2015/16.
Sydney Sixer and Bowral local, Hayden Kerr, was in fine touch
Batting first, Andrew Wildblood’s Chairman’s XI made the early running. It was the enviably strong opening partnership of Hayden Kerr – whose continued success makes his local Bowral community endlessly proud – and former Scholar and current board member, Mark Faraday, who made batting look easy from the first. Finding the boundary and clearing it in equal measure, both players retired at 50 before the 15-over mark. A strong spell of wily leg-spin bowling from Mark Preddy yielded three wickets and briefly halted the Chairman’s momentum; the Bowral local showing his sons Jack and Will that he’s still got it. Rebuilding the innings for the Chairman’s, Elliott Brookes and 2016 Scholar, Tom Galvin set a nice foundation for the last few overs, a foundation upon which Martin Speiser was only too happy to build. The left-hander blasting a valuable 19 to close the innings, pushing the total in excess of 200.
Bradman Oval provided the perfect setting to send off season 20/21
Enjoying a fantastic garden-party style lunch at the change of innings, the players and umpires were thrilled to tuck into a range of tasty offerings. A credit to the organisation and dedication of Rina, Vanessa, Nicola and the whole team in the café, the food was delicious and as ever, the service impeccable.
With so much more than pride to play for, the second innings kicked off more like a Sydeny First Grade match, as Hayden Kerr turned up the dial to Eastern Suburbs’ skipper, Jack Preddy. Honours even after the first spell, Galvin removed Preddy at the other end, while Jack Whitfield freed the arms for the Members’ XI – St Jude Street making something of a landing strip for anything that found the middle of his bat. Joining him, Graham Brake took to lofting balls over the off-side, his effortless style giving Wildblood’s side headaches. Happily, however, Foundation director, John Warn bowled like his namesake. Big spinning leg-breaks on a turning wicket, and John claimed three quick wickets, earning some brownie points with his new Chairman in the process! Peter de Hosson also bowled a masterful spell from the bottom end, finding himself on a hat-trick at one stage and all but securing victory for the Chairman’s XI.
Bradman Director, John Warn, bowled a masterful spell of leg-spin
Though the Members’ XI needed 20 from the last over, with no wickets left in the shed, Wildblood was taking no chances, calling Hayden Kerr back to the bowling crease – a tight over and the Chairman’s XI secured victory for the first time in five years.
Raising a glass of port to season 20/21, Chairman Mr Leon Zwier was pleased to accept the trophy from Chris Weller as the sun set – both on Bradman Oval and another enjoyable season of cricket.
Thank you to everyone who has been involved throughout the year at Bradman. From Phil and Jock, without whom we simply wouldn’t be able to enjoy any cricket at all, to the members, supporters and cricket lovers who have come down to support at various times – we truly appreciate it. Enjoy the break and we look forward to seeing you back at Bradman before too long!
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