3 November 2019

Another two promising local young cricketers have received Graham Wilkinson Memorial Junior Taverners Awards, recognising their potential and assisting them with their passage into senior cricket.

This year’s winners of these prestigious awards, which were announced at the 2019 Lord’s Taverners ACT PM’s XI and Annual Dinner, are Clare Levings, a right-hand bat and leg-spin bowler with Weston Creek Molonglo Cricket Club (and Australian women’s under-15 squad member), and Ethan Fitzpatrick, a right-hand bat and leg-spin bowler with Ginninderra Cricket Club.

Clare and Ethan each received a Kookaburra cricket kit and $1500. Of the $3000 which was donated, $1000 was contributed by Mrs Muriel Wilkinson and the remaining $2000 was from the Lord’s Taverners ACT.

The awards carry the name of the foundation President of the Lord’s Taverners ACT and Mrs Wilkinson, Graham’s widow, was at the dinner for the presentation of this year’s awards.

Another highlight of the PM’s XI and Annual Dinner was the announcement that in recognition of decades of outstanding service, including a stint as Lord’s Taverners ACT President and on the committee, Rob Laurie AM was awarded life membership of the Lord’s Taverners ACT.

Rob, together with his wife, Diana, was delighted to receive the honour.

About 80 people attended the dinner, which was held at the Commonwealth Club in Yarralumla on 23 October, where the special guest speaker was former Governor-General of Australia, Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (RETD).

Sir Peter told many stories about his time in public life, military service and corporate Australia, but perhaps the most humorous one involved a match when he was playing for the Molonglo Cricket Club – another indicator of how much he loves the game of cricket.

Event supporter Fox Antiques in Fyshwick donated a $500 gift voucher as first prize in the raffle and, capping a big night for him, this was won by Rob Laurie.

Our other event supporter, Mongarlowe Gourmet, donated two hampers as door prizes and these were won by Phil Lynch and Jeanette Radcliffe.

Funds raised at the PM’s XI and Annual Dinner go towards the work the Lord’s Taverners does supporting local young and disadvantaged cricketers and other athletes.