1 March 2018
Former champion wicket-keeper Ian Healy has the view that fellow Test star Merv Hughes was able to play cricket at the highest level with more pain than anyone else.
Ian paid the compliment to the tearaway fast bowler during Ian’s guest-speaker presentation at the 2018 Lord’s Taverners ACT Prime Minister’s XI Match Dinner at Manuka Oval, which took place last month.
During what was one of our most successful PM’s XI dinners to date, Ian also described what it was like to be behind the stumps when spin-king Shane Warne bowled the “ball of the century” to Mike Gatting during the 1993 Ashes series in England.
More than 140 people attended the event, including the Patron of the Lord’s Taverners Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), and Lady Cosgrove.
The PM’s XI match (against England) took place the following night at Manuka, where many who attended donated their spare change to our bucket collectors at the ground.There was also a poignant moment at the dinner when our President, Ric Smith, reflected on the passing of both Mary Harrigan and Steve Doszpot, both of whom were closely involved with the Lord’s Taverners, and their respective strong contributions were recognised.
In what was a highly successful few days, we raised just under $13,000, which will go towards helping young and disadvantaged local cricketers and other athletes.
All work for the Lord’s Taverners ACT is carried out by volunteers and 94 per cent of the funds we raise is distributed back to the community.
As well as everyone who attended our PM’s XI Match Dinner, the Lord’s Taverners ACT would like to acknowledge our event sponsors and supporters, Cricket ACT, Kookaburra, Konica Minolta, Doma Hotels, Royal Canberra Golf Club and Lanterne Rooms restaurant. Flights were kindly donated by Virgin Australia and the Australian Parliament Sports Club.
