30 May 2020

More than 100 local cricket enthusiasts and charity supporters attended another showcase for international women’s cricket, the 2020 Lord’s Taverners ACT Women’s Cricket Breakfast.

The event, which was held at the National Press Club of Australia on 27 February, served as an excellent entrée to the Australia-Bangladesh Women’s T20 World Cup match which was played at Manuka Oval on the same day as the breakfast.

After being welcomed by the Chief Minister of the ACT, Mr Andrew Barr MLA, guests were treated to two insightful panel discussions.

The first involved High Performance Manager – Women’s Cricket (and former Australian player) Leah Poulton and high-profile commentator Mel Jones OAM, who is also a board member of Cricket Australia.

The second panel session focused on the evening’s T20 World Cup match and featured players Delissa Kimmince and Erin Burns, together with Australian coach, Matthew Mott.

The discussion and debate was moderated (in style) by now-retired local media personality and sports nut, Phil Lynch.

There were a number of other highlights which occurred at this major charity event, notably the attendance of the Patron of the Lord’s Taverners Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), Governor-General of Australia, and Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley.

On the day, Mrs Hurley donated a special Government House ornament to be auctioned with funds raised by this supporting the work of the Lord’s Taverners. The successful bidder was Bruce Calder.

Fundraising was also bolstered by a raffle and silent auction. Prize-winners/successful bidders included the following:

  • Asoka Wijeratne: Antique desk – Louis XI-style parquetry-fronted cherrywood fall-front secretaire on slender cabriole legs with gilt bronze fittings (made in France in the mid-20th century), courtesy of Fox Antiques.
  • Murray Radcliffe: Golf with global professional Brendan Jones – Canberra’s global professional Brendan Jones will lead a group of four (including Brendan) in a round at Royal Canberra Golf Club.
  • Cindie Deeker: Hospitality at the Brumbies – Four tickets to a Brumbies match, including seats in the Sports Lounge, buffet-style catering and two drink vouchers per person.
  • Hamish Arthur: Dinner for two to the value of $200 at Rebel Rebel in New Acton.

In addition, a door prize of a double pass to the Matisse & Picasso exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia, also courtesy of Fox Antiques, was won by Diane Valli.

The Lord’s Taverners ACT appreciated the speakers, the master of ceremonies, members and guests who gave up their time to attend. The Lord’s Taverners also acknowledges the support of event partner, Cricket ACT and all who donated prizes for the raffle and silent auction.

The breakfast raised more than $5000 for the Lord’s Taverners ACT and Cricket ACT. Of this, the Lord’s Taverners ACT received $3444, with these funds going towards the work the Lord’s Taverners does supporting local young and disadvantaged cricketers and other athletes.