Backyard Cricket at Government House will be like no suburban garden game.
No panes of glass to get smashed, no pets straying in front of the stumps and certainly no Hills Hoist to get in the way.
For the first time, the Honourable Kim Beazley AC, is partnering with The Pirate Ship Foundation to bring the ultimate game of backyard cricket to the grounds of Government House on Saturday 20 March to raise funds for childhood brain cancer.
This event is an opportunity for everyone to watch their favourite sports stars interact in a fun match of cricket while supporting a great cause.
Pirates vs the Governor’s 11 will be played in true backyard cricket style where house rules apply.
The Governor will have the final say, create the rules and handicapping more capable players as he sees fit.
The game will be played with a tennis ball and an old DK Lillee aluminium bat.
Players and umpires will wear microphones to keep everyone entertained with their on-field banter as MC Tim Gossage keeps proceedings moving, ensuring no-one misses a second of the action.
Teams will be made up of a mixture of local celebrities, Channel 9 superstars, past Australian cricket players and other sporting players (past and present) from different codes and will include funny man Peter Rowsthorn, former cricketer and cricket commentator Damien Martin, former West Coast Eagles footballers Darren Glass, David Wirrpanda and many more.
Self-confessed cricket tragic and 6PR Perth Live presenter Oliver Peterson, is one celebrity taking part and he hopes his years of honing his backyard cricket skills will see him in good stead.
“I scored more centuries and took more wickets than anyone else when I was batsman, bowler and umpire,” he says.
“There were never any temper tantrums on the tennis court where I played.
“It was my house and my rules always ruled supreme – I was judge and jury.
“I tried to emulate my hero Michael Bevan because he could occupy the crease for hours on end and amass many runs.”
Now a father of a two and a half year-old son, Peterson’s passion for the game has rubbed off on him.
“My son is so consumed by cricket with his cousins and loves bowling (in his case throwing) and yells “wicket” or “got him” whenever he hits the stumps.
“The brainwashing process has commenced – how good is cricket?” he says.
Backyard cricket for Peterson is always just fun and a laugh with friends and family – a chance to integrate with everyone and always giving the younger ones a bit of a leg up.
Channel Nine Perth’s Michael Thomson will be doing some guest commentary in the Wide World of Sports commentary box… and you might see him on the pitch.
The family friendly event will not only provide entertainment for the adults but will keep the kids busy with games and activities in the WACA Kid’s Zone.
The Pirate Ship Foundation work to support research that will deliver better outcomes for the children and families affected by childhood brain cancer. The disease kills more Australian children than any other disease, on average, two children are diagnosed with brain cancer every month in WA.
The event will take place on Saturday 20 March from 1pm to 5pm in the Government House gardens.
The event is proudly partnered by Channel 9, 6PR, WACA and Government House.
Tickets are available to this exclusive event at www.pirateshipfoundation.com.au
