THOUSANDS of dollars to fund more breast cancer care nurses were raised at a keenly-fought contest at the Rendelsham Cricket Ground on Saturday.
Strong backing for the McGrath Foundation was provided by the second annual Pink Stumps Day contested by the Rendelsham and Furner/Beachport cricket clubs.
While the 22 cricketers provided the on-field action, there were children’s activities, live music, fine wine and crayfish, mini marquees and deck chairs aplenty to create a carnival spirit.
Many commented Rendelsham had achieved a rarefied atmosphere rivalling the exclusive Village Green confines of the Adelaide Oval Members’ Reserve.
Generous donation from over 40 sponsors and willing bidders meant the post-match charity auction was successful as the gathering of 200 partied into the night.
Over $7800 was raised in the auction alone, without factoring in the raffle.
Hot pink is the unofficial colour of various breast cancer charities and it was prominent at the Rendelsham Cricket Ground including the stumps, the players’ caps and bats and even sunscreen.
A supersize set of pink wooden stumps and bails were erected on the northern mound and the two teams posed alongside them during the break of innings.
The concept of Pink Stumps Day has grown since 2008 with similar events staged around the nation for the McGrath Foundation, including the Sydney test match.
Furner/Beachport Cricket Club president and top-order batsman Gerard McGrath said the Pink Stumps Day was again embraced by his club.
“It is always good to play against Rendelsham, it is a tough game and there is a bit of banter,” he said.
“I reckon about 17 of the 22 players in the game have some association with the Hatherleigh Football Club.”
Rendelsham cricketer and MDCA president Matt Ballantyne said it looks as though this charity day will be held each year.
“I like to think that anything that brings people to the cricket is a good thing,” he said.
‘It is a great day to showcase a fantastic game and support a marvellous cause.
“The MDCA attempted a complete round of Pink Stumps Day matches a few years ago, but with limited success.
“It is great when the community and clubs get together”.
It was the second consecutive Pink Stumps Day occasion to be organised by Sara Gary and she knows first-hand the benefits of the McGrath Foundation breast cancer care nurses.
She said these support roles did not exist around the nation before the establishment of the McGrath Foundation.
“We now have two breast cancer care nurses in Mount Gambier,” Gray said.
“They are there to support you and connect you with the right people.
“It might be that you need treatment such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy”.
Gray acknowledged the support of over 40 donors and sponsors to the success of the day and was pleased some new backers had come on board since 2018.
Another loyal helper on the day was Maddie Redman, who is married to Scott Redman, president of the Rendelsham Cricket Club.
“We had some extra kids’ activities this year including their own tent, pool, water slide, puzzles and toys,” Maddie Redman said.
