Kids rub shoulders with cricket legends

RISING cricket stars from across the region had the chance to rub shoulders with some of the legends of the game in a special junior coaching clinic last weekend.

It was all part of the Legends of Cricket T20 match at Oakes Oval.

Young cricketers were able to learn from some of the biggest names in the sport with support from Cricket NSW.

It culminated with Lismore cricket legend Adam Gilchrist headlining a host of stars in the T20 match that afternoon. In a special moment, Gilchrist spent time at the crease with Australian rock legend and former Powderfinger frontman Bernard Fanning.

Fanning provided one of the highlights of the day when he bowled out Lismore mayor Steve Krieg.

It was the second time the match has been played since 2022 to highlight ongoing flood recovery efforts in the region.

About 3000 people turned out to watch the likes of Steve O’Keefe, Michael Kasprowicz, Jason Gillespie, Dan Christian, Nathan Hauritz and Andy Bichel compete.

The Mayor’s X1 triumphed, with Grinspoon guitarist Pat Davern part of the team.

“The calibre of players putting their hands up to be part of this is phenomenal,” Cr Krieg said.

“I’m genuinely excited about what this event means for Lismore, our community deserves this celebration.”

Homegrown female talent Sammy-Jo Johnson top-scored in the match with a determined 44 runs.

The NSW state representative was joined by Alstonville product and Queensland star Georgia Redmayne.

Promising Marist Brothers teenager Joe Parsons was one of a handful of locals selected to play.

He was on the mayor’s team while Brothers teammate Cooper Williams played in the Gilchrist X1.

Gilchrist was swarmed for signatures and photos throughout the match and hopes the newly upgraded Oakes Oval facility will gain momentum.

“Lismore is where I grew up; it will always hold a special place in my heart,” he said.

“Seeing so many of my cricketing mates come together to help support this town and its people is incredible. It’s great to see how far we’ve come in rebuilding; there is still a way to go.

“Events like this are about recognising what is possible and raising the profile of Lismore as a thriving regional centre capable of hosting high-calibre events at state-of-the-art sporting facilities.”