By Jolene Ogle
A warm day and a pitch with plenty of bounce met the 28 cricketers who donned the baggy pink tutu for the annual Pink Stumps Day game at Kin Kin oval on Sunday.
A strong community crowd turned out to support the players from the Kin Kin community who took on Noosa councillors and council staff at the second Kin Kin Pink Stumps Day.
Big Bash League star Chris Lynn was on hand to umpire the game, as well as pose for selfies and sign autographs, and it is without doubt he would have been impressed with the top-quality batting and fielding on show throughout the afternoon.
The Kin Kin community team won the toss and elected to field first, sending in council to bat. The first innings provided spectators with plenty of laughs, some big hits and a lot of excellent bowling, particularly from young James Auckland who bowled-out the mayor twice.
Mayor Tony Wellington said council fielded a team with an “extraordinary range of abilities” such as captain Joe Jurisevic and Tyrone, as well as “chumps” such as himself.
“This was my second ever game of cricket, the first being last year’s Pink Stumps Day,” he said.
“Having disgraced myself by being clean bowled on the first two balls, I did manage to eke out a few runs. This was, thanks to the Pink Stumps Day rule of leniency ensuring you can’t get out before making a run!”
Lynn had to leave at the half time break, but said he was impressed with the talent he had seen on the pitch so far and the community’s support for the McGrath Foundation’s Pink Stumps Day.
After 25 overs, a streaker and some interesting dance moves from local principal Trent Shaw, the Kin Kin community team came in to bat, with Kin Kin local and council staffer Conor Neville crossing the field to play for his home team.
During the break, the heavens opened and a long-awaited storm rolled over the oval, drenching the players and spectators, but the second innings offered council a chance to show-off their bowling and fielding skills.
The rain might be to blame for councillor Frank “Banana Farmer” Pardon dropping a few sitters, but not why councillor Jess Glasgow bowled his first over in his underwear.
Councillor Wellington said the teams’ enthusiasm wasn’t drowned out by the heavy rain.
“The thunderstorm failed to either stop play or dent the overall enthusiasm. Working with very wet equipment saw many a dropped ball as well as bats being accidentally flung into the air,” he said.
“All-in-all it was terrific event, thanks in large part to the efforts of organiser, and dubious bowler, Anita Poteri. Great fun for a great cause.”
Ms Poteri said the day was a great success with over $3000 raised by the community.
“The highlight of the day was Chris Lynn making the effort to come to Kin Kin,” she said.
“He gave the local kids some pointers and while umpiring he made live links on Facebook, with some of the videos getting up to 25,000 views. It’s great for Kin Kin.”
Ms Poteri said she wanted to thank council for taking part in the game and taking a “good ribbing” from commentators about the Kin Kin Aquatic Centre.
“It was great to bring community together with council to raise money for McGrath Foundation,” she said.
