2010 PM’s XI v THE WEST INDIES
The Lord’s Taverners ACT Branch held its annual lunch at the PM’s XI match in the Caretaker’s Cottage garden at Manuka Oval.
The day started with threatening clouds – something we hadn’t seen in the skies of Canberra for some weeks – then there was a little rain, but it didn’t stop the game from starting a little late, with overs reduced to 45 for both the PM’s team and the West Indies. The morning’s play with the West Indies batting was definitely worth seeing with several sixes and many fours coming from captain Chris Gayle, who scored 146 out of a total of 5 for 399.
Rain stopped play at lunchtime and our 75 Taverners and guests took the opportunity to shelter under the marquee in the garden. The rain was shortlived, but not the lunch. Larraine and David Nicholls produced a wonderful lunch for us – somewhat of an annual event for them – which was greatly appreciated by all.
Following lunch, a group of Taverner volunteers joined with members of the VISACT blind cricket team to do a walk around the ground with buckets and Taverner signs, asking for donations. Thanks to the generosity of the crowd, $1582 was raised.
The afternoon’s play with the PM’s team batting saw a fine innings of 160 not out from opener Tom Cooper, but the total of 7 for 312 was not enough to beat the West Indies. The outcome will give a boost to the West Indies as they take on Australia in a series of one-day and 20-20 matches to finish the 2009-2010 season.
Afternoon tea of cucumber and smoked salmon sandwiches, shortbread and chocolate brownies was nothing short of scrumptious! Raffles were drawn and winners congratulated.
Then a group of dedicated committee members undertook the task of packing up and leaving the Caretaker’s garden in the state that we’d found it. We are very appreciative of having the opportunity yet again to use this quiet and tranquil space at Manuka Oval. Next year’s PM’s match against England is scheduled for Monday 10 January 2011 and we hope to repeat the success of this year’s lunch.
2009 PM’S XI v NEW ZEALAND
On what turned out to be one of the first of many extremely hot summer days, a group of 65 Taverner and PM’s XI supporters watched their team beat the New Zealand side. Again, the catering team of Larraine Nicholls ably assisted by Chairman David Nicholls, provided a wonderful feast in the shady Caretaker’s Cottage garden.
A few committee members along with members of the VISACT team wandered the grounds seeking "bucket" donations and raised over $1,100. We were down on numbers from previous years, but those who came seemed to really enjoy the day.