We're on location here at Drummoyne Oval enjoying a day of cricket for a worthy cause.
It's a beautiful day with a medium wind of 20 knots.
Former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh kindly offered us an interview earlier today. He said half joke-ingly a couple of the NRL players would be danger men on the field, but don't expect him to play in any NRL matches.
We just saw the women's match - NSW Breakers (Lend Lease) best QLD fire. The final score was NSW 5 for 137 and QLD 7 for 136.
Santa Clause has just arrived at the ground, and a van with koalas from Featherdale Wildlife Park has entered the ground with kids of all ages chasing Santa and the koalas.
Back to the cricket - the main event will be later on today:
NRL stars Robbie Farah, Chris Lawrence, Chris Heighington, Paul Gallen, Nathan Hindmarsh,
NSW Origin coach Ricky Stuart, NRL boss David Gallop, league legends Paul Sironen, Brad Clyde,
Hazem El Masri and Aussie football great Mark Bosnich.
Entry to the matches are by donation and all funds will assist The Steve Waugh Foundation to provide children suffering from rare diseases with a fighting chance and ‘somewhere to turn’.
The champion NSW Breakers start the action-packed day by playing Queensland in cricket’s answer to State of Origin. This Twenty20 game features some of Australia’s best female cricketers, including superstar Ellyse Perry who has represented her nation in soccer and cricket.
Just some of today's fun and games at the ground include:
• Celebrities and sporting champions
• A world class athletics event
• Autograph booths and photo opportunities with celebrities
• A free kids coaching clinic hosted by the Sydney Cricket Club
• Native animal display
• Santa, face painting, music and much, much more.
And there's more...
• Corporate sponsorship opportunities
• Join the 12th Man Club and for $500 be part of a team
• Twenty20 team fundraising - put in $20 yourself and get 20 friends to join in and donate to the Foundation
• Make a personal donation to the Foundation.
Game II will run from 2-6pm
Canada Bay Exiles v Waugh’s Warriors
Steve Waugh’s Warriors XVI
Steve Waugh (c) (Australian cricket great)
Ricky Stuart (vc) (NSW Origin coach)
Paul Gallen (Cronulla Sharks)
Nathan Hindmarsh (Parramatta Eels)
Michael Crocker (South Sydney)
Brad Clyde (Canberra Raiders great)
Anthony Minichiello (Sydney Roosters)
Tim Mannah (Parramatta Eels)
Johnny Mannah (Parramatta Eels)
Steve Mortimer (Canterbury great)
Gavin Robertson (ex-Test cricketer)
Bill Harrigan (NRL referees)
Troy Waters (Hall of Fame boxer)
David Kelly (Sydney Cricket Club)
Bill Woods (Channel 10)
Canada Bay Exiles XVI
Dominic Thornely (c) (Sydney Sixers)
Robbie Farah (vc) (Wests Tigers)
Chris Lawrence (Wests Tigers)
Chris Heighington (Wests Tigers)
Todd Payten (Wests Tigers)
Aaron Woods (Wests Tigers)
Paul Sironen (Balmain legend)
Hazem El Masri (Bulldogs legend)
Daniel Mortimer (Sydney Roosters)
David Gallop (NRL Chief Executive)
Bill Young (Wallabies)
Mark Bosnich (Socceroos)
Daniel Smith (Sydney Thunder)
Daniel Lane (The Sun-Herald)
Angelo Tsirekas (Mayor of Canada Bay)
Neil Cadigan (Media)
Quotes from some of the supporters of today's event...
“I’m proud the City of Canada Bay is supporting The Steve Waugh Foundation through the Battle of the Smashers II and I would encourage for everyone to come along and support a great family day out. Steve Waugh’s Foundation offers children affected by a rare disease hope and comfort.”
Angelo Tsirekas, Mayor of the City of Canada Bay
“I believe you’re only as good as the team around you. Thanks to everyone involved and who comes along to the Battle of the Smashers to support us. I’m looking forward to a fun day out with a team of good mates and sporting champions playing for kids and families affected by rare diseases. Always 100.” Australian cricket great Steve Waugh AO
“Steve Waugh was described in the media as “heroic” for the courage he displayed as a cricketer, but nothing matched what he’s achieved through his Foundation. Waugh has provided hope and compassion to families who, before his intervention, may’ve feared no-one cared about their child’s plight.” Sun-Herald sports journalist Daniel Lane, managing director of BombsAway Productions
“As one of the teams he played against, Sydney Cricket Club is happy to support Steve Waugh and his magnificent Foundation. Come to Drummoyne on December 18th and help him make a difference to a sick child’s life. We’re grateful for the opportunity to co-host such a wonderful event. Sydney Cricket Club’s General Manager, David Kelly
Stay tuned to Music News Australia for photos and multimedia, and we here that Rupert Murdoch's Fox Sports Australia will also be offering some great coverage of today's matches.
If you're not here already at the game there's still time for you to make it down.
May the best team win, and well done to everyone.
Websites
City of Canada Bay
Steve Waugh Foundation Australia
Cricket NSW
Fox Sports Australia
Music News Australia
Eva Rinaldi Photography
Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr
Splash News
Media Man News
