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Waratahs ready to bowl over big week

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The Waratah-Mayfield District Cricket Club (WMDCC) is gearing up to bowl over three big days of entertainment, laughter and competition next week.

It all starts from Thursday 28 January when the organisation welcomes its sponsors, past and present, and “old boys” to its NDCA: NCC T20 Summer Bash clash with long-time rivals Wests Rosellas at Waratah Oval from 5pm.

The third-round showdown also offers the Waratahs a chance to book a finals berth if they are successful on the night.

“There’s plenty to play for,” committeeman Jack Dundas said.

“Wests are a dominant team; and hard to beat.

“But, we’ve won two of our three matches.

“So, we’ll certainly give it a red-hot crack.

“We will have two marquee players joining us, too, in rep star James Psarakis and gifted allrounder Connor Blaxall-Hill.

“Both take the field for Western Suburbs in the Sydney [comp]; we’re very fortunate to have them on board.

“It should be a good spectacle for the crowd.”

Adding a bit more atmosphere to the mid-week encounter is the WMDCC’s traditional Sponsors and Old Boys Day.

“We try to host it [the event] annually,” Dundas said.

“It’s a great opportunity to thank our sponsors and supporters, old and new.

“We’re also attempting to reach out to as many people as possible, who have been involved with the club, as we head towards our 100th anniversary (2024).

“Plus, with one T20 game scheduled, we are not committing individuals and families to a full day, so it should be convenient to everyone.”

Waratah-Mayfield District Cricket Club committeeman Jack Dundas. Photo: Peter Stoop

Then, on Friday 29 January, WMDCC will present a comedy evening at the Mayfield Hotel, with doors opening from 7pm.

The show features the talents of Al De Bene (Comedian of the Year – LA Comedy Awards), Daniel Townes (Just For Laughs Comedy Festival – Montreal) and Andrew Paskin (Sydney Fringe Festival).

Tickets are $35 and available from www.comedyforacause.net/WMDCC

“We had Comedy for a Cause assist us last year for the first time – and it was a fantastic night,” Dundas said.

“Everyone loved it.

“The event helps Comedy for a Cause promote local comedians while we can raise funds for our club, so it works for both of us.

“And, after 2020 thanks to COVID-19, people need a laugh.”

The Waratahs’ festivities wrap up with their 23rd annual 7s tournament on Sunday 31 January.

Twelve teams from throughout Newcastle and the Hunter will vie for glory, with the Kurri Vegemites returning to defend their crown.

“It’s a very enjoyable day, for players and spectators alike, which is aligned with the Asian cricket calendar,” Dundas said.

“We’ve got a number of cracking sides in action.

“We contest five-over matches, with modified rules, with a minimum of three pool games for each side who, by the way, dresses up.

“There are some terrific outfits on display.

“There’s also a few tiers for the finals.

“Our thanks go to Shout Brewery, too, for sponsoring the event.

“Their support is greatly appreciated.”

Games will be played across Waratah Oval 1 and 3 from 8am onward.

Visit the club’s Facebook page.

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