Dubbo Photo News

Baggy Blues team up with RAMPH

- GEOFF MANN MEL POCKNALL

IN late November a star-studded group of Test and NSW Blues cricketers came to town. Their purpose was twofold: to catch up with fans and reintroduc­e the concept of Country tours, and to let people know that sport can be a positive tool to improve mental health.

Led by Baggy Blues chair, Test wicketkeep­er Phil Emery, and legendary opening batsman Rick Mccosker, the former players joined with coach Warren Smith and NSW opener Daniel Hughes (Cowra) and five of the current squad to run some sessions in the afternoon.

The visitors were divided into Dubbo and Macquarie Valley teams – three current stars a side – and played a T-20 match.

Macquarie Valley won thanks to a brilliant half century off just 23 deliveries by Country Bush Blues all-rounder Ben Patterson and a hard-hitting 63 by opener Corey Mcdean. Steve Skinner then picked up two valuable wickets.

Throughout the night messages from the Rural Adversity Mental Health program were broadcast and the former players made themselves available to chat about their own very personal experience­s – especially post-playing. Daniel Hughes was the perfect tutor for the sweep. Dan hit 116 and shared a 258 run opening partnershi­p with Nick Larkin earlier on the week and followed up with another in Melbourne against the Vics

 ??  ?? Baggy Blues reunited! Warren Smith, Mark O’neill (NSW batting coach), Steve Small, Phil Emery, Gavin Robertson and Phil Marks Harry Conway demonstrat­es the correct throwing technique Ted Murray and Aimee Longhurst were rewarded with cricket kits by Wazza Smith and “Stumper” Rixon for their enthusiasm at the clinic Macquarie Valley and Dubbo teams “ready to rumble” NSW Blues squad member Param Uppal demonstrat­es a hand-eye coordinati­on drill devised by head coach Warren “Wazza” Smith Test wicketkeep­er and legendary NSW captain Steve Rixon keeps a close eye on the young cricketers Phil Emery and former NSW all-rounder Phil Marks were two of the driving forces behind the tour. “We see the importance of us getting out to the bush and being able to partner with RAMPH, and with the support of the NSW Government this has been a great initiative.”
Baggy Blues reunited! Warren Smith, Mark O’neill (NSW batting coach), Steve Small, Phil Emery, Gavin Robertson and Phil Marks Harry Conway demonstrat­es the correct throwing technique Ted Murray and Aimee Longhurst were rewarded with cricket kits by Wazza Smith and “Stumper” Rixon for their enthusiasm at the clinic Macquarie Valley and Dubbo teams “ready to rumble” NSW Blues squad member Param Uppal demonstrat­es a hand-eye coordinati­on drill devised by head coach Warren “Wazza” Smith Test wicketkeep­er and legendary NSW captain Steve Rixon keeps a close eye on the young cricketers Phil Emery and former NSW all-rounder Phil Marks were two of the driving forces behind the tour. “We see the importance of us getting out to the bush and being able to partner with RAMPH, and with the support of the NSW Government this has been a great initiative.”

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