Baggy Blues team up with RAMPH
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