Big Day Not Out 2012

Inner Melbourne pub cricket has been a feature of the area since the 20th century, or at least the latter part of it. Various pubs play each other on Sundays, and some seriously, exciting cricket takes place. The culmination of the season is the Big Day Not Out, where the pubs compete to see who wins the title of the premier pub for the season.

On Sunday 25/3 i wandered down to Edinburgh Gardens, with cricket in action on the ovals at Brunswick Street, and Alfred Crescent. In the course of the day maybe circa 1,000 people attended. Lots of beer is provided, some nice tucker, for the tin-lids there is a jumping castle,and other entertainments. Music was provided with the marvellous Aintree Sweet, and the Miserable Bastards performing this year.

During the course of the day 12 pubs competed, and by late in the arvo it was down to 2; The Union Club, and the Lord Newry. Who would win, who would reign supreme?

The Union Club won the toss and asked the Lord Newry to bat. The final was a classic T10 contest; 10 overs per side, 10 bowlers, allowed 1 over apiece. The Lord Newry made a servicabl e 6-89. Could they defend it ? The Union Club were off to a flier, with a swag of 4’s and 6’s being recorded in the first couple of overs. Then the Lord Newry Captain Brendan Barron came on. Brendan an experienced cricketer, changed the game in his over. Not just did the runs dry up, but 2 wickets fell !!! The pendulum swung back to the Lord Newry who held on to record a sterling victory.

For mamy it was back to the Lord Newry to partake in a cold drink or 12, but for the author it was home time. The Sunday Age, ABC TV, and the couch beckoned.

Congratualtions to the Lord Newry on their marvellous victory, and a huge thankyou to those involved in the Yarra Pub Cricket Association, whose hard work made not just the Big Day Not Out, but the whole season, the success it was.

Glen!

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