Usually they’re working in unison, to protect and defend the citizens of their neighborhood, but on this day, it was war.
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The cars surrounded Bradman Oval’s fence line like a 1950s greaser gang fight. The Highlands public had all come out to see who of the four Southern Highlands triple zero emergency service agencies was the best cricket team.
The NSW Police Force, NSW Fire and Rescue, NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW SES were set to battle to determine who would hold the trophy at the end of the day and most importantly, bragging rights over the other emergency services.
The Triple Zero Cricket Challenge started in 2014 and aims to raise money for a youth-focused Southern Highlands charity or organisation through a multi-team continuous cricket match.
This year it was for the Southern Highlands Suicide Prevention Program.
Rural Fire Service’s, Inspector David Stimpson said, “everyone that participated was enthusiastic to raise funds for a very worthy cause.”
The Rural Fire Service were reigning champions, but lost their title to Fire Rescue NSW.
“With the hot conditions the teams played well and enthusiastically,” Mr Stimpson said.
“Unfortunately on the day, Fire Rescue NSW were the better team and they are now the new champions.”
It wasn’t all bad for the now previous champions, Rural Fire Services captain, Aaron Deegan hit three sixes and a considerable number of fours.
“He was the strength of our team and also won the trophy for the best team player on the day,” Mr Stimpson said.
“We will be back next year. I think we have the passion and drive to excel as the champions again, so we’ll be back next year playing our best.”
The other teams best player awards were:
- Best Team Player Awards
- State Emergency Services (SES): Irene Fava
- Fire & Rescue: Blake Densy
- NSW Police: Cameron Clay
Everyone that participated was enthusiastic to raise funds for a very worthy cause.
- Inspector David Stimpson
Event organizer, Amanda Lawrence said the cricket was great and the comradery between agencies was enjoyable.
“The only downside was the really hot, it was disgusting,” Ms Lawrence said.
‘I felt sorry for the cricketers. We originally had a date booked in October but it rained. That time of year is the perfect time to do it. We really tried to get the community involved this year.
“The players were great though, they soldiered on through the heat and they did really well.
“I wasn't used to the heat. It was challenging, there were lots of ice cubes down the neck.”
Next year’s event will be different as each agency will have the opportunity to host the event and then pass it on to another agency.
“It will give it a different touch each year,” Ms Lawrence said. You can donate to Lifeline Australia at 1800 800 768 or if you need a chat, Lifeline Australia is available 24 hours a day on, 13 11 14.