It was billed as the Southern Highlands sporting "night of nights".
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
As the 180 guests filled into the Mittagong RSL, the excitement in the air was thicker than a blatant, outside edge.
The Table of Ten cricket event has been hailed a success as it highlighted the businesses and attractions that the Southern Highlands has to offer and raised needed funding for tomorrow's cricketing stars.
Deputy chair to the Highlands District Cricket Association (HDCA), Graham Brake said the night was a major overall success.
"It was a fantastic showcase for the Highlands," Brake said.
"I was really impressed by the 180 people in attendance. It was really well supported by the several sporting clubs and businesses from the Highlands.
"The whole aim of the evening was to raise funds for junior cricket.
"I introduced the night saying we wanted less old farts like me playing cricket and getting the youngsters out there playing. We wanted a little less, do you remember I was a good cricketer? And more people talking about how they want to be like these players."
The night was also about reflection on the brave men and women who battled the deadly bushfires over Summer.
"The president from Wingello and the vice president from Hill Top cricket club got up and made a presentation to the RFS," Brake said.
"Whilst a lot of clubs were affected by the bushfires, those two clubs were physically impacted by the fires. The RFS had a table, but some members were scattered throughout the crowd.
"We got the RFS on stage and whoever was a part of fighting the fires, we asked to stand and gave them a round-of-applause.
"It was really great to see."
Several Highlands businesses got behind the event and Allen Cupitt from MD Ace Internet said it was a great night for Highlands sport.
"We congratulated the HDCA on a marvelous evening," Cupitt said.
"I think the event has great potential as a social fixture each year. The Ace team were grateful for the opportunity to participate with our Vocus and community friends."
Robert Cameron from Ardex Australia and attendee Chris Weller loved hearing the blend of new and old from the game.
"Thank you for a great event," Cameron said.
"Everyone at our table thoroughly enjoyed the evening."
"The guest speakers were outstanding," Weller said.
"It was so good to listen about the old stories back in the 70s and 80s. But also a great mix with modern times with Lauren Cheatle speaking."
$30000 was raised on the night and that went towards junior cricket. Brake said it was an excellent all out effort from everyone involved.
"We had that target as a goal and we reached it," Brake said.
"We are ecstatic we hit it. We raised it through ticket sales and the auctions.
"We also interviewed Andrew Middleton, the headmaster of the Southern Highlands Christian School and he expressed at the event that the programs that we run and fund are what the schools of the Highlands need.
"As a part of our junior program, we're looking to integrate what the schools are doing with what the HDCA are doing with Saturday cricket.
"Most importantly we spoke of the importance of cricket. Listening to one of the mothers who's son had been made captain of a team, she said how much he'd come out of his shell and watching his leadership and responsibilities skills develop was such a wonderful thing to watch.
"Everyone appeared to enjoy their night and it was an excellent night to be a part of."
Love local news? Sign up to our weekly newsletter
