The Bradman Foundation XI travelled to the beautiful Hurstville Oval on February 13 to resume our annual contest against St George. Despite recent overnight showers, the pitch & outfield were in immaculate condition and winning the toss, BFXI captain Stuart Macpherson elected to make use of the conditions and bowl first. The opening attack of Michael Rowles & Jimmy Debs started with some good bowling however the short boundary on the downwind side of the ground proved difficult to defend and the local batsmen managed to help themselves to quite a few runs. A constant stream of wickets didn’t quite check the run-rate and St George finished with a total of 8-238 from their 40 overs.

After an excellent lunch in the Booth-Saunders pavilion, the BFXI approached the target in a cautious manner due to some tight bowling from St George.

After the early loss of Dave Talbert, Michael Johns & Stuart Macpherson steadied the innings until Michael’s retirement at 40.

This prompted the loss of a few too many quick wickets leaving our hosts in a winning position and a double leg spin attack from both ends accounted for the middle & lower order. However, anchoring the innings, Michael Rowles defended his wicket to prevent an all-out decision and the Bradman team finished on 9-141.

Since its inception three years ago, St George have won the “Spirit of Bradman” trophy each time but the match was played in the wonderful spirit of cricket to maintain the important link of Sir Donald Bradman between our two teams.

My thanks to Stuart Macpherson for his captaincy and to Jon & Hamish from St George for organising a wonderful day – their friendship & hospitality is first class and they are a true credit to their famous & successful club.

Thanking you and we look forward to the return clash in Bowral next summer.