Mooroopna Cricket Club came together on Sunday to remember a former great and to raise awareness for a worthy cause.
After a four-year absence, the club hosted its eighth Kym Sugars Cup.
An intra-club Twenty20 match took place at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve which saw the club’s President’s XI pitted against a Captain’s XI.
Mooroopna president Aaron DiFede said the club was thrilled to finally have the opportunity to hold the special event once again.
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Let’s go: Captain’s batters Ryan Hallum and Clint Thomas meet in the middle. Photo by Megan FisherImage 2 of 9
Sending it back: President's fielder Tate Gawne winds up. Photo by Megan FisherImage 3 of 9
Back to the pavilion: Captain’s batter Paul Nevill heads back after being bowled. Photo by Megan FisherImage 4 of 9
Safe: Captain’s batter Clint Thomas places his bat behind the crease. Photo by Megan FisherImage 5 of 9
Tearing in: President’s bowler Zac Hallum sends down a delivery. Photo by Megan FisherImage 6 of 9
Winding up: Captain’s batter Paul Nevill looks to go big. Photo by Megan FisherImage 7 of 9
Fun in the field: President’s wicket keeper Josh Catalano has a laugh. Photo by Megan FisherImage 8 of 9
On the front foot: Captain’s batter Ryan Hallum defends. Photo by Megan FisherImage 9 of 9
That’s out: Paul Nevill leaves the crease after being bowled. Photo by Megan Fisher“It was a really good day, there was a really good turnout and it’s great to have it back,” DiFede said.
“We raised $5000 in total, that money will feed through the Mooroopna Lions Club which they will put through their mental health channels.”
Sugars, a Haisman Shield premiership captain and three-time A-grade grand final winner at Mooroopna, passed away in 2001.
DiFede said the day was all about coming together as a club and community to raise awareness for mental health and to celebrate the life of their former great.
“It’s about making people aware of mental health and honouring Kym’s life, he was a big part of the club,” DiFede said.
“When someone of his calibre passes so suddenly, when someone so big and strong goes down that path it has an effect on the entire community.”
DiFede said faces old and new pulled on the whites and came together on Sunday.
“It was so good to see some old faces come down, some that haven’t played cricket here for 10 to 20 years,” he said.
“It was a really good game; a great mixture of current and former players came together which was awesome to see.”
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