Beach Cricket in Hay – Saturday 22 March, 2008
Situated 735 kilometres south west of Sydney, Hay is not renowned for its beaches! The only waves Hay sees are heat waves when the temperature reaches over 40 degrees for several days. However, despite the lack of a beach, Hay hosted its first ever game of six-a-side beach cricket on Easter Saturday as a fundraiser for NRMA CareFlight.
The event, held at Pocock Park and at the nearby South Hay Hotel, was a huge success with over $4000 being raised to help keep NRMA CareFlight doctors in the air. Event organisers Joanne and Michelle Johnson dedicated many hours to planning and recruiting, and were rewarded with a turn-out of some 70 players in 10 teams plus a host of willing spectators and sideline cricket experts.
“Everyone had a great day although the sand really gave people's legs a workout. We almost called in the NRMA CareFlight doctor the next day to attend to everyone's sore legs!” said Joanne. “The event may become an annual feature on the Hay events calendar, with lots of interest being drawn from surrounding towns”.
Joanne’s involvement with the NRMA CareFlight helicopter rescue service began a few years ago when her baby was airlifted in an emergency flight from Griffith to Westmead Children’s Hospital. This is the first fundraising event that Joanne has organised for NRMA CareFlight, but in August she is planning to walk the Kokoda Track to raise more funds.
