Tumba-bloody-rumba whacks Army in Australia Day bash

Tumbarumba cricketers were quick to accept an Australian Army challenge to wield willow on a sunburnt cricket strip in the bushfire-affected shire.

CAPTION: Sergeant Daniel Daleris, of the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment, bowls during an Australia Day cricket match against the Tumbarumba and District Cricket Association. Photo and story by Sergeant Dave Morley.

RELATED STORIES: Operation Bushfire Assist 19-20

What would Australia Day be without a game of cricket in the blazing sunshine?

Sappers from the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment, assisting with the removal of burned and hazardous trees as part of Operation Bushfire Assist in the Tumbarumba area, downed their chainsaws on 26 January to take part in a cricket match against a local side.

Sergeant Daniel Daleris, who is known to swing a mean bat, contacted the shire council a few days before Australia Day and suggested the game.

Council contacted local pharmacist Glen McCallum, treasurer of the Tumbarumba and District Cricket Association, to pass on the challenge.

Mr McCallum said he took to Facebook and within half an hour had a team of volunteers ready to take on Army’s best.

Tumbarumba captain Derek Smith said the game was played in good spirits.

“The Army team can’t catch to save themselves, but they’re fit,” he said.

Army were all out for 88 chasing Tumbarumba’s 6/148.

Best player for Army was Sapper Joshua Downs, who was not out on 20 and took 1 for 6.

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