In 2015, the community opted to put on a play, Rusty Bugles, to mark the 100^th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing but this year, players padded up to pay their respects to service personnel. 

In a spectacle the late Richie Benaud would have been proud of, the MCG – Mataranka Cricket Ground – came alive for the event as the teams, the Rusty Bugles and Motley Mob of Matarankians, squared off.

To add an element of authenticity to the match, several “seagulls” from the Adelaide Oval made the trip north to create headaches for batsmen and fielders.

While many players struggled to make it through their team’s allotted 12 overs at the crease, the Motley Mob of Matarankians proved too strong, with a total of 65 securing a 16-run victory.

Entertainer extraordinaire Rob top scored with 25, while English ring-in Davo was the next best with the willow with 11.

Due to a lack of pre-match training, the 12^th man was undoubtedly the busiest player as he ferried cold beverages to more senior teammates who were content to deliver very little on the paddock.

Despite plenty of on-field sledging and raucous comments emanating from the members’ stand, the match proved an event befitting the occasion.