Jason Behrendorff has hailed the way the WA sporting and media community came together on a special night at the WACA Ground to raise money for those affected by the bushfire crisis in the east.
More than 3000 people turned out for Boundaries 4 Bushfires on Friday night, with Behrendorff’s Red Team going down by 15 runs to Andrew Tye’s Blue Team in a T20 match filled with laughs.
After winning the toss and opening the batting with Premier Mark McGowan and Radio Host Nathan Morris, Behrendorff’s team made 149 before the Blue Team responded with 164.
“It was a lot of fun,” Behrendorff said. “We tried to get the umpires to give a few extra decisions at the end to make it a bit closer but it was so much fun.”
Behrendorff said there were plenty of surprise packets among his team.
Michelle Cowan combined with former Docker Tendai Mzungu for a 36-run partnership.
“There were quite a few (strong performers). The Hockeyroos girls Rachel Lynch and Sophie Taylor were excellent. And then even Nathan Morris had a bowl.
“They (Mzungu and Cowan) are actually serious cricketers so we were very fortunate to have them in our team.”
Cowan, who had to rush from West Coast training before their AFLW debut on Sunday, said it was a dream come true to be able to play on the WACA Ground for such a great cause.
“I was just a spectator down the other end (watching Mzungu),” she said. “I think he hit three or four sixes and he was incredible, so a lot of fun.
“It was fantastic to be a part of this. It’s such a special occasion. I think Greg Hire did an incredible role in bringing it all together, with the WACA and the WA Community.”
Nicole Bolton was on hand to support the Blue Team but didn’t compete as she prepares for the WNCL Final next Sunday.
Behrendorff didn’t yet know what the final figure raised would be and said people could still get involved.
“We’ve got to get all the auction items sold and that sort of thing so hopefully the tally will up there,” he said. “We’re talking somewhere between $50,000 and 100,000 would be amazing so hopefully we can get to that figure.
“There are still shirts to be auctioned off and potentially a couple of other little items that we might be able to get signed so get behind it for a great cause.”