Playing in Harmony

In an initiative that was led by PVUCC, the game aimed to promote the Harmony in Cricket message – cricket is a game for everyone – with the Clint McKay Shield teams facing off in a one-day match during the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association’s round six games.

Having won the toss and elected to bat, the NLSC lost early wickets before Nirosh Heenatigala, who was the team’s Player of the Match, complied an unbeaten 51 to take the NLSC total to 140.

In reply, PVUCC’s opener Anthony Rowley was awarded his team’s Player of the Match for a determined 41 not out, combining with Brendan Hodges (61*) to see PVUCC surpass the NLSC total in the 32nd over to claim an eight-wicket win.

PVUCC President Nathan Higgs acknowledged the importance of both teams embracing the values respect, honesty, integrity, enjoyment and positivity.

“The game was played in great spirits and was enjoyed by all,” Higgs said.

“It turned a regular fixtured match into a game with greater meaning.”

Through the Harmony in Cricket projects funding, which is supported by State Government and Cricket Victoria, PVUCC were able to provide catering for the day.

Following the game, each of the teams that competed for their respective clubs had a BBQ at the Pascoe Vale United clubrooms.

“It was a great way for players to interact and share stories about the outcomes of the day,” Higgs said.

The Harmony in Cricket Shield will be annual event with the first game of the fixture between the two sides being played for the Shield.

“PVUCC is really looking forward to building a strong partnership with the Northern Lions over the upcoming years and will no doubt take the spirit of Harmony in Cricket into all of their matches, not just the first game they play against each other, each season,” Higgs said.