Say Goodbye, the Carnival is Over

The 36th Lismore Under 12 Cricket Carnival has come to a conclusion and as the hundreds of players, parents and supporters head home, there is no question that all will take positive memories from this event. For many of the visitors involved with the 22 teams who have travelled to Lismore, this will have been their first visit to our region, but hopefully there will be many more to follow in the future. The vibe around the grounds this week suggests that a junior cricket event has highlighted Lismore as wonderful place to visit (not such a secret for those of us who have the pleasure of living here).

Volunteers selling Lismore to more than 350 a day at cricket carnival

Inner West Harbour, located in Ryde, Sydney, was represented at the carnival and I had the pleasure of speaking with their coach Stuart McCarthy and the team captain Henry Abood. It was clear that this carnival continues to resonate with players and coaches and the event provides an important component of the pathway for talented cricketers. There is a strong expectation from all teams that participation at this carnival will bring a degree of success (on the field) but astute coaches (and parents) will recognise that the event provides an opportunity to succeed on several levels. Stuart spoke about the broader objectives such as “playing the game in the right spirit” and values such as “respect”, which is refreshing news for a sports administrator.

The measure of a team is evidenced by its leader and Henry Abood (who has only recently turned 12) immediately strikes me as an impressive young individual. Polite, attentive and humble are qualities that appear to exemplify this lad, so I am inclined to ask more about the Inner West Harbour captain? He is the son of International Umpire Gerard Abood and the stylish opening batsman who scored 50 runs against North West Sydney, has an impressive sporting pedigree. Although somewhat modest in talking too much about his own achievements, a few subtle enquiries reveal that Henry is also a committed football (aka soccer) match official in Miniroos games during winter. The Lismore cricket carnival is not the first representative event for the talented cricketer, who is also a competent bowler and an outstanding fieldsman. Coached back in Sydney by highly credentialed batting coach Neil DeCosta, Henry has a sound technique and strong temperament to succeed in the game. We will watch with interest for the name “Henry Abood” as the years progress, as I sense that success, whether in cricket or another professional pursuit, is bound to occur.

Inner West Harbour Cricket Association Under 12 captain Henry Abood loved his week in Lismore. Photo: Steve Mackney

I could not help but ask if “dad” was about, as we do not often have an international umpire in town. Yes, despite having returned from Big Bash umpiring commitments in Brisbane (Brisbane Heat v Hobart Hurricanes) played on Thursday night, Gerard Abood appeared and was generous enough to have a chat. Although Gerard now officiates in International, State and Big Bash matches, apart from Sydney First Grade, the first thing that he said was, “I am so impressed with the number of turf wickets and grounds generally in Lismore.” (High praise indeed!!). The former cricketer who played Shire cricket, found his way through lower level cricket as an umpire onto State One-Day cricket in Victoria and the rest (as they say) is history. A lawyer by profession, Abood continued to receive favourable feedback as he forged a career as an umpire. Six degrees of separation is identified as our conversation continues and Gerard makes it known that former highly respected NSW State umpire Darren Goodger (formerly from Grafton), was a great inspiration as Abood was navigating his umpiring at higher levels. “I am fortunate enough to have received a Cricket Australia contract and I simply love being involved in cricket”, he concludes.

“What can you tell me about grassroots cricket like this carnival?” I asked, “Seeing the kids from all regions mixing so well, is a real pleasure”, Abood said. “Kids are instinctively receptive to others and while our parents are exceptionally proud of the young boys and girls from our area, I must applaud the manners and open friendliness of the kids from Lismore and this part of NSW”, Gerard concludes.

In an email sent later, Abood said his team went to Lismore Memorial Swimming Baths to cool down after defeating North West Sydney at Nielson Park.

"Again, I will say how grateful our whole team has been for the brilliant Far North Coast hospitality and the efforts that everyone has put in to make this carnival work. It doesn't get said enough so please pass this email on to those who put it all together and worked so hard to make all the pieces fall into place. 

"You should know that the boys have loved the experience and I imagine every other side is just as happy and grateful."

Norm Ryder is a bastion of Lismore cricket

So what do we learn from four days of junior cricket? Lots of things I guess and while Parramatta was declared the winner of the carnival with a win in the final over a gallant Manly side, there were lots of winners this week. Sport is a fantastic catalyst to provide exposure to the good things in life and against the backdrop of an horrendous period across many parts of Australia due to the bushfires and drought, let’s take a moment to celebrate the good people, the brilliant kids, who are our future and to acknowledge our friends (new and old), who really make us “one big” community/family.

Congratulations to the organisers, led so well by Glen Lees and the volunteers at Marist Brothers Cricket Club, Lismore City Council and to the many people who have contributed to another successful Lismore Under 12 Cricket Carnival.

Article by Steve Mackney