Australia v Rest of the World: Backyard cricket teams to face off on Australia Day

A humble backyard cricket game between mates has grown into a fundraising juggernaut which is this weekend hoping to help save a boy’s life.

The Yeppoon Backyard Cricket Series celebrates its 10-year anniversary and will this year be raising money for Yeppoon teen Ollie Miles, who has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of leukaemia.

A popular summer tradition that plays out on carefully manicured cricket pitches in Capricorn Coast backyards reaches a major milestone this week.

An idea hatched by friends Dave Ingram and Shane Yore as a social get-together, the Yeppoon Backyard Cricket Series reaches its tenth year, having raised thousands of dollars for charity along the way.

Australia and the Rest of the World do battle for the title, which will be decided in a one-off Test match this Friday, Australia Day, at John Cranny’s place.

The Aussies are keen to wrestle back the coveted ‘Ashes’ from their rivals, who have had the better of the competition.

Yeppoon Backyard Cricket Series founders Shane Yore and Dave Ingram.

The fun and friendly rivalry has also proved a winner for charity, with more than $50,000 raised for organisations such as Redkite, Mates4Mates and the Jason Rich Foundation.

This year’s proceeds will go to Yeppoon teenager Ollies Miles who, in November last year, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a rare and aggressive type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow.

A number of the backyard boys know Ollie, having played football with his father Clint for years.

Dave said money was raised from the players’ game fees, donations, raffles and the generosity of the series’ sponsors.

Talented teenage Aussie rules player Ollie Miles has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of leukaemia.

He said the backyard boys always chose recipients or causes at the heart of their community.

Shane said while there was a healthy rivalry on the pitch, the games were always played in good spirit, with the charity aspect always front of mind.

“It’s great catching up with the boys that you don’t see enough of but having the chance to give back to the community is a big thing for me,” he said.

“We always pick a charity that represents the needs of the locals.

“It’s just a great cause all round, even for your own mental health.

“Everyone looks forward to it and we know the end result is good for a charity recipient and positive for everyone involved.”

The backyard cricket boys will be in action on Australia Day.

Dave and Shane said they were hoping to again raise about $5000 this year.

They were also wanting to raise awareness of blood, plasma and bone marrow donation, things Ollie will require in his years-long medical battle.

“Everyone’s got kids so we know what it could be like so we just want to do what we can,” Shane said.

The inaugural series of 2014 was played over five Tests, with the dates aligned to the Australian men’s cricket calendar.

The bails were burned and the ashes placed in an urn, which is the perpetual trophy which is presented to the winning captain who holds it for the year.

Shane is captain of the Aussie outfit, while Kiwi Dave Ingram leads the Rest of the World.

Wicketkeeper Shane Yore watches on as batter Jason Keily hits out during a game in the Yeppoon Backyard Cricket Series.

There are eight players on each team, and indoor cricket rules apply.

Each pair of batters faces four overs apiece, losing five runs if they lose their wicket, and each player bowls two overs.

The skippers are expecting another tight contest on Friday.

“Back in the early days we’d have a five-game series and it would always come down to the fifth game so it’s always been pretty even,” Shane said.

Dave agreed, saying: “They’ve got a few younger fellas helping them out so who knows, they might get up.”

The first ball will be bowled at 9am and by all reports, host John has been religiously watering and mowing the pitch in preparation for the all-important clash.