Randwick Petersham Cricket Club join forces with Ireland for the ICC T20 World Cup
What seemed an outrageous idea by the Randwick Petersham Cricket Club almost a decade ago is set to flourish as Ireland rounds out its T20 World Cup preparations in Coogee.
Local
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local. Followed categories will be added to My News.
In terms of a breeding ground for Irish cricketers, the Sydney seaside suburb of Coogee should barely register on the radar. But with the initiative of some smart locals, the surroundings are set to become a whole lot greener with the arrival of Ireland’s T20 team for next month’s World Cup.
At its height, Cricket Ireland rounds out its preparations with three matches at Coogee Oval from 4-7th October.
But with four of Ireland’s squad, including skipper Andrew Balbirnie, having represented Randwick Petersham in their formative years, this is a yarn riddled with intrigue.
Affectionately known as Randy Petes, club CEO John Stewart described how the concept grew legs following a discussion with one of the club’s players.
“It all started in late 2013 after a chat between myself and John McLaughlin. John had played at a club in England that once hosted a side during the 2013 Champions Trophy and we wondered if Randy Petes could do the same in Coogee,” said Stewart. “ I knew a media member with the Ireland team, and long story short, the club hosted Ireland during the 2015 World Cup.”
It proved the catalyst for Randy Petes’ Official Overseas Scholarship Programme.
Overseen by club president and former Aussie quick Mike Whitney, since 2015 the club’s program with Cricket Ireland has opened the door for an Irish player to spend a season Down Under.
Since being granted Test match status in 2017, Irish cricket has been on the up. Balbirnie has played in all three Ireland Tests to date, but it’s the Tector family that shines simultaneously on both sides of the globe.
19-year-old Tim Tector has recently arrived for a summer in Coogee, following in the footsteps of older brothers Jack and Harry.
All three captained Ireland at under-19 level and alongside sister Alice, who represented the girls under-15 national side, there’s as much cricket blood in the Tectors as the Waugh and Marsh families combined.
Still juggling Aussie slang following his 24 hour flight from Dublin, Tim, who bats for Leinster Lightning in Ireland’s provincial competition, took time out to touch on the program’s endearing quality.
“The Sydney grade cricket competition is considered one of the best in the world and it’s certainly a better alternative than an Irish winter,” Tector mused.
“My brothers loved it at Randwick Petersham and I can see why. Coogee is a really nice spot and has a beautiful ground. Plus the guys are great on and off the field.
“Even though I’ve represented Ireland under-19s, I’m yet to experience fast and bouncy wickets like here in Sydney. Plus, it will be a luxury to get regular outside training on grass wickets, which isn’t always the case back home.”
In an extension of the program, Ben Mitchell has just returned from Ireland as the first Randy Petes player to reciprocate the process over an entire season.
And if the all-rounder can rise up the ranks like Harry Tector, then Australian cricket is in safe hands.
Since his Sydney stint back in 2018-19, Harry has made significant inroads on the international scene. A maiden ODI ton against New Zealand last July was backed up by another just five days later.
For those eager for a closer look, get down to Coogee where all the action is free. With games scheduled to start at 1pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, it’s the perfect build up for T20 World Cup.
Suspicious package found at southwest Sydney shopping complex
Shoppers at a complex in Sydney’s southwest have been disrupted on one of the busiest days of the year after a suspicious package was located in the carpark.
‘Common sense prevailed’: Restaurant’s court win after NIMBY row
A restauranter who won a court battle to allow his iconic Sydney northern beaches venue to stay open beyond 4pm has lamented the challenges the industry faces from “a few people with too much money and time on their hands”.