Bam-boozlers Ashlee Patterson reveals why their Goldfield Ashes home is a cut above the rest
Goldfield Ashes has bought some of the region’s best and worst cricketers together for a weekend celebrating Australia’s national pastime: cricket … and drinking, lots of drinking. SEE THE GOLDFIELD ASHES GALLERY.
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Along a red dusty track seven kilometres from Charters Towers the crack of the willow could be heard sounding the beating heart of the Goldfield Ashes at Drink-A-Stubbie Downs – perhaps the most iconic ground at the Goldfield Ashes.
The playing field is usually red rocky dirt and if the ball is hit into the outer, play can be halted for five minutes while players search for ball among the tough, thick undergrowth surrounding the pitch, while keeping an eye out for snakes.
This year, after early rain, the playing field is covered with patchy grass and despite the sun- sucking heat this year the Bam-boozlers are bowling to the Nudeballers. But being a B2 social game it is more about having fun then winning.
Drink-A-Subbie Downs has been the home ground for the Bam-boozlers for the past five years and current captain Ashlee Patterson said the team camped at the ground each year.
“No one’s got a drink drive and if people too croak to get out of bed, we drag them out in the field so they can play cricket,” he said.
Nudebowlers captain Ren Pedersen said his team had been together since 2009 with players flying in from around the country for the annual cricket carnival.
“It’s a fantastic team. We have fathers and sons primarily coming from Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, and then all around North Queensland,” he said.
“So it’s a really great group of guys that put this weekend aside every year to catch up for fun, for frivolity and apparently there’s cricket in there somewhere too.
He said Drink-Stubbie Downs was at the heart of the Goldfield Ashes.
“You’re playing what, arguably is the national game around Australia. You have got the kids out there putting around on the on the drink carts, AKA a Toro motor mower. It’s what Australia is all about. This is quintessential Australia right here.”
He said getting together for the Goldfield Ashes each year was about keeping a tradition alive.
“Tradition is a big thing with our team. We follow certain traditions, we go to certain pubs, we meet up with certain people, and we patronize certain businesses.
“The friendship, the mateship in Australia, is something that you can’t put into words, and it’s great just to have everyone just get together for this event, have a great time and try and endure the hangovers over the course of three, four days.”
Originally published as Bam-boozlers Ashlee Patterson reveals why their Goldfield Ashes home is a cut above the rest
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