Earthly paradise
India and England have just played the final test of a series dominated by the Indians at a quite small town in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas.
The mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the beautiful venue in Dharamshala.
When China took over the mountain kingdom of Tibet the Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of the Tibetan people was forced to flee his country and he has long been domiciled in the northern Indian city which has a population of only 30,000.
Visitors from all over the world flock to see the Dalai Lama.
Run getters
Around twenty years ago I visited Clifton College in Bristol England on the invitation of the head of cricket.
Founded in 1862, the school is for day students and boarders. Among many famous ex-students are renowned actors Trevor Howard, Sir Michael Redgrave and John Cleese.
There is a long list of prominent cricket and rugby players. A plaque in the pavilion paid tribute to a young pupil A.E.J Collins who at age 12 scored 628 not out in a house game in 1899 and was in fact unbeaten all season.
His sporting exploits did not reach a high peak but he starred in both sports for more than a decade. In 1914 he was one of the many thousands of casualties of World War One, killed at Ypres.
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I was only reminded of the young Collins the other day when I learned that Broadford youngster Harrison Wood has gone all season with his Under 13’s team without being dismissed.
He has tallied 723 runs while playing with the Under 11’s, Under 13’s and Country Week sides.
Apparently his goal this past summer was to have a higher average than the mighty Don Bradman.
Another tour
Kilmore resident Geroge Galea has done many coach trips.
A Seymour Bus Lines driver for many years he drove tour groups to locations right around Australia.
No longer with the company he decided it was time to enjoy a trip for himself and his wife.
In recent weeks they have travelled the Apple Isle from the remoteness and stark beauty of the west through the Tamar Valley, down the east coast to Hobart, then the beautiful Huon Valley and finally the historic Port Arthur region.
The couple loved the friendliness of the people and the fact it was like taking a trip back in time- a time quieter and more peaceful.
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Over the years George drove hundreds of Assumption cricket and footy teams to away games where he would very often be called into service as a goal umpire or indeed any kind of official. He certainly wasn’t just our driver.
Varia
Wallan, Kilmore, and Broadford cricket clubs have all had good seasons respectively in the Gisborne Association and the rivalries between the three clubs have been good for the game.
Sadly, with country footy about to kick off the 2024 season Broadford F.C finds itself in recess.
In recent decades the club has played in the Heathcote, Riddell and Outer Eastern leagues.
The travel required for the latter was ridiculous with trips to Warburton, Powelltown etc. just too much for players and supporters.
The club hopes to return in 2025. Old time club followers must reflect nostalgically on the great days of the Waranga-North East league.
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Some welcome recent visitors were Bill Daly and daughter Marissa.
Bill and his wife Val were fine dormitory supervisors whilst Marissa was a very good college captain.
She has two young children, as has her brother Andrew who lives on the NSW north coast.
His two youngsters are in the same footy junior program in the area as are Shane Crawford’s.
