The lawns of Kirribilli House became the ultimate backyard battleground today as Fitzy, Wippa & Kate’s Backyard Cricket returned. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined a star studded line-up with one of the highlights Kate Ritchie’s straight six into Sydney Harbour.
On Fitzy’s team were the Prime Minister, Susie O’Neill, James Bracey, Julia Morris, Richard Wilkins, Allison Langdon, Dr Andrew Rochford, Mick Ennis & young cricketers Patrick and Declan.
Joining Wippa was Kate Ritchie, Jim Jefferies, Matt ‘Shirvo’ Shirvington, Amy Shark. Ben Fordham, Michael Hooper, James Tedesco and young cricketers Jamie and Summa.
Supporting Full Stop Australia and Batyr Australia, the annual match had Wippa providing his trademark commentary (and wisecracks) as the action unfolded.
Nova 106.9 co-host and Olympian Susie O’Neill opened the batting before being dismissed by comedian Jim Jefferies, while Julia Morris suffered an early but funny setback after forgetting to run. Young Nova listener Jamie produced one of the plays of the day, bowling out former NRL star Mick Ennis, while Seven’s Matt Shirvington and Nine’s James Bracey took some friendly network rivalry onto the pitch. Richard Wilkins’, making his fifth Backyard Cricket appearance, questionable strike rate had the audience in stitches.
Kate Ritchie was the surprise package with a diving stumping behind the wicket before opening the batting and launching a six straight into Sydney Harbour. Wippa also claimed a key wicket with a catch that sent out Ally Langdon, who later took to the bowling crease herself, only to watch NRL Superstar James Tedesco send the ball over the fence and into the water.
When the dust settled, it was another win for Wippa’sXI. They lifted the Backyard Cricket trophy, with Kate Ritchie emerging as the unlikely cricketing star of the day.
Full Stop Australia and Batyr Australia received $10,000 donations from Nova96.9 and MILO.