A long-standing bond between Kent cricket and the University of NSW in Australia will be celebrated nearly 40 years after it started when Hythe and Folkestone host the University of NSW Cricket club to two matches (and plenty of drinks) on the 4th and 5th of July.
Cricketers from the University of NSW started playing for Hythe way back in the mid 1980’s
Four decades later the Australian uni boys are dusting off their creams, practising their favourite sledges and returning to the clubs which delivered so much fun and camaraderie all those decades ago
The Australian ring-leaders are Jamie Baker (who played for Hythe in 1984 and Folkestone in 1988/89), “Jungle” Jim Robson (who played for Hythe in 1985), Glenn “Orca” Clark (who played for Hythe in 1984) and the Australian tour manager from 1988, Peter “Lenny” Godber. They have rallied the touring Uni crew – who last played against a combined Kent XI in 1988 at Sibton Park – to return in commemoration of that match 35 years later.
“There’s always been a special bond between the Uni boys and Kent ,” said Baker. “It was initially triggered by the great Hythe cricketer Richard Apps . Dickie admired the way Aussies played cricket and supported many of us over the years.”
“It’s going to be fantastic to get back out on the green fields of Kent and re-live those great days of winning the Kent League and celebrating together afterwards. Our one Under 60 player is my youngest son Raphael – thrilled that he can play on my favourite grounds (and run in the field for me).”
Another tourist is David Gallop who played at Bickley in ‘89. A great season in Kent took him to heights in Sydney grade cricket and then a business career as CEO of Australian Rugby League and Football.
“Jungle” Jim Robson was part of the Hythe team that won the East Kent League in 1985. Robson still plays in Australia in over 60s games and is hoping his son Sam (who plays for Middlesex and has opened the batting for England) will be able to get down for the matches.
“So many memories for us all here in Kent . Many of the troupe want to end their cricket journeys here and they will formally retire after these games,” said Robson.
Glenn Clark has a clear message for all at the Hythe CC and cricketers around Kent. “Our time playing at Hythe was special, with extraordinary friendship & hospitality extended to all Aussie Hythe players.”
“This is a chance to celebrate those past times & the friendships that have been in place for so many years. I can’t see me getting my bouncer to fly off the ridge at Hythe anymore – but will treasure one last chance to bowl at the Grove.”
“We’d love to see as many friends and past players as possible to celebrate our unique links to Kent cricket,” said Clark. “See you on July 4th at 5:30pm at Hythe CC and July 5th at 5:30pm at Folkestone CC.”