The annual Governor’s XI v Lords Taverner’s XI match was played at the WACA Ground last week, with Lord’s taking home victory for the first time in XX years.
The match is an important fixture on WA Cricket’s schedule, with players selected from a broad cross-section of key WA Cricket stakeholders, the cricket community, and the community in general.
WA continues to lead the way in creating a diverse and inclusive cricket community, allowing all players to have a go and enjoy a love for the sport.
The Governor’s XI v Lords Taverner’s XI match strives for just that. Supported by the Lords Taverner’s WA, a charitable fund-raising organisation aimed at assisting members of the community who struggle to access resources to play sport and related endeavors.
His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson AC AMP, Governor of Western Australia was attending his first match and was thrilled to play a part in the festivities.
“I Just want to commend both the WACA and Lords Taverner’s WA themselves for the work that they do,” he said.
The Governor was pleased that people of all backgrounds had an opportunity to play on the iconic WACA Ground, noting that it doesn’t get more Australian than this.
“We are a part of a diverse community, so there are those who metaphorically hit some hurtles through no fault of their own,” he said.
“We’re all human, we all have our own abilities, but at the same time sport is such an inclusive way that transcends where you were born, or what background you’ve got, and cricket is a great way of doing that.”
The WACA Ground Improvement Project will ensure people of all abilities have a chance to engage with the Ground, with new facilities such as an all-abilities playground and aquatic centre in the works.
“The plans are really exciting, and I think most importantly they meet the needs of a very diverse and broad community,” he said.
“As a kid I played in the backyard, down at the beach or at school, and here you’ve got people who are passionate about cricket, that can play with current Australian international representation – an example of how cricket can bring the community together.”
Perth Scorchers Bowler and WA Cricket Foundation ambassador Matt Kelly captained the Governors XI team and was excited to be part of such an inclusive afternoon.
“It’s probably one of the most important games of our season here at WA Cricket,” Kelly said.
“We’ve got WACA staff, volunteers, members from the Indigenous cricket community, and players with disabilities. It’s just great to see everyone out here playing a great game of cricket on this iconic cricket ground.”
The energy and community spirit were at a high during the game, an indication of the importance of the match.
“We know cricket is a game for all, and WA Cricket is leading that space in creating a diverse and inclusive community for sport,” Kelly said.
