In a high stakes McMahon Shield derby clash between Echuca South and Echuca on Australia Day weekend, the clubs have added a ladies day and McGrath Foundation fundraiser to the festivities.
Echuca South fundraising committee member Fiona Walker said the day was a great way to add additional value to the return of ladies day at Echuca South Recreation Reserve.
“This is our first ladies day in a few years, and we thought why not incorporate the McGrath Foundation as part of that, being a cause that is raising money for all types of cancer now, not just breast cancer,” she said.
“Cancer is something that affects our community in a huge way, and our club and the Echuca Cricket Club wanted to support that and make a contribution to help that, particularly with the McGrath nurses being available to more people as they get more funding.”
The McGrath Foundation was founded by Jane McGrath and her husband, legendary Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath, after Jane’s experiences with breast care nurses in 2005.
The foundation seeks to raise funds to support the placement of cancer care nurses in communities across Australia.
Initially focused on supporting patients living with breast cancer, in late 2024 the foundation shifted its support to all types of cancer.
After Jane’s passing in 2008, the annual Sydney Test match, held in January, has been known as the pink Test, and day three of the match as Jane McGrath day.
Echuca Cricket Club president John Moyle said his club was happy to support Echuca South in holding a pink stumps day.
“A great initiative by Echuca South and when they contacted us as a club, we were more than happy to be involved,” he said.
“On Australia Day weekend, it should be a great game of cricket.
“Two sides that are vying to play in finals this year.
“Echuca South have had a sensational year, and Echuca have been a little bit patchy with their form but, hopefully, a great contest and a great day for the McGrath Foundation and the two clubs involved.”
The cricket gets under way at 11am, with the day’s other festivities kicking off from noon.
Attendees will enjoy food, drink, live music and a guest speaker along with what’s shaping up to be a critical clash in Goulburn Murray Cricket’s A-grade competition.
Four-time defending champion Echuca has been below its best so far, embroiled in a mid-table battle for one of the lower finals places.
On the other hand, after narrowly missing finals in 2024-25, Echuca South has been one of the form sides of the competition, currently in second and all but assured a finals appearance.
Swans captain Rathika Rajakumara said his side had shown the determination and work ethic to go far this season.
“We don’t take things far ahead,” he said.
“We just think game by game and session by session and try to win each session in each game.
“The boys have been training really hard, even on the days that we’ve touched 40°C, 45°C, we didn’t say no, we still trained.
“The boys are very keen so they keep us getting good performances.”
Moyle said several clubs had stepped up this year, making things tough for the perennial titleholders Echuca.
“The other clubs, Moama in particular, Echuca South and BLU have all improved,” he said.
“We’ve probably gone backwards a little bit, a little bit of personnel (losses), but we’ve struggled to have our best XI available on a regular basis.
“Hopefully, that changes in the back end of the season, and we can make a run and hopefully get a finals berth.”
Rajakumara expects a good contest and a special day for fans.
“It’s going to be a lovely game because there’s going to be many supporters,” he said.
“Obviously, we’re playing for a cause as well, which is going to be really interesting and so it’s going to be a beautiful game.”
The pink stumps day is a ticketed event and bookings can be made at tinyurl.com/3wzzdxvk
Donations can also be made to the club’s McGrath Foundation fundraiser at tinyurl.com/2pb4svbs
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