The Royal College Old Boys of Sydney had their first ever family picnic & daytrip to Canberra on Sunday 1st. October to meet and socialise with their
college mates in Canberra.
The trip with their spouses, families and
friends was planned for a few months and was a much looked forward to
event in the Royal College OBU calendar.
The trip included a visit to the annual Floreade Flower festival for the
ladies and kids and a 25 over game of cricket against the Canberra
Royalists.
A group of 50 travelled on a luxury coach at a very
affordable price of $20 per seat. Accordingly, there was high demand and
the bus was filled quickly.
True to form, the back portion of the bus was quickly taken up by the
musicians and singers with guitars and drums. Understandably, those who
wanted a quiet trip rushed to the front and had a good sleep.
The game was played at the scenic Boomanalla Oval a top class turf
wicket and facility reputed to be only second to the famous Manuka Oval.
The Canberra team batting first scored 128 in their 25 overs The Sydney
team replied with 85 after recovering from 35 for 7 wickets at one
stage.
The Canberra team consisted of mainly young players currently playing
while the visitors from Sydney (all Royalists ) consisted of mainly
veterans of over 40.
It is rumoured that the Canberra team was bluffed into believing that
the Sydney team consisted of top, current playing cricketers and
accordingly got young players to represent them. Somebody forgot to tell
them that most of the Sydney team are nearing or over 50 and they only
play in the backyard these days.
The psychology hasn't worked as most of the Sydney boys were playing
against players about half their age.
All in all, the Sydney boys bowled and fielded ok for a bunch of guys who
had just spent almost 5 hours in a bus, and ate and drank well as to boot.
Shame about the batting though.
There were lunch packets for sale courtesy of the Sri Lanka Buddhist
Association of Canberra. Coffee and tea were provided for afternoon Tea
for all by the Canberra Royalists. Thanks guys.
The Canberra organisers are very keen to make this an annual event and are
planning to invite their Melbourne counterparts as well next year.
Based on the success of this first ever trip, the Royal College boys are
sure to continue this tradition and those who missed out this time are
strongly urged to join in the fun, next time.
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