FORMER Queensland and Australian cricketing great Jimmy Maher will become the Willowfest Ambassador for 2011.
The 37-year-old will replace former Adelaide Oval curator Les Burdett as the face of one of Sunraysia’s favourite tournaments.
Maher was a part of the Australian Cricketers Association masters team to tour Mildura early this year.
Event organiser Anthony Telfer said the Willowfest board were very excited to have Maher on board.
“With Les Burdett pulling out due to commitments for the Twenty20 tournament in Sydney, we went after Jimmy,” he said.
“From the ACA night earlier this year, he was a very high calibre speaker and I have never laughed so much in my life.
“He was the only one we targeted, he really stood out as a speaker.”
In full flight, Maher was one of the most feared batsmen in Australia, the left hander possessing a mean cover drive as his signature weapon.
He made his one day international debut in 1998, before playing his last in 2003.
Maher has over 13,000 first class runs to his name with 27 centuries and 61 half centuries.
Mr Telfer said Maher will be in Mildura for a couple of days, which in that time, he will travel to the Sunraysia grounds and meet players and teams.
He will also speak at the presentation dinner at the conclusion of the tournament.
Mr Telfer meanwhile said this year’s Willowfest is set to be one of the highest standard tournaments in recent years.
“It has been going exceptionally well,” he said.
“We
a record number of teams with 23 confirmed, with four still showing interest.
“We have seven new teams, and six cup grade teams for the first time in a few years.
“The standard will be up for sure.”
As per last year, there will be four grades of mens cricket and one grade of womens.
“It’s been a struggle to get numbers, but we are just about full now,” Mr Telfer added.
“It has been hard work by the committee, and the support of the Mildura Rural City Council has been amazing.”
Part of the success is due to a new promotional Willowfest video, starring starring former Australian and South Australian star Darren Lehmann.
The video has been uploaded to Youtube, promoting the tournament country wide.
“We sent it (video) out to around 300-400 cricket clubs and it has just spread,” Mr Telfer said.
“Now instead of looking at a poster, they can actually watch a good video and see what it’s all about.”
The popular Willowfest Whack is back once again, plus the return of the TAC Speedball competition, which will see who is the fastest bowler.
Mr Telfer said he is hoping “someone breaks the 140k/ph mark.”
Any local teams considering playing must get their entry to Anthony Telfer (0419 359 618) before November 18.
Any individuals that are looking to join a team can also be entered.
