Former Willowfest champion Geoff McRae from Wendouree has been inducted into the Willowfest XI 35 not out team by President Anthony Telfer.
McRae has become the first inductee into the team that will be announced during the 2012 Willowfest Club Championships which will commence in Mildura next week. Telfer made the presentation to McRae at Castlemaine during the Victorian Regional T20 finals.
McRae, who first played at Willowfest in 1972/73 when they were known as Mildura Country Week was taken by surprise with the presentation and said “You (Telfer) took me by surprise and I am greatly honored to be placed with so many other players, administrators and volunteer helpers who have made great contributions to the growth of what has been a celebration of all that is the best in grassroots cricket.”
McRae who captained the Wendouree team on many occasions at Willowfest was a prolific scorer of runs and captained arguably the best side ever to play in the Championships. When the competition changed names to Willowfest, Wendouree won four out of the first five
championships. In his first year in the
competition Geoff recalled that only NoblePark and Wendouree were the only two sides from out of town.
He also recalled a young bloke from Ouyen belting his attack all over the ground. He later went on to pla
Unfortunately McRae will not be on the
“Mundoo” when the complete side is named as a prior commitment has him at the MCG.y with Wendouree and became probably the best player in the history of Willowfest , namely Geoff John. John is still scoring runs with Mildura East Cricket Club and will probably play at least one game in this year’s carnival.
A few tickets still remain for the night so contact Anthony Telfer if you are interested in spending a night talking cricket and relaxing on the Mundoo travelling on the mighty Murray River.
You can purchase your cruise tickets on line at www.willowfest.com.au
Reunion enquiries to: Chris Cleary: 0427210455
