NSW legends engage with hundreds in Baggy Blue trips to Bega and Narrabri

Comprised of current and former New South Wales representatives, the Baggy Blues visited Orange and Narrabri from October 7-9 and October 14-16 respectively, with the support of the Cricket NSW Foundation. 

NSW representatives who participated in the trips included Charlotte Anneveld, Trevor Bayliss, John Dyson, Michelle Goszko, Baxter Holt, Mark Higgs, Wayne Holdsworth, Rick McCosker, Len Pascoe, Gavin Robertson, Steve Rixon, Phil Emery, Geoff Lawson, Peter Taylor, Don Nash, Harry Conway, Jade Allen, Mickey Edwards, Moises Henriques, Nick Bertus and Ryan Hadley. 

Founded in 2012, the Baggy Blues have engaged hundreds of players and rural regions with community-led mental health initiatives. Their open and honest program is built on a commitment to mental health awareness, inclusion and connection to the country. 

Cricket NSW would like to thank Kookaubrra, Carrera Eyewear and the Australian Cricketers' Association for their support, ensuring both trips were a success. 

Cricket NSW Foundation Director and former NSW Blues captain, Moises Henriques, said: 

"It's always an incredibly exciting opportunity for the Baggy Blues to participate in rural tours such as these. 

"We'd like to thank everyone in Bega and Narrabri for their hospitality and support, and we look forward to organising more Baggy Blues events in the near future." 

Bega

The Baggy Blues travelled to the Far South Coast region for a junior clinic, a coach education session, a community dinner and a T20 match. 

Thirty-three children aged 5-12 took part in the clinic, while 12 local coaches attended the coaching session led by Trevor Bayliss, Steve Rixon and Mark Higgs. 

Gavin Robertson interviewed Mark Higgs, Michelle Goszko and Trevor Bayliss at the community dinner at the Bega Country Club, attended by 75 guests, while Jen Keoiskie of the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program also spoke. RAMHP plans to return to Bega and run a mental health awareness session for local cricketers. 

More than 200 locals, including Bega Valley Shire Council Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick and Deputy Mayor Tony Allen, watched the T20 match at George Griffin Oval, which recently installed a new grandstand. 

Narrabri

The Baggy Blues' trip to Narrabri also featured a junior clinic, a coach education session, a community dinner and a T20 match. 

Ten local coaches attended the education session, led by Geoff Lawson and Don Nash, while 46 children aged 5–12 took part in the clinic. Elsewhere, four All Abilities cricketers travelled from Newcastle for the event, with Toby Kable running a clinic in conjunction with the Baggy Blues session. 

115 guests attended the sold-out dinner at The Tourist Hotel, which was MC'd by Gavin Robertson. Baxter Holt interviewed Geoff Lawson, Rick McCosker and Peter Taylor, while Robertson interviewed Moises Henriques, Mickey Edwards and Ryan Hadley.  

More than 300 spectators watched the Town vs Country T20 match, with Edwards and Henriques coaching the two teams. Unfortunately, the game ended as a draw after storms interrupted the second innings. 

Narrabri Cricket raised $10,000 during the visit, with all funds going towards providing free clinical psychology sessions for locals within the Narrabri District Shire.