Cancer has presented health challenges to a number of players and supporters of the Millicent Football Netball Club in recent times and the Saints have rallied behind them.

As well as providing emotional and practical support to those diagnosed with breast cancer and leukaemia, the club has donated $8000 to the Cancer Council following a T20 cricket match under lights at Millicent’s McLaughlin Park on Thursday night.

The light-hearted twilight game between Team Gallio and Team Carger drew a large and vocal crowd of 300 in the perfect mid-summer weather.

Players and spectators were happy to purchase raffle tickets and buy donated items such as AFL tickets and guernseys at a charity auction.

The initial target was $5000 and the overall tally was also boosted via generous online donations via the Cancer Council website.

The match was organised by a small committee of players including Sam Willis and Steve Duldig.

Willis said the concept of a Cancer Council fundraiser had been tossed around after a summer training session.

“We thought a cricket match would settle the dispute about who is the best cricketer among the football club,” Willis said.

“Everyone came on board including Hatherleigh footballer Will Chay who donated his time as the auctioneer and we received many donations.

“Geelong premiership player Brad Close donated a signed jumper for the auction.

“I know him well as we were at school together at Tenson Woods College in Mount Gambier and we were then in the same Western Border underage representative teams.”

Duldig addressed the crowd during the break between innings and explained why the fundraiser was being held.

“Through friends and family, everyone is touched by cancer in some way,” Duldig said.

“The Cancer Council funds research into cancer cures and treatment options and also provides accommodation for country patients in Adelaide.”

He said the community can also support cancer patients by becoming blood donors and signing up for the Australian Bone Marrow Register.

Duldig said it was possible the T20 match could be repeated in a year’s time.

On a lighter post-match note, Duldig said the game unearthed some talented cricketers among the footballers.

“Only around five players in total from the two teams have played any competitive cricket,” he said.

“Kade Bradley impressed by belting a couple of sixes and taking some great catches in the outfield.

“The game was won by Team Carger by about 20 runs.”

The T20 match provided a lively social outlet ahead of Millicent’s football premiership defence which commences on April 22 at McDonald Park in Mount Gambier against reigning wooden-spooners East Gambier.

Meanwhile, the third annual Bryce Pollard Memorial Cricket Match between the Mount Burr Cricketers and the Mount Burr Footballers is happening on February 18.

This year it will take the form of a 100-ball twilight “smash” with the upgraded oval lights put to good use.

Players need to arrive by 5.30pm ready to play after the Mount Burr A Grade cricket game finishes.

All spectators are welcome to come and watch the match to be played at the Mick and Jean Walker Oval, Mount Burr.

A barbecue tea with salad and full bar facilities will be available at Can Hill and a fundraising raffle to benefit pancreatic cancer research will also be run throughout the event.

The match has the blessing of the Pollard family and honours the memory of the cricketer/footballer with the Mozzies.

He died from pancreatic cancer at the age of 30 in 2019.