In the inaugural Dads/Mums v Lads clash, the parents claimed bragging rights by the barest of margins – one run.

But, cricket was the winner on the day, along with the McGrath Foundation who’ll pocket $3000 thanks to the local association.

“It was a busy, but most enjoyable event, for the Denman Junior Cricket Club on Saturday,” secretary Vanessa Whitten said.

“The lead up to the much-anticipated Pink Stumps Day and the first-ever Dads/Mums v Lads match was a huge accomplishment.

“All the junior teams played at home, with the under-14s missing out due to a wet ground after much-needed rain the night before.

“However, this did not mar the occasion.

“The McGrath Foundation Pink Stumps Day was a resounding success with not only the ground, junior and senior players, and supporters awash with pink, but lots of inspired fresh homemade cakes, treats from all the parents and kids.

“Pink bread and a creatively-formed and baked pink turtle – donated by the Denman Pie Shop – lovingly named ‘Bob’, was a highlight.

“He was auctioned at the end of the day for $30.

“The much-anticipated Dads/Mums v Lads fixture was also a hit, with 17 duos signing up for the game.

“The lads did manage to get their dads or mums out, much to the surprise of the parents, making it a most entertaining encounter for the crowd. 

“Due to the event’s popularity, plans are underway for next year’s match.”

The raffle winners were: 1st – Paddy Ball, 2nd – the Morrison family, 3rd – Graham Bladen, 4th – Gus McNeill. 

The club was also lucky enough to have two signed Glenn McGrath caps to auction, which were snapped up.

A big thank you goes to Brad Collins and Ken McCormick for their kind donations. 

The logistics of Saturday’s events was the result of a dedicated and tireless team from the Denman Junior Cricket Club committee, the support of parents and kids, the wider community and generous donations from the Denman and district local businesses and organisations. 

A massive thank you goes to: Precious Pieces, The Denman Hotel, Wishes Hair & Beauty, Hunter Valley Liqueurs & Baerami Olives, Denman Dapkos, Two Rivers, The Denman Pie Shop and the players.

A special debt of gratitude also goes to the fathers who cooked the barbecue during the course of the day: Doug Troope, Matt Whitten and Ryan Cummings, as well as Angela Bailey and Ann Troope for taking their cake stall and ticket sales down the street. 

A huge thanks to all the parents who helped out in the canteen, too: Chantel Blake, Rachel Nugent, Vanessa Whitten, Kate Cummings, Anita Hinze, Germaine and Ainsley Ball, Vicki and Katie Mann, Chantel and Rory Blake, Cody Cummings, Jack Mann and Shaun Wilkins.

“Well done to all who took part and made it a wonderful family and community effort to support this worthy cause,” Whitten said.