Sir Viv to speak in Ballina | Northern Rivers Cricket | Cricket in Northern Rivers

3rd December 2009

MARK Cribb loves his footy, but he even he couldn’t help but get excited about a major coup the Ballina Seagulls Rugby League Club has pulled off.

The secretary-manager of the club last week confirmed that the Master Blaster himself, West Indian cricket legend Sir Viv Richards, will be the guest of honour at a sportsman’s dinner to be held in February next year.

“You just read his (Richards’) record – he’s unbelievable,” Cribb said.

“Anyone who knows cricket knows of him.

“It’s a big coup to get him to Ballina.

“Tickets will sell fast for this one.”

Sir Viv Richards was a member of the great West Indian teams of the 1970s and 1980s.

Known for the power in which he arrogantly smacked the best fast bowlers in the world, including the likes of Australians Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson, around the park – watching the ball all the way to fence while he chewed his gum – he also was one of the world’s best fieldsmen of his era.

He will present a 45-minute talk at the Sportsman’s Dinner.

Cribb said he was able to line up the world cricketing legend following a dinner held in 2008 featuring Rodney Hogg, Doug Walters and David Boon.

The speakers’ booking agency representative suggested at the time that Cribb might be able to book Sir Viv.

“I didn’t think he could get him (Richards),” Cribb joked.

But to his surprise, an email came to him last week letting Cribb know of possible dates, and one just happened to suit the football club’s bookings.

Rodney Hogg will join Sir Viv at the dinner.

Tickets to the dinner on February 20 cost $120 and include a two-course meal and some drinks.

For bookings, phone Mark Cribb on 6686 8100 or 0401 597798. Tickets are selling fast.

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