The challenges a soldier faces on the battlefield are as profound as they are many, yet the challenges for a returning soldier do not end when they return home.
There are adjustment periods and times that can be very difficult for both the returned soldiers, and their families.
Sadly, many lives were lost during Australia’s involvement in the war in Afghanistan and lives are lost still when soldiers return home due to depression, post-traumatic stress and other mental health issues affecting veterans.
And that’s why the Cranbourne Cricket Club, in conjunction with former Cranbourne soldier Sean Mulqueen, is doing everything it can to ensure the lives lost are not forgotten and that awareness is raised around the issues soldiers face when returning home.
On Australia Day, the Eagles hosted the now annual 42-Ball Bash at their Casey Fields home, a tournament similar in style to Twenty20 cricket, but with just 42 balls per innings to signify the 42 lost lives in Afghanistan, all with the aim of raising funds for the ’42 for 42’ and ‘Diggers Rest- A Soldiers retreat, organisations aimed at honouring soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and to help them transition back to their families when they return home.
“We used the cricket tournament to be the first fundraiser for the year; it was an idea that came together with Silvio Marinelli, Joe Hackett and Brad McDonald,” Sean Mulqueen told the Gazette last year when introducing the event.
“The 42 Ball Bash was put together to raise money for the ’42 for 42′ and ‘Diggers Rest – A Soldiers retreat’, with both organisations honouring the soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the Afghanistan war, as well as all their families and other returned veterans,” Sean said.
“The idea is to get veterans and families to know they can have a bad and sad day and can remember the tough times, however life goes on and it takes one step at a time as well as a little bit of weight off our shoulders.
“When we started planning the 42 Ball Bash we wanted to keep the same mindset and get everyone to start having fun.
“The proceeds from the day will be going to the projects and the programs in helping returned veterans and veteran families.”
12 teams entered the knockout competition, with Carlisle Park entering four sides. Cranbourne Cricket Club and Football Club both had sides, while Cardinia was another local club to join. The other sides were made up of returning soldiers.
The cricket was of a high quality too, with plenty of great catches, dropped dollies and even some swash buckling hitting entertaining the crowd.
Players from all ages competed, even with some families playing together for the first time, while activities such as jumping castles, face painting, raffles and prizes were also available throughout the day to raise funds.
In the end, Carlisle Park’s first side came out as the winners after defeating Cardinia by 12 runs.
The day was a great success, with over $10,000 raised, and the hope of not only raising awareness, but also acquiring enough funds to establish a walk-through memorial dedicated to the fallen soldiers from Afghanistan.
