Cricket honour for Gretna great

Tasmanian Cricket Volunteer of the Year
Peter Rainbird taking a look at the ICC
 World Cup at the MCG recently.

HOT on the heels of being awarded the title of Cricket Tasmania volunteer of the month for November, Gretna Cricket Club president Peter Rainbird has now been named Tasmania's Cricket Volunteer of the Year.

The untiring volunteer who is in his 50th season of involvement with cricket, received a phone call from Cricket  Australia acknowledging his efforts by offering to fly him to Melbourne to watch the day-night match between Australia and India at the MCG on January 18, all expenses paid.

"I didn't know what to say to tell you the truth," Peter said. "I was very humbled to say the least." Peter was treated to first class viewing at the MCG and got to mix with all state volunteer winners as well as officials and former players from the Australian and Indian teams. "It was a great atmosphere, I thoroughly enjoyed myself," Peter said after returning home.

In a statement, Cricket Tasmania noted that Peter not only serves as president of the Gretna club, he also plays roles in being a groundsman, helping to run the canteen/bar, maintaining the clubhouse and even has a hand in scoring.

"The Gretna Cricket Club has a family culture which is mainly due to Peter and the involvement he has had with in the club. The club (in a small country town region) boasts a MILO in2CRICKET Centre with 20 participants and has a strong junior pathway program, with a number of current talented players (boys and girls) representatives in Tasmanian state junior teams," Cricket Tasmania said.

"The work he and his club are doing in this space ensures cricket in the Derwent Valley will always be a breeding ground for local talent. Peter has been president of the club 23 seasons now and has also been the secretary and also the treasurer for periods during this time. Along with his off-field efforts, he has played over 500 matches and played in 15 grand finals for seven premierships for the club, been captain of the club at certain stages and is (for obvious reasons!) a life member of the club.

"Peter has done so much for the game of cricket at Gretna but his impact has also served as vice-president of the former Derwent Valley Cricket Association, was an umpire in the competition and also represented the DVCA in country week matches for many seasons."

This was a fitting way of rewarding a man who has given so much to the game of cricket and the community he lives in. Congratulations and well done Peter. Your efforts and contributions are truly appreciated by all.

WADE GLEESON