Magazine - Groundsman’s Charitable Deeds for Tsunami-Ravaged Phuket

By Editor in Cricket on 31st May 2010 6:00

A groundsman’s charitable deeds hope to ensure the tsunami-ravaged community of Phuket continues to recover from its devastating natural disaster six years ago.

Every April, Penrhos College head groundsman Dixie Joy uses his landscaping skills to prepare a cricket pitch for an annual charity match at the Karon Beach Stadium.

Mr Joy said the pitch was prepared using a coir mat, a 12-tonne road roller, wheelbarrow, shovel and a rake, and he worked in conjunction with local council members. “There is a bit of pressure from the locals to limit damage to the arena so it can be a diplomatic tightrope at times but they always get there at the end,” he said.

The tournament featured high-profile former cricket players including Karen Rolton, Trevor Chappell and Adam Hollioake. “It is a fast and furious run fest, consisting of five overs and six players a side and it is a lot of fun and an important venture,” he said.

Mr Joy said funds raised went to local orphans but this year’s event aided junior cricket.\

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