As a batsman, English Test cricketer Ian Botham smashed plenty of Australian bowlers in his heyday, including that unforgettable, unbeaten winning knock of 149 at Headingly in 1981, then helping to skittle the Aussie batsmen.
“There were only about 20 women in the audience and two of them won the lucky door prizes!” quipped ClubMulwala CEO Alan Rowe. The lucky ladies, pictured with the great man, were Lois Hanrahan and Thelma Davis.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
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Now with the title of Lord Ian Botham, he proved a smash hit at ClubMulwala last Thursday night, speaking to 280 cricket fans.
“The big crowd really appreciated listening to Lord Ian,” ClubMulwala Chief Executive Officer Alan Rowe said.
MC for the evening was Bruce Eva from Macquarie Media Unit who led Lord Ian on his journey including family, cricket and his wonderful charity work leading to so much funding being raised for leukaemia research.
Master of Ceremonies Bruce Eva interviews Lord Ian Botham.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
“Lord Ian spoke for an hour and a half then answered questions from the floor for nearly an hour,” Mr Rowe said.
“He didn’t hold back and afterwards was so good with his time, posing for photographs and signing autographs.
“Many people came up to me and said ‘well done on getting someone of his repute’. We had incredible feedback.”
Stay tuned because efforts are being undertaken to have Lord Ian return to ClubMulwala, with Australian great Merv Hughes.
