For the third straight year The Mantra Group organised the now annual ‘Cricket’ Match on Reynolds Park Port Douglas to bring their yearly Red Cross fundraising activities to its sensational crescendo.

Three teams participated from the properties of Mantra Port Douglas and a combined Mantra Cairns and Palm Cove plus a team comprised of their suppliers.

The term cricket is a little loose when applied to this annual extravaganza which generates a tremendous amount of money for the Red Cross Foundation but it also fires up a sizeable amount of on-going inter group rivalry with many old scores being settled amongst the often overly competitive management and occasional ‘casuals’.

Naturally each and every game is played in the best possible sporting nature with the girls mixing and matching the boys in both ability and enthusiasm.  No quarter was given or asked for resulting in some memorable cricketing moments that would have graced the MCG and will live in the annuls of this epic sporting occasion on Reynolds Park (or the PDCG as we like to call it) for many years to come.

Breathtaking catches both in the deep and I mean deep, stupendous catches at close range, monster sixes and fielding performances that will need no exaggeration (although that may be difficult to resist).  All this amazing athleticism and enthusiasm helps to consolidate the Mantra Group Red Cross Cricket comp legend.

Great hospitality was shared by all the players, their families and the bemused spectators who had never seen anything quite like this but the sausage sizzle and seemingly unending cold beverages helped to unravel any confusion or uncalled for professionalism.

Sandra Holmes from the Red Cross Foundation gratefully acknowledged the news that, after the year round fundraising raffles plus the auction on the day, her foundation would be receiving the phenomenal total of $9,000.00.

The Mantra Group are the largest fundraising organisation for The Red Cross Foundation in Queensland and they should give themselves a big pat on the back for such a brilliant concept that sees thousands of dollars raised and brings so much joy to the assembled crowds and players said North Queensland Regional Manager Winston Hall

He congratulated his team and their contractors they engaged with on a daily basis for continuing to raise the bar each year.