Great Britain Beat Australia As Transplant Cricketers Play International

Great Britain Beat Australia As Transplant Cricketers Play International

John Soldan is pictured with Matt Johnson and the Australian captain

©Dulwich CC

Dulwich Cricket Club was delighted to host a very special cricket match last week when the Great Britain Transplant XI played the Australian Transplant XI in a one-day international cricket game. The match played last week was also timed to coincide with Organ Transplant awareness week.

The limited overs match was played for the David Hookes Memorial Shield which was won by the Great Britain X1. The day was sponsored by Dulwich member, Matt Johnson. Matt manages CAM Specialist Support.

All the players involved in the game have received life changing, and very often life saving, organ transplants that have transformed their lives. The players include some who have endured thrice weekly dialysis and those who have received donated hearts, kidneys, lungs and livers. The “transplant players” have been given the chance to continue playing the sport they love through the generosity of their donors.

The tourists asked to play at Dulwich as David Hookes played for Dulwich in 1975 before becoming a State player. He played 23 Test Matches, was Chairman of South Australia and then became manager of the Victorian State Side. David died in tragic circumstances in January 2004 and donated his organs, helping to save or dramatically improve the lives of 10 recipients. 

The Great Britain team batted first scoring 254 all out with Hannay 55, Chillcott 48 and Williams taking 5-27. In reply the Australians made 179 all out with a top score from Arthy of 68 and Hannay taking 4-31. Paul Hannay was unsurprisingly man of the match as Great Britain won the international by 75 runs.

His widow, Robyn, who travelled from Australia was present at the match. She is the Director of the David Hookes Foundation which has the objective of increasing the number of organ donors: increasing the public awareness of the need for organ donors and educating families to support the decision of their loved one to donate organs.

John Soldan, who was the captain of Dulwich in 1976 when Hookes played at Dulwich, was instrumental in arranged the match. John was privileged to receive a special tribute from a tearful Robyn Hookes who presented John with a cricket jumper from David’s last test appearance for Australia. The whole day was very special to all the participants and the host club with surprisingly the English weather allowing a full game.

Further information can be obtained from Dulwich Cricket Club president, John Smith by phone to 020 7733 5520 or by email at john@jgsmith.org.uk or from John Soldan on 01926 499 052 or email at john17838@btinternet.com