Sport
24 February, 2025
'Catches vs Keepers' raises $1293.50 with return of annual fundraiser
Return of Police vs Corrections hailed a success.
The return of the once-annual Ararat Police vs Hopkins Corrections Staff cricket match, a rivalry nicknamed 'Catchers vs Keepers' has been hailed a success after more than a decade's absence.
Acting Sergeant Nick Sorich said the aim bringing the tradition back was to promote inter-agency collaboration, staff wellbeing and to raise money for local charity groups.
The 2025 event held on Sunday, February 16, supported the Ararat Lions Club, Ararat Men's Shed and Blue-Ribbon Foundation Ararat Branch, raising $1293.50.
"It was a great day out and we were very pleased with the community support we received with lots of people coming to cheer us on," said Acting Sergeant Sorich.
Having won the bat flip, Corrections chose to bat first.
They set Police a target of 179, while 85 was all Police could manage in its innings.
"We had slightly altered the rules, as most of us were not cricket players," said Acting Sergeant Sorich.
"So if a team was all out, we just restarted the batting to reach the 20 overs."
The game also had four overs of 'Backyard Cricket Rules', with auto-wickey, six-and-out and one had, one bounce.
"When we moved to these overs it was fun and we were all laughing hard, even with the one hand, one bounce we still struggled to catch the ball," said Acting Sergeant Sorich.
Plans are already underway to have this event back for 2026.
"Everyone who played was really keen for this event to return," he said.