The Master Blaster, Viv Richards, to speak at Ballina event
Ballina Seagulls Rugby League Club has pulled off a major coup, with the West Indian cricket legend, Sir Viv Richards, to be the guest speaker at a Sportsman’s Dinner on Saturday, February 20, 2010.
Sir Viv will give a 45-minute talk. Former Australian paceman Rodney Hogg also will speak on the night.
Ballina Seagulls secured the coup last week. Without advertising the event, it had already sold about 100 tickets by Friday night as not just cricket fans, but sports fans in general, rushed to get tickets.
Such has been the response that the club is considering shifting the venue from inside the club to an outside marquee.
Seagulls Leagues Club can hold a crowd of 140 in comfort, but with the response already received, the club believes it might be worth the extra expense to set up a marquee which could hold as many as 300 guests.
Ballina Seagulls were offered the chance to host Sir Viv after holding a dinner in 2008 featuring Hogg, Doug Walters and David Boon.
The speakers’ representative told secretary-manager Mark Cribb that there was a possibility that Sir Viv would be available in February 2010, and Cribb was informed last week of his availability.
He had no hesitation in accepting the offer.
Sir Viv scored 8540 runs in 121 Test matches at an average of 50.23, including 24 centuries. Sir Viv won 27 of 50 matches as a Test captain, and lost only eight.
Tickets to the dinner on February 20 cost $120 and include a two-course meal and some drinks. For bookings, phone Mark Cribb on 6686 8100 or 0401 597798.
