The All Stars, featuring players from Lakes Entrance and Eden, batted first and compiled 138 with Lachie Uniake (24), Rip Harrison (19), Bruce Pascoe (14) and Jesse Nation (13) the top scorers.

Mallacoota went in to bat after tea and had great contributions form Paul Preston (21), Tom Reichelt (28), Dennis Brownlie (23) and Biggsy (15) to sneak past the All Stars’ total to finish on 143.

The reconciliation match was again well supported by the township with Gary Warren and Peter Wong leading a team of United Nations volunteers in the catering division while Lyn Harwood, Annette Peisley, Melinda Beacham, Jean Nickels, Jenny Mason, Ros Macvean, Debbie Preston and the cast of Ben Hur looked after the staging.

Jaquie Wilson took the photos, Cam Armstrong and Paul Preston were amazing throughout the day (and evening) and the musicians gave the crowd some old classics at the end of the day.

Kevin Chase Sr toiled throughout the day with the umpiring duties to ensure justice was done and Duncan Findlay was a decoration to the game on the score book.

Every player and official received a commemorative cricket shirt thanks to the generous support of East Gippsland Shire and Bendigo Bank. Mallacoota South East Home Hardware provided the caps.

Mallacoota Health Centre and Lakes Entrance Community Health provided transport and Mallacoota Cricket Club and Mallacoota Butchers were generous contributors to the day once again.

Daniel Preston accepted the Bidwell-Maap Shield from Connie Harrison, Rhonda Mongta and Carmel Harrison. Councillor Freshwater from the Shire was once again a keen spectator throughout the day and provided an encouraging perspective on the game and the celebration.

It was a great way for Bidwell-Maap to begin the year because over the next two years a team of workers from the community will work with the Department of Sustainability and Environment in registering and protecting cultural sites within the National Park surrounding the township of Mallacoota.

Aboriginal people wishing to be involved in the training and works program should contact Daryl Burns (Mallacoota DSE office) or Bruce Pascoe Bidwell-Maap secretary on (03) 5158 8281.