Newcastle cricket clubs Waratah Mayfield and University of Newcastle will contest the inaugural Sleapy's Foundation Cricket Cup on Saturday, aiming to raise funds and awareness for the charity. The event is inspired by Sleapy's Day, a major fixture in the Newcastle Rugby League calendar that has raised tens of thousands of dollars annually since 2010 for those battling cancer and facing adversity.
Peter Sleap, a former South Newcastle rugby league player and life member, launched Sleapy's Day a year after battling throat cancer. The foundation is now on track to help more than 200 people this year. Waratah Mayfield committee member Mitch Salter said the idea came from a sponsor, and the clubs hope the cricket cup becomes a long-lasting partnership.
University of Newcastle Cricket Club president Fleet Calder-Hoinville said it was a 'no-brainer' to support the foundation. The clubs will play across four grades on Saturday, with points from each game determining the Cup winner. Lower-grade matches have been brought forward to allow players to gather at Waratah Oval for the first-grade match.
Shout Brewing Co has donated cases of a specially made Clyde Street Lager, with all proceeds going to Sleapy's Foundation. Activations, raffles, and prize draws will be held at The Stag & Hunter Hotel after the Cup presentation. Sleapy's Foundation director Scott Pfeiffer confirmed that all funds raised stay local.
Two club milestones will also be recognized at Waratah Oval on Saturday. University's James Wallace, 49, took his 500th wicket last Saturday, while Waratah's Adam Lowe, 57, became the club's third player to reach 500 senior games. Lowe credited 'mateship' and family involvement for his long tenure at the club.
