Wanderers, Karoonda will compete for 2022 Mateship Trophy

This post was contributed by Joseph Di Santo.

For Remembrance Round this week in the Murray Towns Cricket Association, the A grade game of the round will be between Wanderers and Karoonda at Murray Bridge Showground.

The two clubs will compete for a Remembrance Day Mateship Trophy.

Wanderers will be looking to retain the trophy after they defeated Jervois last season, in the inaugural clash, by one run.

The player of the match will be awarded the Di Santo Medallion, which acknowledges the Di Santo family’s contribution to cricket and military service in the region.

The trophy will be competed for annually on the nearest Saturday before Remembrance Day.

The Wanderers Cricket Club will host a different club each year, giving an opportunity for all clubs within the association to participate.

Ex-Army man and Wanderers vice president Richard Elliott said he looked forward to the match.

“Last year’s game was a low-key event due to COVID restrictions being enforced,” he said.

“This year we will be aiming to get more attention.

“To have the Di Santo family on board is fitting, as they have been a part of our club since the 1980s and you cannot deny their contribution to the Australian Defence Force, particularly in our local area.

“Our club sees this as something quite unique and something to be proud of.”

Family spokesperson, Army Reservist and former Wanderers cricketer Joseph Di Santo said he was humbled that the MTCA and the club would again acknowledge the Di Santos’ contributions.

“Our family’s local cricket and military journey is over 35 years old,” he said.

“The trophy not only acknowledges our family’s history, but also represents the sacrifices of all local service personnel and the many volunteers that work tirelessly behind the screens to keep the game and their organisations going.

“We choose the name ‘mateship’ as it’s one of the Army’s values and a reflection of the many friendships made over the years thanks to the game – it’s our way of giving back to the community.”

Mr Di Santo joined the Army 26 years ago and represented the South Australian Army Team on numerous occasions as well as playing 10 seasons for Wanderers.

His grandfather, Eddie Cornish, played in the Sydney district competition before joining the Australian Imperial Force during World War II, and went on to be a well-respected umpire in the Orange District Cricket Association.

His mother, Helen, served as an officer with the 45th Army Cadet Unit in Murray Bridge for 20 years; and his brother Charles, an ex-Wanderers cricketer, is currently serving as an officer in the regular Australian Army.

Proceedings on Saturday will get underway at 12.15pm with a brief ceremony preceding play.

Your support can help Murray Bridge News tell more important local stories – subscribe today.