One of UnLtd’s blue ribband events saw the agency teams run riot in the women’s and men’s deciders in contentious conditions.
The Holdco Men’s outfit, led by Mindshare’s Alex Williams, edged out Team Tech in torrential rain, while the Agency women’s side, headed up by Thinkerbell’s Kathryn Furnari, had too many runs to take out the women’s competition.
The day was not without controversy.
Aside of playing a final in conditions more akin to snorkelling (we will come to that in a moment), the Indies were not amused by a couple of umpiring decisions
Thinkerbell’s Allesandro Vari hit a six AND out when he found a fielder on the rope, but the momentum of the catch clearly took fielder over the boundary.
Mi3 umpire Andrew Birmingham called it a six, but the decision was overturned after a hopeful review to DRS.
An indy player, who henceforth shall remain unnamed, took umbridge with the Holdco’s tactics, shouting out “(cheating) is standard holdco procedures”.
Captify’s Bradon Joel and B&T’s own Oliver Cerovic (who hit a six on the final ball) led the scoring.
Nonetheless, the men’s Holdco team was supreme irrespective of standard holdco procedures.
After an early burst by Indies debutant Cerovic, who had a pole and run out in the first over, team holdco went about their work with gusto, surety, arbitrage and flair.
Williams plundered 27 runs in seven balls in the ultimate captain’s knock and most entertaining batting of the day.
In the Media owners and Tech opening fixture, captain Mathew Coote put on an assured batting display of 19 runs to guide his charges to victory over the Media Owners who battled bravely after setting a total of 46 runs.
Seven’s Dan Sinfield and oOh!Media’s Brayden Morris rescued their innings, but fell short against a disciplined attack and some inspired fielding by the likes TikTok’s Sam Powell and Budcomms Richie Kenzie, who channelled Bambi on crack to take a catch that appeared regulation but was everything but.
The women’s decider was a fascinating fixture and well fought.
Kinesso’s Kaisha Kapaia plundered 21 runs in the Agencies innings, ably supported by Go Transit’s Marika James.
In the field they also excelled. Innovid’s Courtney Sharan, who claimed she had never bowled before, took a wicket with her first ball, followed by another two balls later, and then produced the most courageous bit of fielding when she used her face to block a certain four.
Anna Collin, also from oOh!Media was voted player of the match (see other accolades below).
In the men’s decider between Team Holdcos and Team Tech, the heavens burst open creating conditions rarely documented in cricketing annals.
Bear Meets Eagle On Fire’s Matt Lovich, who loves a Telstra ad, top scored with an assured knock, ably supported by Craig Bonser and Chris Greenfield.
TikTok’s Sam Powell (Team Tech) took some impressive catches during a storm, while all of the bowlers did well to not fall over in their deliveries. Shout outs to Mitch Lovich (bat and ball), Sam Masterton and Prabu Kiran for their efforts with the rock. Ice skating is easier than bowling and batting in this shit storm, but the show did go on.
A disciplined line and length by the HoldCo team, and a few rash shots from Team Tech proved the difference, but by the end most players (and umpires) were longing for a beer in the sheds.
The press conference
Kathryn Furnari, Captain of the Women’s Agency Team, said: “What a game! I’m so proud of the team and we’re thrilled to take home the trophy and the bragging rights. While the competition was tight, the atmosphere was incredibly supportive, with everyone cheering each other on. It was especially great to see so many people playing cricket for the first time and really getting stuck in.”
The wet weather didn’t dampen the spirits of spectators, who were treated to food, drinks and games by the series sponsors MiQ, Seven and QMS.
Chris Freel, chief revenue officer ANZ at MiQ, and the founder of the Big Clash series, said: “MiQ is proud to sponsor the Big Clash. What a great way to kick off the year and get together with the industry with some healthy competition while raising money for UnLtd to help youth at risk. Our industry is driven by connection and the Big Clash is an incredible way to connect and great to see so many new faces this year.”
The Players of the Day were Anna Collin and Mitch Lovich. The winners of Seven’s Fastest Bowler in Adland competition in Sydney were Lachlan Anderson and Anna Collin. Oliver Cerovic came second as player of the day and fastest bowler, and won’t stop going on about it. Thank you, UnLtd.
The Big Clash series continues in March, with Brisbane on 12 March and Adelaide on 26 March. Limited spots remain — those keen to play can contact [email protected]
Philippa Moig, CEO of UnLtd, said: “Congratulations to the winning teams and thank you to everyone who played, volunteered and cheered from the sidelines. In the era of AI, days like these are a great reminder of the importance of human connection – and our industry’s power to do good when we come together. I can’t wait to connect with the Brisbane and Adelaide community next as we continue the Big Clash series.”
