Thomson, Lamb face off in lead-up to Ashes

Former English cricketer Allan Lamb, Star News Group competition winner Paul Birchall, former Victorian cricketer Darren Berry, competition winner Leanne Paul and ex-Australian fast bowler Jeff Thomson at the sportsman’s night at Cranbourne Racing Club last week.Former English cricketer Allan Lamb, Star News Group competition winner Paul Birchall, former Victorian cricketer Darren Berry, competition winner Leanne Paul and ex-Australian fast bowler Jeff Thomson at the sportsman’s night at Cranbourne Racing Club last week.

TWO former Australian and English cricketers descended on Cranbourne last week for an entertaining sportsman’s night in the lead-up to the Ashes.
Australian paceman Jeff Thomson and English batsman Allan Lamb had the crowd on edge when they spoke at the Cranbourne Racing Club about the glory days of cricket during the 1970s and ’80s.
Two lucky locals, Cranbourne North resident Paul Birchall and Narre Warren cricket fan Leanne Paul, won a Star News Group competition and received free ticket to the Positive Move event.
Paul and Leanne also met the speakers and fired off some questions of their own.
Thomson, a true entertainer and larrikin, had the crowd containing many local cricketers in fits of laughter with his tale about the first time he met Australian legend Dennis Lillee.
Former Hallam boy Darren Berry hosted the night and got the former test greats to give their opinion on the upcoming Ashes series.