Lawyer returns from international cricket win

A Woy Woy lawyer has returned victorious as a member of the Australian team which won the seventh Lawyers Cricket World Cup.

Mr Dominic Tonkin has returned to Tonkin and Drysdale Partners from Hamilton, New Zealand, where he played in the two-week tournament.

The Australian team defeated Sri Lanka in the final at test match venue, Seddon Park, on January 9, chasing down a total of 219 for the loss of just one wicket.

The Lawyers Cricket World Cup is held every two years.

Countries like India and Pakistan have several former first-class players in their sides and go through a rigorous grading process to select their best 11.

But Mr Tonkin said, that in true Aussie style, the process was a little more laid back here.

"There's an Australian Lawyers Cricket Council that you have to be a member of, but beyond that you just have to apply and the committee approves applications based on character and playing experience.

"There were a few training sessions before we left and so we had a bit of an idea of which new players could play," he said.

While Australia lost to India in the pool stage, the side upset the previously unbeaten Pakistan team in the semi-final to qualify for the final.

"We kept them to 148 runs, and we were able to chase it down losing only four wickets," Mr Tonkin said.

Mr Tonkin scored 43 not out from 35 balls that day, batting at number six.

"Batting in the middle order behind some quality batsman, I often wasn't required to contribute much with the bat during the tournament.

"It was nice to play a part when the team needed it to get into the final," he said.

Mr Tonkin said the non-cricket activities were just as important and were a factor in his hope to return in two years when the tournament will be held in Trinidad and Tobago.

"There's a serious side to the cricket but the tournament has a number of functions and a conference outside of the matches for networking, continuing education and building friendships," Mr Tonkin said.

"The motto of the tour is Cricket for Friendship and you can definitely feel that.

"Within the Australian squad, and among the other nations, there were national and international leaders in their practice areas, as well as members of the judiciary.

"It was fantastic to be able to learn from these leaders in our field in this sporting environment.

"I'm very interested in playing again in two years," Mr Tonkin said.

SOURCE:

Media release, 20 Jan 2020

Alison Stele, Brilliant Logic