Winemakers and comedians don whites for CFS fundraiser

The Barossa’s sportiest winemakers will face off against a motley crew of Fringe comedians for the Southern Barossa Alliance’s second annual SA Country Fire Service cricket fundraiser. Set to take over the Barossa’s Lyndoch Oval on Sunday, March 1, this year’s event promises more tongue-in-cheek sledging, abundant drinks breaks and gripping cricket than ever. Competition is sure to be especially fierce for this year’s grudge match, with the winemakers hoping to restore honour to the region following last year’s flogging at the hands of comedians such as Jon Brooks and Tom Gleeson. “Last year was an absolute white-wash on the part of the comedians – I’m pretty sure long-standing family dynasties in the Barossa were shattered by the epic humiliation they suffered on the day,” comedian and organiser Jon Brooks explains. Although the competitive aspect of the series remains (“Our win was mostly due to the winemakers thinking this was a charity event and not a gladiatorial death match,” says Brooks), cricket fans can expect plenty of jokes and cheeky subterfuge. “Blatant cheating, player substitution, bodyline bowling and drinking wine while at the non-striker’s end or in the field are the order of the day,” he says. Last year’s line-up featured big hitters like comedian Heath Franklin, the UK’s Jimmy McGhie and winemaker Mark Creed, but for the moment they’re keeping their cards close to their chest. “It’s basically to maximise our cheating on the day,” Brooks jokes. “We’re trying to get some Big Bash League players or ex-Redbacks to do an open mic comedy night, so we can legitimately include them on our team,” he laughs. “If you’ve got a number for Steve Waugh or Tubby Taylor, I can get them a cheeky five at the Rhino Room to get their comedian stripes. ABC 891 stars Peter Goers and Michael Smyth are set to return as official commentators for the match, with a bevy of comedians sure to join them on the microphone for some high grade – and occasionally low brow – sideline sledging. In stark contrast to the on-field shenanigans, attendees can also expect to be thoroughly bowled over by some of the best wine and gourmet food from the region. As with last year’s event, the match will raise money for the CFS, a cause made especially poignant following the devastating bushfire still raging in the Adelaide Hills. Match goers can expect a range of fundraising events including grape crushing and a post-match comedy show, not to mention plenty of can rattling throughout the day. CFS Fundraiser: Winemakers vs. Comedians
 Sunday, March 1
 Lyndoch Oval, Barossa Valley facebook.com/BarossaCFScricket Photos: Peter Franz and Jon Brooks