An international cricket tour began in Willetton on Friday when the Heligoland Pilgrims Cricket Club played its first Australian match against the Willetton Crows at Burrendah Oval.
The pilgrims, based in Germany, were visiting Western Australia as part of a two-week tour that included matches in Perth and the South West. The touring side included players from Germany, Australia, India, Wales and Hong Kong.
Club treasurer and Perth organiser Campbell Jefferys said the tour marked the furthest the club had ever travelled.
“The club is based on an island, and the players like visiting other islands, including the island continent. The goal is to play cricket, meet the locals, enjoy the refreshments of our sponsor and have fun,” he said.
The Willetton match was the opening game of the tour and came about through Jeffery’s connection with local cricket.
Jefferys, who is from Perth and has lived in Germany for 26 years, had previously played for Swanbourne Cricket Club and met Willetton Crows representative Rob Sims through WA Veterans Cricket in 2022.
The two stayed in contact and later confirmed Willetton as the first fixture.
The Pilgrims batted the first and scored 3 for 123. All team members batted, with seven retiring to ensure everyone had time at the crease. Willetton replied with 9 for 123. The hosts chose not to run on several balls in the hope of forcing a tie, but the winning run was eventually scored.
Several notable moments occurred during the match. Pilgrims president Moritz Hagenmeyer became the first German to take a wicket in Australia and later the first German to drop a catch. A Willetton player, Tim, fielded for the visitors and took a catch that drew applause from both teams.
Tom was the top scorer for Willetton with 30 runs, while Mithun scored 30 for the Pilgrims. The best bowling figures were recorded by Tom with 1 for 10 and Campbell Jefferys with 3 for 22. David took two caught and bowled wickets, diving forward on both occasions.
Hagenmeyer said the team was excited to finally begin the tour after years of planning.
“The tour is a dream cone true for the Pilgrims, especially those whose enthusiasm extends their abilities,” he said.
“Once again, their unusual club can prove that cricket is more than just a sport. They hope to meet like-minded opponents, expect to have lots of fun and are curious to find out what distinguishes Australian sides from others they have played before.”
Reflecting on the match, Hagenmeyer said the players enjoyed meeting local cricketers and were impressed by the facilities at Willetton. He noted the contrast with the initial number of cricket ovals in Germany.
He said the experience met the club’s expectations after five years in the making and added that the players were enjoying themselves so much they did not want the game to end.
Willetton Crows representative Rob Sims said the club was honoured to host the Pilgrims for the opening match of their tour.
“Very honoured. This game was five years in the making and it is terrific they are finally here,” he said.
“The game was played in great spirit and friendliness. The teams all enjoyed the experience.”
Sims said the Willetton side was made up of local club members and junior players, with interest from within the club to take part. He said many club members, local residents and family members attended to watch the game and meet visitors.
He said the day highlighted the shared multicultural backgrounds of both teams and the value of community sport.
“Happy atmosphere, wonderful rapport between the teams and a wonderful start to the Pilgrims tour,” he said.
The Pilgrims were also raiding money for a school in Ukraine, a cause the club had supported for the past three years though fundraising during matches.
The Willetton fixture marked the Heligoland Pilgrims Cricket Club’s first match in Australia since the club was founded in 2012.
