Pals reach Lords

By Kath Gannaway
HEALESVILLE’S international cricket adventurers Josh Ogilvie and Rick Liston made it to Lords in time for the Ashes … as planned.
Importantly, along the way, they may have discovered an untapped source of cricket talent to put Ashes glory back in Australia’s hands.
“The Russians and Mongolians took to it really well,” said Josh who has returned to work at Innocent Bystander in Healesville, while Rick opted for further adventure in Africa.
“They didn’t know the game. but they’re strong, fit men over there. Their national sport in Mongolia is wrestling, and it’s amazing how well they played,” he said.
From their Mongrel Downs practice pitch at Badger Creek, the pair made their way as Johnnie Walker Local to Lords Ambassadors on a three-month innings through South East Asia, China, Mongolia, Russia to England and Lords. “It was fantastic to finally arrive. We flew in in time for the second test at Lords which is like the Boxing Day test in Melbourne,” said Josh. “When you work towards anything for 80 days it’s an amazing sense of achievement to finally get there. People flew in from all over the world to be at Lords for the Ashes but I don’t think any two people came further, or on a more round-about way, to get there,” he said.
While the destination was amazing, Josh said it was definitely the journey that will stay with them.
“Spending two weeks crossing Mongolia and Russia on the Trans-Siberian Railway really drove home to us that it is so much about the journey. Watching the world go by, through an unbelievable landscape is the most beautiful way to travel,” he said. Highlights are problematic. “It’s like on the cricket replay, but just one highlight after another.
Pushed for just three, Mongolia rises to the surface instantly. “I would have to say horseback riding across the Mongolian plains is an amazing experience. I remember thinking as I was galloping back across the fields it’s probably about as free as I have ever felt.”
Staying in the ger (traditional Mongolian house) camps also rates.
“We stayed with the people in these camps and the landscape and topography is incredible. It’s isolated and cold, but incredibly beautiful.”
Taking part in a dragon boat race in a remote, rural village in China also has to rate as a highlight. They were invited after their cricket bat was mistaken for a paddle. Josh said they got a great reception from the Johnnie Walker team in England and as well as meeting some of the test players, did an interview with Cricket Australia.
From 10 hours of video clips a three-minute piece has been placed on Youtube which recorded 15,000 hits in the first week.