Agency all stars vs publisher legends at UNLTD’s ‘Big Clash’ cricket match on March 3, in Sydney
The pre-match banter in the lead up to Tuesday’s Big Clash cricket match is heating up.
Presented by Fairfax Media, the “Big Clash” will see rival media agencies unite for the day against a combined team of competing media owners, in a special 20/20 charity cricket match for industry foundation UN LTD.
While they’re usually going in to bat against each other over clients and campaigns – the teams will put the media game aside when they take the field at Sydney Uni Oval.
Generous pre-match pledges have already smashed the initial $20,000 fundraising target. More than $22,000 has been raised for youth disadvantage to date – and some of the industry’s most prolific batsman believe there’s scope for the event to attract even more funds, through fan participation on the day.
Says Chris Freel from Fairmax Media, captaining the media owner team: “There will be plenty of half time entertainment, crowd participation and lots of opportunity to get involved and contribute on the day.”
In addition to the winning team trophy, prizes to be collected on the day include: a signed Perth Scorchers Winning Premiers team shirt, donated by the Big Bash League and a cricket bat donated by ARN and signed by their key talent.
Says Freel: “It promises to be a smashing day out and all in aid of a very good cause so we’re inviting the whole industry to come along, support and enjoy the fun.”
Says Olly Smith, Sydney sales director at JC Decaux: “Those agency boys have been sneaking in extra net sessions. They’re taking things very seriously but had better be prepared for a tough contest. Having seen a couple of them in the nets it could be more embarrassing for them than some of England’s recent games.”
Says Mark Coad, CEO at PHD: “These publisher boys have nothing. They’re all talk and no trousers.”
Says Paul Brooks, managing director Amplifi at Dentsu Aegis Group: “I am looking forward to the Clash. What the agency side lack in youth, fitness, ability and teamwork, should be enough.”
Says Mark Frain, national sales director at MCN: “I think the game will be like the pointy end of a media negotiation. Don’t pay attention and the added value will come in the form of chin music.”
It will be down to match umpires Leigh Terry and John Sintras to keep the sledging at bay on the day, and they expect an epic battle.
Says Leigh: “We expect the sledging ability on show to be world class. Let’s hope the sporting ability can match it.”
Says Carol Morris, UN LTD general manager: “The funds raised so far, and the widespread support behind this event is just remarkable. I think we can safely say The Big Clash looks likely to become an annual event for UN LTD and we couldn’t be happier.”
The event kicks off at 4pm although gates open from 3pm. There will be food and drinks laid on by sponsors and a $10 admission cost, all of which will be donated directly to UNLTD.
The “Big Clash”
20/20 Charity Cricket Match
Agency All Stars v Publisher Legends
Time: 4pm
Date: Tuesday 3 March
Venue: Sydney Uni Oval, Camperdown
After party sponsored by Fairfax and News Ltd to be held in The Grandstand at the oval.
To make a donation to UN LTD in support of The Big Clash, click here.
To get involved as a sponsor please contact: ebony@unltd.org.au.
Publisher Legends
Captain: Chris Freel – Fairfax Media
Tom Armstrong – Fairfax Media
Neil Robinson – News Corp
Olly Newton – JCDecaux
Gerard Doyle – Nine
Nick Randall – Fairfax Media Radio
Guy Burbidge – Inception
Philip Booth – Seven Network
Shae Bonney – MCN
Mark Frain – MCN
James Rowlings – oOh!
Tony Bell – The Guardian
Matt Granger – ARN
Mark Griffiths
Agency All Stars
Captain: Brett Dawson – Bohemia
Mark Jarrett – OMD
Danny Bass – Group M
Paul Brooks – Dentsu Aegis
Bryan Magee – Ikon
Luke Hutchinson – The Media Store
Ben Taylor – Vizeum
Toby Hack – PHD
Mark Coad – PHD
Tom Bartlam – Astus
James Zipeure – Havas
Patrick Whitnall – Starcom
Daniel King – Mediacom
Lachlan Jones – Foundation
Umpires:
John Sintras – Starcom
Leigh Terry – Omnicom