It is with a heavy heart that the club today announces that our overseas couple, Tristan and Bee Wakefield, will be returning home to Australia on May 9th due to personal reasons.
Tristan dominated his first UK summer in 2017 with bat and ball – slamming a whirlwind 172 vs Plymouth whilst racking up 612 runs at 47.08. Tristan also claimed 16 wickets with the new ball in his hand at an average of just 21.06. Off the field, Tristan and Bee were always willing to help the club in anyway, with Tristan coaching our young colts on a Monday night, Bee running a fantastic fantasy cricket league, whilst both were willing to get stuck in with painting and decorating at our work parties.
Tristan expressed his thanks on behalf of the couple and reflected on their time in the UK – “This has been a very difficult decision, and one that was not made lightly. However the time is right for us to return and I want to thank the club and all its members for being so welcoming and having the faith in me to perform for the 1st XI. It has been an experience of a lifetime and the memories and friends that we have made here, will stay with me forever. We will be tuning in to see how the guys go and I can safely say, I am proud to be part of the Charger family. Thank you all for your continued support and I hope that we can meet up with you all for a drink prior to heading back.”
Club Chairman Jerry Crouch commented “It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Tristan and Bee prematurely. They have not only been incredible professionals, but great friends to everyone here at Ashburton Cricket Club and no doubt we will all keep in touch via internet. We all wish them every success for their future.”
The club will be holding a farewell send-off after cricket on Saturday 5th May at the clubhouse where all members are welcome to say their goodbyes.
Please also use the comments box below to wish them both safe travels or you can contact the couple directly on tawakes@bigpond.net.au
Tristan and Bee you will be sorely missed and we will all look back on the memories of 2017 with fondness. We wish you both all the happiness as you return home.
