As another brutal summer scorches the land, communities across the nation brace for the threat of wildfire. The searing heat and tinder-dry conditions serve as a stark reminder of past devastation, but also of the resilience that can emerge from the ashes. In the rural heart of Victoria, that resilience found an unexpected symbol: a cricket match.
The small, neighboring communities of Sarsfield and Clifton Creek were among the hardest hit during the catastrophic bushfires several years ago. For many residents, rebuilding meant starting from nothing. Amid the long recovery, a unique idea took root within the local volunteer fire brigade. Seeking a way to foster connection and lift spirits, they conceived a friendly sporting contest.
The centerpiece of the event was a handcrafted trophy, an urn turned from tea tree wood salvaged from the smoldering peat fires that had plagued the area. Dubbed the “Sandhill Ashes,” after the ridge separating the two towns, it became the prize for a new local rivalry.
The inaugural match, held in early 2021, was an immediate success. Teams donned sponsored kits, practices were held with gusto, and the event drew support from notable figures in the sport who ran clinics for participants. The day was less about elite athleticism and more about communal joy—a mix of enthusiastic amateurs, spectacular dropped catches, and runs scored in unorthodox fashion, all enjoyed by a crowd of neighbors sharing food and drink.
Beyond the fun, the game served a deeper purpose. It successfully drew in individuals who had withdrawn following the trauma of the fires, offering a positive shared experience that helped some reconnect with their community. The ripple effects were lasting. The event inspired the revival of the long-dormant Sarsfield Cricket Club, which now competes locally and has even claimed a recent premiership.
The Sandhill Ashes have been contested twice more since, with the trophy currently residing in Clifton Creek. The next clash is scheduled for 2027, a testament to the tradition’s staying power.
Today, with the landscape once again parched and alarms sounding, residents remain vigilant. One local, who lost his home in the earlier fires, reflects on the changed environment with a pragmatic eye, noting the increasing frequency of extreme heat, winds, and fires. His rebuilt home incorporates more flame-resistant materials, and the garden is carefully maintained, yet he acknowledges the formidable power of an approaching blaze.
His philosophy extends even to cherished possessions lost in the fire, including a collection of prized cricket memorabilia. While the physical items are gone, the memories endure—much like the spirit of a community that chose to come together not just to rebuild houses, but to reignite its heart through a simple game on a summer’s day.