Wippa’s cricket team triumphs over PM at Kirribilli House

The iconic lawns of Kirribilli House became the ultimate backyard battleground yesterday as Fitzy, Wippa & Kate’s Backyard Cricket made its return, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joining the annual charity showdown of sporting heroes and media personalities.

On Fitzy’s team were the PM, Susie O’Neill, James Bracey, Julia Morris, Richard Wilkins, Allison Langdon, Dr Andrew Rochford, Mick Ennis and young cricketers Patrick and Declan.

Joining Wippa’s team were Kate Ritchie, Jim Jefferies, Matt ‘Shirvo’ Shirvington, Amy Shark. Ben Fordham, Michael Hooper, James Tedesco and young cricketers Jamie and Summa.

Supporting Full Stop Australia and Batyr Australia, the annual match saw Team Fitzy and Team Wippa go head-to-head for backyard glory, with Wippa providing his trademark commentary as the action unfolded.

Nova 106.9 co-host and Olympian Susie O’Neill opened the batting before being dismissed by comedian Jim Jefferies, while Julia Morris suffered an early (but very entertaining) setback after forgetting to run.

Young Nova listener Jamie produced one of the plays of the day, bowling out former NRL star Mick Ennis, while Seven’s Matt Shirvington and Nine’s James Bracey took some friendly network rivalry onto the pitch.

Richard Wilkins, making his fifth Backyard Cricket appearance, raised laughter with his questionable strike rate.

Kate Ritchie proved to be the surprise package of the match, pulling off a diving stumping behind the wicket before opening the batting and launching a six straight into Sydney Harbour.

Wippa also claimed a key wicket with a catch that sent out Ally Langdon, who later took to the bowling crease herself, only to watch NRL Superstar James Tedesco send the ball over the fence and into the water.

When the dust settled, it was another win for Wippa’s XI. They lifted the Backyard Cricket trophy, with Kate Ritchie emerging as the unlikely cricketing star of the day.

But the biggest victory belonged to Full Stop Australia and Batyr Australia, with the charities receiving $10,000 donations from Nova 96.9 and MILO.

Images supplied by NOVA Entertainment.