My parents made a lot of sacrifices to put my sister and I thorough high school. There was the school fees to begin with. Plus all the other costs that really added up. The books, stationary and uniforms for a start. Then, on top of that, I never went without when it came to sporting gear. My dad was a legend. If I need a new bat or some new boots, we would always go shopping. He and my mother paid for my cricket tour of the UK and even came to watch me play.

If I wanted $20 for beer, he told me to get a job. A very fair man.

At the time, Dr Patterson used to ramble on about how Knox would open doors in life and was a place that would give back to you what you put in. I think he was definitely right about putting in. I played sport, was part of cadets and in the school band. Sadly band camp was not that exciting. Even when there were girls there. I enjoyed many aspects of that school.

Yesterday, to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the OKCC (Old Boys Cricket), we played a game between current players and past players. A lot of the guys in the ‘Legends’ team were playing when I first joined the club 12 years ago. An amazing bunch of blokes who I really look up to and for a range of reasons (mainly old age or children) sadly no longer play.

It was great to catch up and share a few stories over a few beers, a BBQ and a game of cricket played in the right spirit.

When standing around after the game I realised something. My time at Knox was excellent. But it was only 6 years. I have spent twice that time out of school and still remain in touch with many guys from my year.  It continues to give many years after you leave those gates.

And that game of cricket yesterday embodied the spirit you share with all other men who went to the school.

Joining Old Boys cricket was an excellent decision. I don’t play as often as I used to, but for me it embodies why, despite negative publicity, that school will continue to turn out a great bunch of guys who add countless value to this country.