Sport
13 February, 2026
Tigers lead the pink charge
WHEN it comes to promoting awareness and raising funds for the Cancer Council, the Merrivale Cricket Club leads from the front.
The Tigers’ close-knit community has become well known across the district for its ‘pink stumps’ initiative and for encouraging open conversations surrounding all manner of cancers.
Club secretary Nick Sinnott said the club was always proud to be involved in such a “great cause” as promoting cancer awareness and doing what they could to raise vital funds for cancer research and programs.
“We really had a month-long awareness campaign which not only involved our senior sides but also our juniors which was terrific,” Sinnott said.
“Our under 13s were eager to wear pink zinc and pink caps for their game against Allansford on January 31, which was played on the same day as the threes which worked out well.
“Allansford is another club that always jumps on board and shows great support; they also wore pink pads and used pink balls and there was a lot of chatter and some money raised in the clubrooms after the games which was terrific.”
With Cricket Australia hosting its annual Pink Test during the Ashes series, Sinnott believes the timing of the local campaign also helped contribute to its success.
“People are always well aware of the Pink Test for the Jane McGrath Foundation so it’s great to be able to continue that train of thought locally,” Sinnott said.
“I think we raised around $1,000 this year for the Cancer Council which was great. But it’s not just about the fundraising it’s also, just as importantly, about awareness and sharing inspirational stories.”
Among those inspirational stories was that of local woman Jess Tobin-Salznan.
“Jess was a guest speaker at the club and her story really is an inspirational one,” Sinnott said.
“My mum was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2018 and just a few months later Jess was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma – and she was only 19; a young woman studying, playing netball and enjoying life.
“Her story is one of courage and determination. She endured chemotherapy during the isolating Covid period but now she is in her 20s, doing well and back playing netball.”
According to Sinnott, Jess shares the important story of positivity and life after cancer diagnosis.
“By no means do you ever get over a cancer diagnosis but you do learn to deal with it and live the best you can.
“We (at Merrivale) have a proud history of club involvement with pink stumps day and will continue to do so.
“There’s many benefits to being part of something greater than ourselves.”
