Brent Young, son of Ian Young, and Mowbray captain Clinton Reid with the Ian Young Memorial Trophy. Picture: PHILLIP BIGGS
FORMER Australian captain Ricky Ponting wanted to play but won't be lining up this year when his old club Mowbray takes on South Launceston in the second Ian Young Memorial match today.
In a game of great sentimental importance, the two clubs will play for the Ian Young Memorial Trophy which honours the cricket coach and curator who had close ties with both clubs until his death in October 2010.
The trophy also commemorates the close ties between the Ponting and Young families.
``Dad coached both clubs and he had an affectionate relationship with Ricky when he was 14 or 15 as a mentor before he went away to the cricket academy,'' Brent Young said.
``He kept in touch with Rick and we've always had a good relationship with Graeme and Lorraine and their family.
``When Dad passed away both the clubs came up with the idea to do something in his name and Mowbray and South were always dear to his heart as well as the Ponting family.
``It's great and humbling that they have acknowledged that on behalf of the family.''
The inaugural game last year ended in a draw and this year's trophy winner will be adjudicated on first innings points in the two-day fixture.
``Through Ricky's association with Kookaburra . . . there will be a full kit donated for the man of the match and that will be an ongoing prize,'' Young said.
``At some stage Rick has promised us he will come down and play in the match when he can make it.''
Mowbray captain Clinton Reid remembered Young coaching his club when Reid was 10.
``It's an honour to be able to play in this memorial game and Ian had a great association and love for our club as he did with South,'' Reid said.
``He was also helpful to me with my cricket in my junior days which I remember vividly.
``We did ring Ricky, out of respect, for the game to see if he could play but he is very busy at the moment - but he will play at some stage.''