age_master
Well-known member
Ian Healy's niece has been picked in the Barker College 1st XI, she is the first girl to be picked to play in a major private girls 1st's in NSW. Some old boy from Barker has stirred up abit of controversy by saying that she should not have even been allowed to try out for the boys team.
Here is an article from todays Daily Telegraph
Here is an article from todays Daily Telegraph
Personally i think its fantastic for girls cricket that she has made the team, and she will probably do very well for them. But alot of people would say that if a girl can play in a boys cricket team why caant a boy play in a netball or softball team, surely that would only be fair? What do people think?Healy niece hit in sexist email row
By Leticia Makin and James Phelps
October 31, 2006 12:00
Article from: The Daily Telegraph
TEST legend Ian Healy's 16-year-old niece is under attack in a malicious email campaign after she became the first girl to be picked for the first XI cricket team at an elite private school.
The email, allegedly sent by a Barker College Old Boy, calls for keeper and batswoman Alyssa Healy to be kicked off the team and describes her selection as an "attack that cannot be accepted".
The Daily Telegraph has obtained a copy of the email in which the author slams Barker College's decision to select a female in the first XI.
"In 2006 the institution that has been the male first XI Barker team has been challenged, by a girl named Alyssa Healy," the email reads.
"Her uncle is famous Australian keeper Ian Healy. To the amazement of many, Alyssa was able to trial for the First XI and subsequently awarded a place. It is time this disgraceful situation is quickly amended.
"Clearly this is an attack that cannot be accepted. All ex-students must join in fighting this outrageous decision."
The Old Barker Association has distanced itself from the email despite it carrying the organisation's letterhead.
Last night Australia's best-ever wicket keeper Ian Healy slammed it.
"Did he name any of these wonderful athletes Barker has put out?" he said in reference to claims.
"I wouldn't waste my breath on this guy (email author). I only have a certain amount of breath and I wouldn't waste any of it talking to that bloke."
Barker sports master Matt Macoustra said the anonymous attack was the work of a coward.
"I find it gutless and shameful that this person would speak about a child in this way without thinking about the ramifications for a kid who comes to school expecting to be safe from this kind of attack," he said.
Old Barker Association president Ben Ansen denied the old boys are involved.
Australian women's cricket star and former Barker student Alex Blackwell said she was offended at being named in the email as having been a good female cricketer who played in the college's female side.
"I commend her for wanting to play in the (male) team," she said.
Principal Dr Roderic Kefford said the school supported Alyssa and the email was a cowardly act.