Debbie receives her 'player of the match' award. Photo © Barmy Army

The day after the third test was due to finish, the Barmy Army played another cricket match against a local side, again with predictable results.

Before that, with the England cricket team so thoughtfully giving the travelling fans a couple of extra days free time, the Barmy Army were left to find something else to do.

Some went sightseeing around Perth. Some played golf. Some returned to the hockey world cup to watch the English women's team play against the USA (a game which England won 1-0).

Many went to a charity party on Monday night, the proceeds going to the Ben Hollioake fund.

Ben, a former england player died in a tragic car accident earlier this year in Perth, and the England fans wanted to offer their support to the fund.

Ben's brother, Adam, was at the party, and explained how the fund was contributing to a children's charity, CHASE, and the aim was to build a hospice for terminally ill children.

Adam also talked about a series of fund-raising activities organised for the future, including a star-studded cricket match to be held at the Oval this coming summer.

So to Wednesday, the day after the test was scheduled to finished, when two coaches transported the Barmy Army out to play in a charity cricket game against local side Wanneroo CC.

As is customary in this matches the hosts batted. The Army started off well, with some tight bowling. This was until a Mike Gatting look-alike, complete with beard and gut, began to smash the ball to all parts of the ground.

The Army's fielding performance was actually much improved from games that have gone before.

Was this because of extra training sessions, or strenuous pre-match warm-ups?

Or did a drinks break of water, as opposed to the beer served in previous matches, help the co-ordination of the fielders?

Whichever was true, some good catches were held. Boots took a great catch diving forward, Cookie swooping in like a gazelle from the boundary to claim another, and Stewart held an unbelievable skier in one hand over his head falling backwards.

Of course, a few sitters were dropped too.

The later order batsmen thumped the ball to all parts, and the home team closed on 293-8, after deciding that the Army's fielders had toiled in the sun for long enough.

In reply, the Army tried to upset Wanneroo's rhythm by promoting Nicky and Debbie to open the batting, and the girls put on 18 for the first wicket.

A respectable start before both batters 'retired for pie' as the lunch arrived courtesy of Graham Perkins and his Jesters Pies, the sponsors of the event. This brought an extra break in play as both sides tucked in to lunch.

When play resumed, early wickets fell before Stewart top scored with an excellent 38.

Other highlights included Barmy Army veteran 'Barry the Lion' eclipsing his previous top score of four with a 'fluent' six.

Barry has an unorthodox style which is entertaining and certainly unique, and he was delighted with his contribution.

Few other batsmen excelled as Wanneroo ran out comfortable winners.

In spite of another heavy English defeat, it had been another good day, with Wanneroo being excellent hosts. The only problem being they struggled to keep up with stocking the fridge with bottles of beer.

For the record, the Barmy Army closed on 176-16 from their 45 overs.

Still the unsuccessful run for English cricket continues.

© Barmy Army