A lost tradition fondly remembered

Two local heroes: cricket legends Kevin Gartrell (L) and Keith Slater in front of a small section of the crowd at the now defunct but hugely popular Lilac Hill Festival Cricket Match. The Lilac Hill match was traditionally the opening match of any side touring Australia, and was the most anticipated event on the Western Australian Cricket calendar, regularly drawing crowds in excess of 10,000.

Keith (Spud) Slater was a major force behind getting the match established as a permanent fixture.

Keith and Kevin (above) openened the iconic Slater Gartrell Sports Store in nearby Midland in 1978. The store continues to operate, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year (2018).