Merv Hughes entertained a strong crowd at Good George Dining Hall on Monday 3rd of February 2025.

Merv Hughes is an iconic Australian cricketer who played 53 test matches for his country, returning best figures of 8 for 87 against the best team in the world at the time, West Indies.

Merv was in New Zealand leading a touring group of 40 cricketers from all around Australia. The tour spanned 10 days and it finished by playing Seddon Cricket Club on Tuesday 4th February 2025.

Merv spoke for an hour and a half (he could have gone for another 2 hours!). He talked about many things, but the highlights were his view on his fall out with great mate, Dean Jones, his admiration for Allan Border, before basically taking the mickey out of anyone and everyone!!

Apparently, David Boon drank 53 cans of beer not 52…Shane Warne didn’t escape Merv’s humour, nor did Mark Greatbatch, Tubby Taylor, and more or less the entire England, West Indies, Pakistan or New Zealand teams during his era.

We named a Tuk Tuk after David Boon. When asked what vehicle Merv wanted to be named after he suggested a FREIGHT TRAIN!.

Merv, also ran his own auction – quite the auctioneer he was! Some interesting tactics to get people spending money – we learned a bit off him for future auctions!

It was a night to remember and I’m sure the punters that decided to turn up on a Monday went home very happy.

A big thank you to Good George - Dining Hall for being outstanding hosts – incredible! Comfortably the best place to host these types of events in Hamilton. Great staff that make things simple, superb ambience and appropriately located. Well done!