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BALLARAT - Former Dragon legend and 2003 Clubman of the Year Ben Davis is the darling of the media set in his home town of Ballarat, receiving page-lead headlines for his exploits, sorry, achievements overseas.
Now residing in Phuket after a tour of duty in Burma, one-time Hong Kong Dragons full-forward Davis has made headline news in the Ballarat Courier with a story carrying a screaming, 48pt bold headline, "His villa view is a far cry from Ballarat's streets.
The story outlines the success story that is its much-loved prodigal son, Ben Davis. Without making mention of his eponymous clothing line, the paper details his resume, from leaving the rough and tumbleweed streets of Creswick to the tumult of burning Burma.
The final stanzas are dedicated to his illustrious sporting achievements across Asia, including his pivotal role in guiding the Dragons, almost singlehandedly, to victory in the 2003 and 2004 Asian Championships. It also mentions his team's victory in the hotly contested Burmese national cricket league.
Never look back
The story begins with his humble origins and follows his "well-worn backpacker path to London. He never looked back".
The story contnues with more New Idea-detail, with the next three paragraphs all starting with the word 'after'.
"After taking in the view from the 29-year-old's villa (Editor Note: 30th birthday details appear at end of this article) overlooking the Andaman Sea at picturesque Surin Beach in Thailand, it is easy to see why."
Evidently, the Chronicle dipped into its travel budget to send a reporter to Mr Davis' oppulent residence.
The story later moves into the realm of international mystery, intrigue and danger, making clear by use of a two-column bold box quotation just how close to death our Benny Boy came at the hands of Burma's military junta.
"Another friend's secretary was downtown during it and was told to either get in the truck or be beaten," read the eye-catching lift-out quote. Friend's secretary? Streuth, that was close!
Great way to see Asia
Of his beloved Dragons, Ben is effusive in his praise. "It's a great way to see the Asia - and touring with 30 or 40 mates is plenty of fun," the paper quoted our man as saying.
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These words ring true when you consider all previous winners of the Clubman Award were for dedicated service to the club. With one exception - Mr Davis received his honour purely for being an all-round top bloke, entertainer and obligatory tour accessory.
The article concludes with a plea to their lost diplomat. "As for a permanent return to Ballarat?"
"Unlikely, at least in the near future," says the paper, drawing its own conclusion and leaving forlorn a readership of ugg-booted, tracksuited young women.
Special thanks to Riggsy's mum for locating the article.
PARTY INVITE FROM BEN:
Turning 30 later this month and was planning on heading out on a liveaboard fishing boat for a couple of days to a couple of islands. Plan would be to head off from Phuket on the Saturday morning (26th) and return on the 27th.
If you require Benny's email address, write to media@hk-dragons.com
Craig 'Boges' Francis
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