The strange thing is, people would have been just as happy had the game been washed out.

A star-studded SCG XI featuring Glenn McGrath, Stuart MacGill, Stuart Clark and local rugby league export Andrew Ryan took on a hometown team at No. 1 Oval, all for a special cause.

The match was raising funds for the Buy A Bale drought relief campaign and while rain had threatened to end any chance of play in the build-up, a wholly entertaining match went ahead.

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In a thrilling finish played out in front of a bumper crowd at Dubbo’s showpeice cricket ground, the hometown team hung on to win by two runs.

But it was the camaraderie in the SCG XI, the sheer enjoyment and chance to live out the dream of taking on Test players within the Dubbo XI, and the generosity of all involved when it came to the fundraising which stood out the most.

There was also plenty of excitement among the fans who were lucky enough to win some of the stellar raffle prizes, including SCG corporate boxes for a Big Bash League game, tickets for the Sydney New Year’s Test and also a signed Australian Kangaroos rugby league jersey.

In total, more than $2,000 was raised on the night for drought relief.

“It was a bit of fun and I don't get out to this neck of the woods too often,” Narromine product McGrath said, still being hounded for countless photos and autographs long after the match ended.

“My brother has a property out the other side of Bourke and Dad is out at Eumungerie, and I know all the farmers have been doing it tough for a long time.

“It's one of the worst droughts I can remember so any little thing we can do to make a positive impact, we're only too happy to do it.”

It’s been ironic in a week where the drought has been highlighted so much by the visit of Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and this high-profile cricket match, the region has enjoyed some of the best rain in some time.

And much like Harry and Meghan delighted fans despite the rain at Victoria Park on Wednesday, Friday night’s match still went ahead despite the threat of a downpour.

“Having watched what everyone has had to go through in this drought, particularly in the home town and area, it's been pretty heart-breaking,” former Australian Kangaroos representative Andrew Ryan said on the night.

That awareness and local knowledge made the experience more special for the likes of McGrath and Ryan, both having plenty of family and friends on hand to watch them in a rare sporting appearance in their home region.

Ryan admitted there was some nerves in the lead-up to the game, confessing he had only played about two proper games of red ball cricket since he was 15.

He hit 4 not out when facing just the final two balls of the game and couldn’t get his side across the line, but was still one of the many who savoured the experience.

“I think this is the first time I've ever played on this ground,” he said of No. 1.

“It's a bit of a spin-out to be running out with Glenn McGrath, Stuart Clark and Stuart MacGill but the main thing is all about raising money for Buy A Bale.

“I thought there might have been a chance of washout but's been a cracking day.

“I'm a massive cricket fan and my kids love cricket. Growing up out here it was footy or soccer in the winter and then you'd pack that away and jump straight into cricket.”

Ryan and MacGill both went wicketless early in the game while McGrath and Clark picked up one scalp each as the Dubbo XI amassed 8/125 batting first.

The Dubbo innings was highlighted by 49 runs from Corey McDean in a showing of real maturity within a game which was so light-hearted at times, while Angus Norton provided some entertainment when he chipped in with a late 24.

Dale Sciflet was one of the real stars of the game and he took 2/4 from two overs for the SCG XI before banging a classy 44 in the run chase.

Clark made just 9 for the SCG XI while McGrath, who played despite ruling himself out with a knee injury earlier in the week, and MacGill were never too keen to throw the pads on.

“I was happy not to have a bat and I wasn't overly keen to have a bowl,” McGrath laughed.

“But I thought I might as well while I'm here and then let the other guys have a hit.

“It went right don't the wire but we just didn't get there.”

The SCG XI finished two runs short at 8/123. Bailey Edmunds and Mat Skinner took two wickets each while spinners Stuart Naden and Steve Skinner kept things tight when they were called on.

But in a showing of what the match was all about, Dubbo captain Mitch Bower didn’t even mentioning the result when speaking post-game.

“It’s been really good and all their marquee players were friendly and socialised with all of us and the supporters too, they seemed to be having a really good time,” he said.

“They were accommodating to us and on behalf of our side we really appreciate them coming out here and doing this charity event.

“We don't get a lot of this so some marquee players like McGrath, MacGill, and Clark is pretty special. A big thanks go to them and all the coordinators as well.

“Hopefully we helped raise some money and we can do it again next year.”

Clark, the SCG XI captain, was another eager to highlight the organisers of the match when he spoke after the match.

Dubbo and District Cricket Association secretary Mel Hancock was worthy of plenty of praise while there was also plenty of appreciation for the work Nick Govers from the SCG Trust did in getting his side to No. 1 Oval.

“It was nice when they asked us to come out to Dubbo and I can’t remember ever coming out here,” Clark said, before laughing about the standard of the game.

“The cricket isn’t as good as it used to be but it is still good fun. I wouldn’t want to do it too often. It hurts too much.”