**There’s a huge success story building at James Bathe Reserve in Pakenham that the WGCA hopes can be emulated in Cranbourne as it looks to help struggling CRANBOURNE MEADOWS build a long and sustainable future. Through meetings and public forums, the WGCA and associated working parties have attracted 40 children to register for a Junior Blasters Program that begins at the flash new facility this Friday 18 February. “If we can do it in Pakenham, why can’t we do it in Cranbourne,” said an enthusiastic WGCA President Rob Hansen. For all the negativity taking place at the moment…it’s great to see the game being developed at grass roots level to this extent.
**What is with hat-tricks in the WGCA this season? The usually rare event has now been achieved by six players, with PAKENHAM’s Zac Downes and TOORADIN’s Tim Huguenin joining NAR NAR GOON/MARYKNOLL pair Aaren Corrin and Nick Mueller, PAKENHAM UPPER/TOOMUC’s Nick Kyval and TOORADIN stalwart Steve Hamill on the illustrious list of wicket takers. We’ve also seen a significant spike in hat-tricks due to aggressive nature of batters in T20 contests and other white-ball versions of the game.
**It was great to see former PAKENHAM player Tom Jones back in familiar surroundings at Toomuc Reserve on Saturday. Tom has always had a passion for horse racing, being almost obsessed by the sport from a young age, with his dad Les – still playing cricket for Pakenham – a successful jockey in country New South Wales in his day. Tom has landed what he would consider his dream job, living in Sydney and working as a form analyst for the powerful Chris Waller stable…one of the biggest yards in the country! Tom told us Artorius was a good thing in the Rubiton Stakes on Saturday…but only if it didn’t miss the jump. Tom was spot on with Artorius missing the kick before rattling home to finish mid-field. We’ll get him next time Tommy!
**He is better known for his football exploits, but former PAKENHAM gun Nathan ‘Sauce’ Brown caught the attention of onlookers at Toomuc Reserve on Saturday. Browny was wearing a t-shirt that had the words ‘The Man’ written across the top of his shirt…with an arrow pointing to his head…and the words ‘The Legend’ written across the bottom…with a downward arrow pointing to you-know where! We’ve spoken to a few of Browny’s football team mates from over the years, and the words ‘The Little Legend’ would probably be more appropriate!
**While Nathan Brown might think he’s a super-hero, Gazette Sports Editor Dave Nagel is a bonafide one after sliding comfortably into a Spiderman suit for a family 21st on Saturday night. The kids in the playground at the Railway Hotel in Warragul were certainly impressed, yelling “Spiderman’s been revealed” as Dave tried to sneak quietly through the back door. The people of Warragul, and the wider community, were felling very safe on Saturday night!
**PAKENHAM president Phil Anning had spectators in stitches on Saturday, trying to explain the challenges of setting things up for the Lions Life Members and Sponsors Day. “Have you blokes tried setting up a sponsor’s banner when you can’t reach the top of the bloody thing,” the five foot three (we’re being generous) Anning said, before turning his attention to a pretty rough job of taping the sponsor’s banner to brickwork to stop it from blowing away. “And have a look at the tape-job…it’s a credit to us as a cricket club.” Anning also explained how he is so scared of heights that it stopped him from wearing the hugely-popular platform shoes as a kid. Once his time as president comes to an end, we think the current Cardinia Shire Citizen of the Year should take his comedy show on the road!
**Community sport is great for developing friendships, and two long-time supporters of West Gippsland cricket were seen together at Toomuc Reserve on Saturday. Grant Williams, the dad of PAKENHAM star Jason, and Ron ‘Pommy’ Bright, the super-sire of the successful Bright clan from KOOWEERUP, were seen having a good old laugh together over a cold beer. From what we’re hearing, a little side bet might have been arranged with Williams coming out the winner after the Lions’ eight-wicket win! Jason, and Chris Bright in particular, have been teammates at Country Week carnivals over the years.
**A special ‘Happy Birthday’ shout out goes to two of the Gazette’s all-time favourites, with Chris ‘Wombat’ Bright celebrating his birthday on Friday and former Gazette Sports Editor Russell Bennett spotted knocking back a couple of cold bevvies for his birthday on Saturday. There was a great crowd at Pakenham on Saturday, with the ground in perfect condition and marquees up everywhere. No Russ…the extra effort made wasn’t for you mate…it was set up for Life Members and Sponsors Day!
**What would happen if a player was invited to a wedding during this year’s finals series…would they have to go or would they play cricket instead? It’s a question worth asking with several key players missing in recent weeks to attend the greatest day of people’s lives. KOOWEERUP star Luke McMaster recently missed, as did PAKENHAM gun Chris Smith on the weekend. Both teams are much better off with those pulling on the whites…instead of a dinner suit!
**A GAZETTE journalist may have found himself sub fielding for a clubs magoos on the weekend. The super subs team ended the second innings with a 13 run victory. Without claiming much of the riches, it’s hard to believe this side would’ve won without a designated short cover.
**Few injuries to some really good players in the DDCA, one can only hope that those players find themselves back out on the park for finals cricket.
**Former TEST batter BRAD HODGE played in the annual LUKE BATTY SHIELD on Friday night at Tyabb. The game is played between the Vic Pol XI and Tyabb, raising awareness for domestic violence and mental illness. HODGEY sent a few beyond the rope of Bunguyan Reserve in Tyabb, the old boy’s still got it.
**How about young SAMMY FIELD in the MPCA. The 12 year old all-rounder made his first XI debut for FLINDERS on Saturday! Shout out to his parents though, because Sammy played 16’s on Friday night, ones on Saturday and bottom age under-14’s on Sunday morning!
**The DDCA are attempting to make up for lost time with scheduling the lost games on Sundays and forcing players to play on Sunday as well as Saturday. There are a few clubs a bit upset with this scheduling, one club official labelling the management of the comp ‘pathetic’ this summer. Fiery stuff.
**Incentives hey! One club in the MPCA is pretty happy with one of its star recruits, very happy in fact. Envelopes at cricket clubs are usually a non-discussed topic, but when word broke out about one player on incentives and his form line, the discussion became quite funny and a regular talking point. There is a specific batter that is being remunerated per half-century and century he makes, but this year he has made five scores in the 40s… the club is getting the best out of its recruit without paying a cent. The batter and the club are all making good light of it. Well played to all!
