Can there ever have been a more iconic day of ACS cricketing joy than the traditional clash between Barry Proven’s Bellerinas and a strong ACS Wandering XI led by Peter Robertson on Sunday February 7th?
Weather perfection, a setting and view as extensive and splendid as any in the world, that wonderful renowned Suma Park lunch and a tight ACS win after an epic struggle made for a day to live on through the ages for those lucky enough to participate.
The loss of a wicket in the first over to a stunning slips catch was not a promising start for the ACS, but Wavell McPherson and Mark Browning steadied the ship with a half-century partnership for the second wicket.
That paved the way for Peter Robertson, Francis Bourke and later, one of Robbo’s Wandering XI guests, Chris Chilcott, to cash in with large and powerful batting hickey.
Richmond’s 300 game AFL veteran, Saint Francis Bourke, took a while to get going before playing some sweet lofted on-drives, Robertson peppered the straight and leg side boundaries with his trademark drives and leg-hits while Chilcott regularly showed the Suma Park ground was too small for a man of his physique, age and ability to time a drive.
That Barry Proven remained unflinching and seated in his chair while acting as square-leg umpire as cricket balls flew in his approximate direction at high velocity was a credit to the bravery of the man.
The ACS finished with 210, seemingly a really good score because of the slow outfield.
Chilcott then took the new-ball after lunch and quickly broke through, but Craig Blick for the Bellerina’s responded with a blazing counter attack. The game remained competitive, although that slow outfield, some sharp catches and a crucial run-out meant that the Wandering XI seemed likely to prevail.
Andrew Barr, though batted nicely with the lower order and once again the Bellerina’s rallied.
It took some calm tactics and sensible manipulation of his bowling attack by skipper Robertson, to ensure the Wandering XI still came away from Queenscliff with their second victory in as many years by 15 runs.
Story thanks to: Mark Browning
Team: Peter Robertson (C) Mark Browning, Chris Chilcott, Wayne Dunn, Paul Ferguson, Ian Hammet, Des Lloyd, Wavell McPherson, John Smith, Vincent Delaney & Francis Bourke