General News
10 December, 2021
Bulls retain Graeme Hillman Shield
A MOVING speech from premiership player Brad Hillman ingited Pomborneit’s defence of the Graeme Hillman Shield last Saturday.
A MOVING speech from premiership player Brad Hillman ignited Pomborneit’s defence of the Graeme Hillman Shield last Saturday.
Hillman spoke pre-game to the Bulls about the magnitude of the match named in honour of his father, with the reigning premiers going on to easily defeat Camperdown by 112 runs.
Bulls skipper Grant Place, who said it was a “nice honour” to be named the inaugural Allan McKenzie Player of the Match, said his side was still working towards its best cricket but was pleased to retain the shield following Hillman’s speech.
“Brad chatted to everyone about what the day meant to him,” he said.
“It’s always been a bit of external motivation on the day for him and his speech got the boys pumped up, it was pretty moving.
“The pitch and outfield was as fast as I’ve seen it so we probably left a few out there.
“Whenever you post over 200 you’re going to be reasonably happy but I thought there was a few run-outs and guys making starts and not capitalizing but we produced a pretty good bowling and fielding performance so I can’t be too disappointed.”
Place’s knock of 62 was instrumental in the Bulls posting 218, albeit the side was dismissed with five overs to bat.
However, it mattered little as Amila Mendis (6/27) ripped through the Lakers middle order to claim his first five wicket haul for the club.
Jordan Riches (29 not out and 2/28) played a lone hand for the Lakers, while Jye McLaughlin (31) top-scored as only one other batter reached double figures.
“Amila bowled really well,” Place said.
“He was really impressive. We’ve only ever seen him on hard wicket so it was good to see him go about it on turf and it’s fair to say on turf he bowls considerably better I think.
“He’ll be pretty important for us going forward and was pretty unlucky not to be man of the match.”
The Bulls are now preparing for a clash with Cobden, a side which upset Pomborneit last season.
Place said his side was eager to avoid a repeat of that loss this time around.
“We were pretty disappointing in our last game at Cobden,” he said.
“I know myself and a few others are placing a bit of emphasis on it as we were pretty easily beaten last time.
“You can’t afford to be too far off against them as they’re a good side so hopefully we put in a good performance.”
Meanwhile, Bookaar suffered its first loss of the season, with the Pelicans falling two runs short of Terang.
Bookaar needed eight runs off the final over but could only manage five, with the Pelicans stranded at 9/208 in pursuit of the Goats 8/211.
Fraser Lucas (64 and 4/31), Charlie Lucas (32 and 3/30), Tim Fitzgerald (38) and Zach Sinnott (30) were the side’s best performers.
Cobden defeated Woorndoo and Mortlake was too good for Noorat in the other games.
The Pelicans face the Cats this weekend, while Heytesbury Rebels hosts Noorat and Camperdown takes on Terang.
