The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia - the PCFA and the ECA
North Balwyn and Burwood battle it out for the Cup in Vets Div 3 - the Bulls prevail
North Balwyn's VETS Div 3 side took out the annual PCFA Cup, beating Burwood by 5 wickets.
Photo © Chris Mirabella
The PCFA Cup match is played every year in the Veterans competition to raise awareness of the importance of men's health - in particular prostate health. We are blessed to have the PCFA as a sponsor of this game.
The ECA Veterans Committee nominates a game in advance of the season for the contest for the Cup - this year it was between the North Balwyn Bulls and Burwood in Div 3 - the MGH Fielden Shield.
The rain finally abated on Sunday morning for the match to go ahead as scheduled on the synthetic deck at Macleay Park.
As most Vets game are, it was a spirited match. The Bulls prevailed, but the day was less about the result and instead a celebration of a group of 50+ year olds having the good physical and mental health to be running around on the park, still playing cricket.
But for the record, batting first, Burwood opener Peter McArthur (40* ret.) played the anchor role for his side. In Vets cricket, it is a requirement for at eight players to bowl at least one over. This rule is to ensure everyone gets to actively participate in the game - but from a tactical perspective for the batting side, it usually means the VERY part-time bowlers will be targeted - especially if there are wickets in hand.
North Balwyn used nine bowlers; but there were no horrendous overs - their even bowling effort conceded only 123 runs from the 36 overs - and Burwood's total looked under-par going into afternoon tea. Putros Malki was the next highest score with 19 for Burwood.
In reply, Burwood's attack returned the favour - bowling good lines and lengths. However an outstanding innings by North Balwyn's skipper David Johnston (44* ret. from 54 balls including 5 sixes - but no fours!) tilted the match in the Bulls favour - and a run a ball 31 by Matthew Grybas saw the Bulls home with three overs left in the bank.
After the match, the players from both teams stayed back; and in true VETS tradition enjoyed each others company and a great chat. We heard from the PCFA about the importance of men having their prostate checked and looking out for their health as a priority. Well done to everyone!
The ECA Veterans Committee nominates a game in advance of the season for the contest for the Cup - this year it was between the North Balwyn Bulls and Burwood in Div 3 - the MGH Fielden Shield.
The rain finally abated on Sunday morning for the match to go ahead as scheduled on the synthetic deck at Macleay Park.
As most Vets game are, it was a spirited match. The Bulls prevailed, but the day was less about the result and instead a celebration of a group of 50+ year olds having the good physical and mental health to be running around on the park, still playing cricket.
But for the record, batting first, Burwood opener Peter McArthur (40* ret.) played the anchor role for his side. In Vets cricket, it is a requirement for at eight players to bowl at least one over. This rule is to ensure everyone gets to actively participate in the game - but from a tactical perspective for the batting side, it usually means the VERY part-time bowlers will be targeted - especially if there are wickets in hand.
North Balwyn used nine bowlers; but there were no horrendous overs - their even bowling effort conceded only 123 runs from the 36 overs - and Burwood's total looked under-par going into afternoon tea. Putros Malki was the next highest score with 19 for Burwood.
In reply, Burwood's attack returned the favour - bowling good lines and lengths. However an outstanding innings by North Balwyn's skipper David Johnston (44* ret. from 54 balls including 5 sixes - but no fours!) tilted the match in the Bulls favour - and a run a ball 31 by Matthew Grybas saw the Bulls home with three overs left in the bank.
After the match, the players from both teams stayed back; and in true VETS tradition enjoyed each others company and a great chat. We heard from the PCFA about the importance of men having their prostate checked and looking out for their health as a priority. Well done to everyone!
Burwood's Captain Lucien Deane-Johns was quite comfortable charging the bowlers to hit the bowlers around the ground, before being caught on the boundary from a powerful pull shot for 17. Photo © Michael Mirabella
North Balwyn's Captain, David Johnston, was named Player of the Match for his excellent 44* ret. in the chase. Photo © Chris Mirabella
(L to R) ECA President Neil Dalrymple celebrating the PCFA Cup that was played in good spirits with PCFA representative Tony Morrissey, and Eugene 'Fitzy' Fitzwilliam who, with Garry Male, umpired the game. Photo © Chris Mirabella 2023