By Kaija Du
Bacchus Marsh Cricket Club will celebrate its 50th anniversary on the weekend of February 22.
The club will host a gala on the Saturday night before the club’s annual PC Cup on the Sunday.
The events aim to bring former players and life members from across Australia to celebrate the changes and growth the club has seen since 1975. Former Australian bowler Damien Fleming will be at the dinner.
The past 50 years the club has seen many successful players pass through its programs.
The celebration also looks into the future with the introduction of a new turf wicket which should be opened before the next season said club spokesperson Peter Lalor.
“It opens the opportunity to play on turf wicket and grow our club to be more competitive, stronger and attract more players,” he said.
The club has changed and grown immensely during its time, including a shift from the Gisborne and District Cricket Association to the Ballarat competition. The club has also grown to include one women’s team, two junior girls teams, six senior and six junior men’s teams.
“There has been different eras over the years and we are bringing everyone together for the weekend” Lalor said.
The anniversary marks a moment in time for players from all generations of the club.
Lalor highlighted Emmett Bronca, a player who emerged from the club in the 2000s and went on to play in the North Melbourne and with the Canberra Comets as one of the success stories.
Other key players who emerged through the junior squad and Cricket Blast program include Jacob Pawlowicz who plays in Victorian Premier Cricket with Essendon and Jack, Daniel and Archie Lalor who have all represented Victoria to various levels and play at premier club Northcote.
Lalor said on the women’s side the success of players like Tomeka Fowlie, who has returned to coach the current women’s team.
The day after the anniversary dinner the club will host two matches held along with a special luncheon.
The first match is the women’s match between the Bulls and Gisborne, before the battle for the intra club PC Cup which includes under-23 and over-23 teams. The cup honours life member Peter Christie.
Details: www.facebook.com/BacchusMarshCricketClub
