Sport Ballan Cricket Club
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The Moorabool News – 8 March, 2022 Page 21
Results – Week ending Saturday 5 March
Senior athletes, Emma Stewart and Danielle Ide preparing to represent the Centre at the State Championships in Hurdles this Saturday. Photo - submitted
Bacchus Marsh Little Athletics The heavy overnight rainfalls on Friday did not prevent the athletes coming out in force for their weekly athletics competition on Saturday morning. Athletes and family members participated in walking a lap of the Masons Lane Reserve running track, collecting gold coin donations for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. The Centre raised $273.15. Competition soon got underway. Although a heavy track from the overnight rain, many athletes recorded PBs, as they continue to improve ‘week in-week out’. This week’s PB awards went to Jazelle Pio, David Elefterescu, Zeke Horne and Lenny Closter – each achieving 4PBs for the meet. With only three weeks left of competition, athletes will be busy competing in three major meets in coming weeks. Next weekend the Bacchus Marsh Centre will have 17 athletes representing the Centre at the State Track & Field Championships to be held at Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park. The following Saturday, 19 March the Centre will be holding their inaugural Bacchus Marsh Community Bank 100m Gift prior to competition. An athlete from each age group will be invited to participate in the handicapped 100m Gift. There will be a Girls and Boys race. On Saturday 26 March, the summer season will come to a conclusion, with the Centre Championship Day being held. Next week’s Centre meet will be held on Friday evening commencing at 5pm, due to the State Championships.
Under 11s - (R11) The Wednesday night game was against Golden Point. Ballan batted first and made 84 (6 outs). Hunter Clark put his hand up to open and then also to face, in his allotted balls he was not dismissed. Mickey Rawlins top scored with 19, followed by Banjo Luke and Cooper Olthof. Due to the closeness of the game Kiara Grigg was asked to not go out, and she did a great job by adhering to the message. Golden Point then batted and made 74 (9 outs), Ned Conroy and Cooper each got two wickets, Hunter Clark, Ed Bayard and Kiara Grigg recorded one wicket each. Charlie, Lachie, and Banjo bowled tight when it counted. Under 13 - (R13) Ballan 1/147 def Ballarat East Blue 3/138 Batting - Sarah Burton 27 Ret. n.o, Beth Davenport 24 Ret. n.o, Eamon Grigg 18 Ret. n.o, Clover McIlwaine 12 Jai Singh 10 n.o, Charlotte Wallace 6 Ret. n.o, James Bayard 6 n.o Bowling - Clover McIlwaine 1/17, Jai Singh 0/4, Charlotte Wallace 0/5, Oscar Britt 0/6, Max Farrell 0/8, Angus Tranter 0/9, Jackson Letcher 0/10 Prior to the game commencing the team were second on the ladder going into the final round, however, without winning this game could still potentially drop them to fifth and miss the finals. Batting first and in drizzling rain, the top order batted very well, playing aggressive shots and running very well between the wickets immediately putting pressure on the opposition. Sarah Burton and Eamon Grigg both scored new individual highest scores in the U/13 competition. While all the other batters contributed valuable runs as the team only lost one wicket on their way to posting their highest score of 147 for the year. The rain continued as the bowling innings commenced. The bowlers struggled a little with their line as the opposition appeared to have a never ending supply of left handed batters. Clover McIlwaine was the sole wicket taker as the team toiled away in greasy conditions with the combined effort of Max Farrell, Eamon Grigg and Sarah Burton affecting a run out. Followed by Jai Singh fielding off his own bowling for a second run out. Midway through the innings the team lost concentration allowing the opposition back in the game. With four overs to go, the opposition needed 18 runs to win. Co-Captains Sarah Burton and Clover McIlwaine again took on the challenge to bowl the final overs, restricting the opposition to only nine runs to seal the victory and lock in a well-deserved place in the finals. **All other matches were abandoned due to inclement weather on the Saturday.
Charlie Black batting for the U11s against Golden Point.
Ballan’s U11 team with coach David Leach. Photos CHRIS THOM
Top scorer for the U13s, Sarah Burton, keeps her eye on a full toss, finishing with 27 runs retired.
Jackson Letcher bowling in the drizzle for the U13s
Lions retain 'culture' coach By Todd Whelan Brian Wheelahan will remain at the helm for a fourth season into 2022/23 after the Darley Cricket Club secured the current dual Premiership winning coach's signature recently. After considerate discussions with immediate family, the 42-year-old was given the green light to commit to the Lions citing a 'there's more to do' mantra despite the clubs golden run of recent success, especially in First Grade. "My work's not done here," a humble Wheelahan said. "It's not all about the one's and matchday. "Nothing gives me more pleasure than overseeing the development of our younger players coming through the grades. "The club is in a really good space at the moment," he said. While Wheelahan's player to coach journey spans 13-years at the Lions, the former leg spinning all-rounder sounded just as motivated as if it were his first. "I'm rapt to be a part of the immediate future at Darley," he said. "The connection amongst the players is palpable and with the renovations going on around the club at the moment, there's exciting times ahead. "Everybody here cares, it's a second family for most of us and we'll continue with our commitment to grow and remain a destination club for all the right reasons."
According to Lions Club President Tim Gallagher and Life Member Benny Longhurst, the decision to sign Wheelahan before the end of this season was all about consolidation and security with an eye to the future. "Brian's re-appointment was a 'no brainer' for us," Gallagher said. "He's clearly the right man for the job, his record speaks for itself. "We're hopeful Brian's commitment has a domino effect on the playing group and their intentions to stay on with us through 2022/23." Longhurst later endorsed the sentiments of the President. "We're firm in the belief that there's more to do here and having 'Wheels' on board again was crucial for us to keep the ball rolling," he said. "You can expect more exciting announcements out of the Lions camp in coming weeks." Watch this space. For the record, Wheelahan's 48* game reign is deep into a third season and inevitable finals campaign. His returns are compelling. Two BCA First Grade Premierships headline an impressive 35 wins (@73%) and four draws. 'Wheels' as he is affectionately known, notched up his 50th game in the top job on March 5 in the penultimate round of the home and away season against ladder leaders Wendouree at Darley Park. Unfortunately the game was abandoned due to inclement weather.
Brian Wheelahan with his son Mason. Photo - supplied