The Primary Club of Australia Vs Victorian Blind Cricket Association
December 7, 2008 by The Primary Club of Australia
Click here for images of the day
On Sunday 9th December 2007, the inaugural cricket match between the Victorian Blind Cricket Association (VBCA) and the Primary Club’s Victorian team was held, playing for the “Blind Ducks Perpetual Trophy”.
After a welcome speech by Alf O’Neill (VBCA President), the toss of the coin was won by Matt Horsey (VBCA Capt), who decided that they would bat, to put the pressure on the PCA XI from the outset. Both captains agreed that the full 36 overs would be bowled in each innings and that a batsman previously out could return to the crease. That’s why the VBCA score after their allotted overs was a respectable 17 for 204.
The VBCA innings was expertly led by their Captain Matt who made 50 (retired), 21 from Brett Wilson and 20 by Peter Hysca. The PCA bowling and fielding was as good as it could be, considering none of us had played blind cricket before. If we had a prize for a classic catch, it would have been won by Joel Bowden, deep on the fence, one hander, diving horizontally to the ground. (Ah, the things I used to be able to do!!)
A great BBQ lunch at the halfway point was provided by the VBCA with Margaret and the crew hosting.
The Primary Club’s innings began slowly, but picked up momentum when guest player, Joel Bowden, came to the crease and in quick time retired on 51 runs. Steady batting saw the PCA pass the VBCA score with 8 wickets down in the 30th over. Final score 13 for 267 runs. Other notable scores included Russell Masterton 43, Tony Cowell 22, Luke Ball and Dick Chapple 18. VBCA bowling was steady with Chris Stevens taking 3/25 and Dean Calder 2/37.
Presentations, raffle draw and a few drinks followed. Captain Kev from the Primary’s gleefully accepted the inaugural Blind Ducks trophy. Man of the Match for the VBCA was Matt Horsey and Joel Bowden for the PCA.
Thank you to the PCA special guest players, Joel Bowden (Richmond FC), Luke Ball (St Kilda FC), Meg Lanning (Cricket Vic) and Matthew Cowell (son of Tony). Big thanks go to Lindsay Heaven and Ian Walsh from the VBCA, who played with the PCA team and helped us out understanding the rules of blind cricket.
Thank you, to all the players, umpires, scorers, committees and supporters for their help in making it a great day for both organisations. We look forward to the return match in season 2008/09.
