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Bendigo United recruits Lord Ian Botham

BENDIGO United Cricket Club has signed Lord Ian Botham as special guest speaker for Redbacks Day on 15 February.

One of cricket’s greatest all-rounders and a commentator on TV and radio, Botham will make his way to Harry Trott Oval in Kennington’s Neale Street for the appearance.

The function starts at noon.

Botham’s brilliant Test career of 102 matches for England included 5200 runs and 383 wickets.

In the one-day international arena, he scored 2113 runs and captured 145 wickets in 116 matches.

Tickets for the Redbacks day are $70 for social members and $90 general admission, and are available via the BUCC website or Facebook page.

Crucial one-dayers on turf

THERE will be crucial one-day matches played on turf across Bendigo in this Saturday’s ninth round of first XI action in the Bendigo District Cricket Association season.

Play starts at 12.30pm.

All five matches will have a bearing on positions in the top four.

Reigning premier Strathdale-Maristians is home at All Seasons Oval in Reservoir Road against Golden Square.

Kangaroo Flat hosts White Hills at The Dispensary Oval in Dower Park.

Bendigo United takes on Bendigo at Harry Trott Oval.

Sandhurst and Huntly North Epsom clash at Bendigo District RSL Oval in Weeroona Avenue.

Strathfieldsaye plays Eaglehawk at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.

Bowls round starts under lights

ROUND 10 in the Bendigo Campaspe Goldfields premier division of weekend pennant starts with two Friday night matches.

South Bendigo takes on Bendigo East from 5.30pm and Marong faces Bendigo from 6pm.

In Saturday’s action at 1.30pm it will be Kangaroo Flat at home against Moama and Golden Square against Eaglehawk.