Dolphins make CDCA history in inaugural night game

LORNE Cricket Club’s re-emergence into the Colac District Cricket Association (CDCA) has been stamped by history, hosting the association’s first game under lights on Friday last week against City United.

The Dolphins capped off the historic occasion with a six-wicket win over the Colac-based club, led by Michael Brennan’s half-century and Peter Bracken’s 3/8 performance in less-than-ideal conditions.

Lorne captain Ryan Heathcote said being allowed to host the league’s first night game was another step in the right direction to consolidating Lorne’s return to the CDCA.

“We understand that there aren’t many grounds around Colac that could host something like this, but it’s amazing for the club considering the footy side hasn’t even done this before.

“It was amazing to see the turnout, we hope we got an abundance of fundraising out of it, and we hope to build on it each year making it bigger and better.

“That’s the main thing really, having it each year, and we couldn’t do it without volunteers either. I believe we had 20 [volunteers] from Lorne down here for the game and a bunch more from City United.

“It’s just great to see the club in full-swing.”

The final score resulted in Lorne’s 4/133 beating City United’s 126.

The Dolphins now sit third in Division 3 of the CDCA in its return season, but for CDCA secretary Dave Treweek, it’s a welcome sight for the Surf Coast to be represented in its club ranks again.

“It’s great seeing Lorne back in the league, we want as many clubs jumping in the competition as possible,” Treweek said.

“Seeing the decent crowd at Friday’s game is a credit to the club and its volunteers, and we’re lucky to have Stribling Reserve as a facility being used for an occasion like this.

“It’s great to have the Dolphins back and we’re happy to see them thriving in Division 3.”

Treweek said the CDCA will look to pencil in a night game each season moving forward.