Top AFL talent added to Battle of the Bridge lineups

AN INAUGURAL inaugural women’s match, the addition of locally-raised AFL stars and a bumper crowd will headline this year’s Battle of the Bridge at Spring Creek Reserve on December 30.

Local bragging rights are up for grabs this month when Torquay Cricket Club and Jan Juc Cricket Club meet again for their annual summertime fixture.

Carlton forward and two-time Coleman Medallist Charlie Curnow will join his brother and recently retired Carton stalwart Ed in wearing the Sharks’ blue.

Torquay will welcome Port Adelaide games record holder and former skipper Travis Boak to its side.

Formerly a Torquay cricketer, Boak said he was excited to return to his old club.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been able to play with them so I’m looking forward to the game, especially against our rivals from over the bridge.

“Charlie will be good in the field, I think he’ll handle the outfield duties very well.

“The Tigers will win because it’s our home deck, and the home crowd advantage will do us wonders.”

Jan Juc president Andrew Penton said the club looked forward to welcoming the Curnow brothers.

“There’s obviously a long rivalry there between Jan Juc and Torquay, a friendly rivalry, and I think there’s a lot of reasons for locals to get down and watch this year’s matches.

“Obviously the additions of Charlie, Travis, and Ed will add a lot to the final game, but we’ll also have our first women’s game kicking off, which is absolutely fantastic this year.

“So we’ll have three games in total, including the Legends game in the middle, and hopefully Juc can come away with the goods.”

Boak’s long-time friend and Tigers vice-president Terry Hill said the match would be a real cricket showcase for the Surf Coast.

“The game will be a joint fundraiser for the two clubs, and we want to make it a real showpiece event for the local community and visitors to the town during the busy Christmas-New Year period.

“It’s great to have Travis, Charlie, and Ed involved.

“It’s particularly special to have Trav playing for us given his own history with the club and that of his family.

“He is a more than handy cricketer too, so he won’t just be making up numbers!”

Entry on the day is free with raffles, food, and drinks on offer. There will also be an opportunity to meet the players.

The Women’s match will begin at 12pm, followed by the Legends game at 3pm and the Men’s match at 6pm.