Jan Juc retains Battle of the Bridge trophy in front of huge turnout

JAN JUC retained the Battle of the Bridge trophy, defeating Torquay in a thrilling twenty20 clash on Sunday.

The match came down to the final ball, with the Sharks needing two runs off the final delivery with five wickets in hand, which they successfully retrieved. Star all-rounder Ben Grinter hitting a quality half-century.

Jan Juc president Rick Wheeler said it was great to get the job done in what were hot conditions at Spring Creek Reserve, on what was an overall great day for the game.

Torquay legend David Hando takes a big swing in the Battle of the Bridge Legends match.Torquay took the honours in the Legends game. The Tigers made 185 as the Sharks fell about 60 runs short of the target.

Torquay president Rob Dunne said it was the biggest turn out to the annual encounter he had seen in his time.

Dunne said it was amazing to see so many people gather to the ground and support the two sides.

He said while it would have been nice to get the trophy back in his club’s grasp, the true winner was the community after a year of trying circumstances.

“It was an awesome day, it was one of the biggest turn outs we’ve had in years.

“We had an absolute ball, everyone really embraced it.

“This year more than ever people are coming together to support the community.

“The winner was the community yesterday, it was unreal.”

While the matches provided the entertainment, there was a bigger cause at hand.

Money raised on the day is being donated to the Cancer Council. Dunne said the exact figures were still being worked through, but it was an extremely well supported day.

“There were so many volunteers who gave up their time, we are indebted to them … and a big thank you to the Surf Coast Times for supporting the event, we are really grateful.”