Bacchus Bulls' 50th season to be a big hit

BACCHUS Marsh Cricket Club has started its fiftieth anniversary season in spectacular fashion.

They beat 2023/24 grand finalist Golden Point by 129 runs in the first round of Ballarat Cricket Association matches.

It was the perfect start to a big season for the Bulls, who are planning a major celebration to mark the 50-year milestone with a big weekend in late February next year.

The success against Golden Point was highlighted by 106 from Alex Porter and 48 from Josh McGrath, while Armi Wakefield snared 3/24 from seven overs.

The 3rd and 4th XI sides also won, with Rohan Lyle taking 6/33 in the fourths.

Up-and-coming wicketkeeper/batsman Hayden Whiteway shows his style in the second grade match.

The club’s senior women’s team also won its round one T20 match against Lancefield Black, with Tomeka Fowlie smashing 52 from just 22 balls and retiring not out in a match score of 2/166 to Lancefield’s 3/113.

With on-field results falling into place – and despite several players moving on during the off-season – club president David Kraljik is ‘bullish’ about this year.

“Our numbers are fantastic; there’s a lot of positivity around the club at the moment, which is great,” he said. “I couldn’t be happier at the moment.”

The Bulls have a new senior coach, left arm fast bowler Sam Crea, who has signed on for two years after moving to Bacchus Marsh.

He was previously at Victorian Turf Cricket Association club Grand United.

Whack: First XI wicketkeeper/batsman Jayden White-Powell opens the innings with a classy shot through mid-wicket. Photos: SUPPLIED

Now, planning for 50th anniversary celebrations is a focus.

They will be centred around the club’s annual PC Cup day, an event named after and in honour of life member and club legend Peter Christie, scheduled for Sunday 23 February.

An intraclub match will be played at the Bulls’ Maddingley Park headquarters, along with a women’s game.

The program will also feature the popular Fastest Person in Moorabool 100-metre dash, live music and a last man standing reverse raffle.

Big one: Century-maker Alex Porter (14) is congratulated by batting partner and new recruit Shanin Silva on his achievement. Photos: SUPPLIED

Mr Kraljik said Saturday night activities will include an anniversary dinner for past players, supporters and others. It will be open to anyone who wants to attend.

“You’re only 50 once, right?” he said. “So we want to make it as big as possible. We want to make it a real community event.

“We facilitate playing cricket but we’re also a community group – we’re big on that so we’re trying to make this season a big one.”