Southern Cricket Association veterans Travis Bahr and Mick Taylor retire after 16 flag wins

SOUTHERN Cricket Association veteran Travis Bahr says the time is right to retire after spending the past three decades collecting a raft of premiership medals.

SOUTHERN Cricket Association veteran Travis Bahr has spent the best part of the past three decades collecting enough premiership medals to fill a trophy cabinet.

But the 43-year-old all-rounder says the time is right for him to retire with his friend and Flagstaff Hill teammate Mick Taylor.

Bahr, a middle-order batsman and seam bowler, captained Flagstaff, Noarlunga and the association and was the state country team’s vice-captain at one stage during his career.

He and Taylor finished with back-to-back two-day competition flags when Flagstaff defeated Noarlunga in last month’s grand final at Port Noarlunga Oval on March 15 and 16.

It took their tally to 16 two-day premierships between them — 11 for Bahr and five for Taylor.

“Last year I was meant to retire and I went around again but a bad knee has brought it on,” Bahr says.

“Mick’s been one of my best mates for 20-odd years ... so it’s great to finish with him.

“I’m not sure what I’ll do, probably use my boat and go fishing.”

Bahr started his cricket career at Noarlunga as a 16 year old after club stalwart Michael Jones Sr saw him and some mates wielding the willow in a Hackham park.

“Otherwise I probably would never have played (club) cricket.”

Four seasons later Bahr moved to Cove in the hope of achieving some success and netted five flags, including two with Taylor.

From there Bahr joined Flagstaff Hill for the first time, winning one premiership, before securing three flags in an eight-year stint back at Noarlunga.

He returned to Flagstaff to spend the twilight of his career with Taylor.

Along the way, Bahr has also claimed a stack of limited-overs titles, been part of eight winning association carnivals and played state country cricket for nine years.

“One year I won four premierships in four different competitions.

“It’s been great to see young players improve and I’ve had a lot of support from my three girls, Stephanie, Haylee and Caitlin.”

Flagstaff looms as the SCA’s last premier because a lack of teams next season will likely lead it to disband its senior competitions.

Bahr, of Aberfoyle Park, says the association’s demise is disappointing.

“It’s been such a strong competition so it is sad,” he says.