Cricket Southern Bayside: Brighton District plays a 60-year-old in its First XI

Veteran and junior players were called into top grade sides as Cricket Southern Bayside clubs scrambled to put teams on the field.

Stephen Hill, 60, and Jake Cotchin, 15, played together in Brighton District’s First XI on Saturday.

He usually plays in the fourths.

But veteran Brighton District wicketkeeper Stephen Hill, 60, found himself in a whole new ball game on Saturday after being called into the Dragons’ First XI side for their CSB Division 1 clash with Parkdale.

With 14 players unavailable — mainly due to a wedding but also some in isolation — it was a case of all hands on deck.

And the Brighton District life member wasn’t about to let his mates down.

In one of the best cricket stories of the season, Hill flourished, snaring a sharp catch, displaying neat work up at the stumps and hitting a defiant 19 from No 10 in a gallant but unsuccessful bid to lift his side to victory.

It was Parkdale’s day, the Two Blues winning by 49 runs, despite also missing key players, including skipper Dale Elmi.

Parkdale — home of Test hero Scott Boland — put up 8-134 off 32 overs and then dismissed Brighton District for 85.

The game at Gerry Green Reserve in Parkdale went ahead despite both sides being without regular First XI players.

Some players were in isolation as Covid continued to impact local sport.

Brighton District keeper Stephen Hill on Saturday.

Hill was happy to answer the SOS, although he’s looking forward to returning to the lower grades next week.

“It was all about helping the club out,” he said,

“It’s what you’d do. I’m a club life member, I played my 300th game three weeks ago.

“This was a one-off.”

Hill was a fine player in his prime, starting out in the seniors at Brighton Churches at 13 in the 1970s.

He captained Brighton Centrals in the old CMCA and was named skipper of the club’s team of the century.

On Saturday, Hill played alongside several teenagers, including 15-year-old Jake Cotchin, who was making his First XI debut.

The pair shared a fighting ninth wicket partnership of 25, Jake making 18, including three boundaries.

“The great thing is playing with the kids and watching them come through,” Hill said.

“They’re the future.”

Brighton District’s side also included 55-year-old debutant Steve Ralph, who got to play alongside his son Max.

Parkdale opener Geoff Crosby set up victory with a well-made 38, supported by Grant Chatfield with 31.

With the ball, Lachlan Cox (3-26) and James Billings (3-7) bowled Parkdale to victory, helping to revive the Two Blues’ finals hopes.

Players gave popular umpire Cliff D’Souza, 60, hearty congratulations after he officiated in his 800th game.

Umpire Cliff D’Souza (right) during his 800th game on Saturday.

Parkdale United handed McKinnon only its second defeat of the season.

The Pythons were dismissed for 116 but it was enough as McKinnon stumbled in reply, shot out for 104.

Skipper Rahul Shanmugam was outstanding for the winners, making 23 and taking 3-29.

Ladder leaders Mentone coasted to a 64-run victory over Clayton District, with Gavin Brown (44 off 64, with 2 fours and 3 sixes) and Travis Price (37 off 39, with 2 fours and 3 sixes) setting up victory.

St Brigid’s/St Louis celebrated its first win of the season, upsetting fourth-placed Dingley.

James Barker (2-17) and Angus Macquire (3-28) helped dismiss Dingley for 126 before the Saints replied with 4-130 off 33.3 overs, with Ash Wood (45no, with 6 fours and 1 six), James Vanminnen (31) and Oisin Gribben (30) batting beautifully.