MPCA: Inspirational cricketer steals the show with gutsy innings

A heart-warming story has emerged from a lower grades cricket game in the MPCA as a player with leukaemia produced the innings of his life.

Langwarrin and Pines B4 players showed great sportsmanship. Picture: Facebook

Sportsmanship and community goodwill are alive and well after an inspirational story emerged from a cricket match in the Mornington Peninsula competition over the weekend.

The B4 game between Langwarrin and Pines had it all — big scores, fighting knocks, tears and even a guard of honour.

At the centre of the action was 35-year-old Langwarrin player Justin Crowther, who has an intellectual disability and is currently in remission from leukaemia.

His brother was his bone marrow donor.

“Juzzy” got as low as 47kg during his illness, and almost didn’t make it as he underwent four rounds of chemotherapy followed by radiation and a bone marrow transplant.

He is now 19 months post transplant and 75kg.

During his time in hospital, Juzzy’s driving motivation for recovery was to play cricket for Langwarrin.

The chemo has impacted his vision, which is another hurdle, and when he plays cricket it’s evident that he has challenges.

“But he is cricket mad and gives it everything he has got,” Langwarrin teammate Mat Stevenson, a former Home and Away star, said.

“Nothing stops Juzzy.”

Juzzy Crowther arrives at the crease for Langwarrin on Saturday.

The strong Pines side, which included legendary local footballer Simon Goosey and former Sheffield United football star Doug Hodgson, put up 7-314 off 40 overs.

When it came time for Juzzy to bat, his teammates were hoping he’d at least get a run after making three ducks in a row.

Well, he did that and more, scoring 30 not out and earning the highest respect from his opponents and teammates, who formed a guard of honour as he walked off at game’s end.

Juzzy’s parents were in tears as they watched on.

Juzzy Crowther faces up.

Players give Juzzy a guard of honour. Picture: Facebook

Even though Pines won by 195 runs, many Langwarrin players said it was the best game they have been a part of.

Langwarrin Cricket Club praised the Pines players who showed fantastic sportsmanship as Juzzy had the innings of his life.

“How good is sport and the opportunities it provides,” Langwarrin club coach Matt Prosser said.

“Hats off to Pines also.

“Juzzy, you are a star, mate. We are so proud of your fighting spirit and we love having you part of our amazing club.”