Pot Shots: Dromana batsman Keirran Voelkl in sparkling form in Darwin
Not even one of Australia’s best fast bowlers could stop Keirran Voelkl’s run spree in the Top End. Plus, more player movements in the MPCA and a local legend gets MPCA life membership.
South East
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Darwin is a long way from Dromana but Hoppers cricketer Keirran Voelkl has been feeling very much at home in the Top End this winter.
The 29-year-old is playing cricket for Southern Districts and has struck career-best batting form.
With three sizzling centuries — 171, 104 and 105no — in the space of seven weeks, “Kiz” has been hotter than the weather.
And if you think Voelkl is belting mediocre bowlers around the park, think again.
His latest (unbeaten) ton was against none other than Australian fast bowler Jhye Richardson, who took the new ball for Nightcliff.
A speed gun at the ground clocked Richardson, on the comeback from a shoulder injury, at 139kph but Voelkl handled it with great aplomb, even hooking Richo to the boundary to bring up his century.
RECRUITS FOR RED HILL
Red Hill cricket captain-coach Simon Dart has hit the bullseye as far as recruits go.
Mt Martha left-hander Mitch Darville will inject some pep into the Hillmen top order, while former Templeton skipper Adam Slack and Pakenham batsman Luke Jackson will make their mark.
Slack also played Premier Cricket at Hawthorn.
TROTTER ON MOVE
A blow for Pearcedale but a boost for Pines.
Dashing Dales opening batsman Brad Trotter has signed with the Piners, who are fast putting together a powerful line-up to challenge for the top prize in MPCA Peninsula.
Trotter has churned out nearly 400 runs for Pearcedale in the past two Provincial seasons, his runs coming at a rapid rate.
Interestingly, he will face off with his ex-side next season, with Pearcedale dropping down a division and going up against Pines. Trotter joins fellow recruits Jackson Mockett and Taylor Smith at Pines.
JARDINE GETS LIFE
An emotional Norm Jardine received MPCA life membership at the association’s annual general meeting last night.
It was deserved reward for the Heatherhill legend, who has given a lifetime of service to cricket on the peninsula.
From the moment he arrived at Heatherhill Cricket Club in 1974, Jardine put his hand up to help out.
Forty five years on, he is still going strong.
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Jardine, 72, has done it all at Heatherhill; 383-game player, secretary for 25 years, president, treasurer and committee member (for 40 years).
He has served the MPCA for 18 years, including seven years on the board, at least three years as junior vice president and 17 years on the junior pennant committee.
In 2014, popular “Stormin” received the ultimate honour when Heatherhill’s clubrooms at Bruce Park were officially renamed Norm Jardine Pavilion, ensuring his name will live on forever at the Hills.
“When they told me, for once in my life I was lost for words,” Jardine said.
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