Cricket dominates the biggest local sport stories of 2019
We’ve already looked at the biggest local football stories of 2019 but there’s been plenty of sporting news in the suburbs of Melbourne — and cricket has dominated the headlines.
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We’ve already looked at the biggest local football stories of 2019 but there’s been plenty of sporting news in the suburbs of Melbourne.
Local cricket – from Premier Cricket to junior stars in the making – dominated the headlines this year.
Of the top 20 stories on Leader Local Sport, 19 were cricket stories.
Rising star Jake Fraser-McGurk accounted for three of the year’s biggest stories as he become just the third youngest cricketer to play for Victoria.
The one outlier, Craigieburn City’s strong stance on on-field violence after the club’s decision to ban its entire Metropolitan League 6 North West men’s team.
Stay tuned to Leader for all the big local sports news as we head into 2020.
1. FAMILY’S EMOTIONAL APPEAL AFTER CRICKETER SON’S SUDDEN DEATH
Toby Prime, Wyndham Leader, October 28
The devastated parents of young cricketer Bryce Stuart, whose sudden death has rocked Hoppers Crossing, appealed to those suffering mental health problems to reach out for help.
2. FORGOTTEN BALL BRINGS T20 MATCH TO BIZARRE END
Tim Michell, Moonee Valley Leader, January 30
A VTCA Twenty20 match between Sunshine Heights and Strathmore ended in bizarre circumstances, when a team was made to forfeit because they forgot to bring a ball.
3. THE 12-YEAR-OLD CRICKETER WHO’S CRACKED 1000 RUNS THIS SEASON
Paul Amy, Knox Leader, February 9
Brilliant young batsman Archie Flynn made tons of runs last summer, along the way breaking a record at representative level.
4. CLUB BANS ENTIRE TEAM FOR ON-FIELD VIOLENCE
Ben Higgins, Hume Leader, July 24
Craigieburn City were applauded for a swift decision to ban an entire team after on-field violence during a match, saying the club has a strict zero tolerance policy.
5. DICKSON MAKES DECISION ON PLAYING FUTURE
Toby Prime, Manningham Leader, April 23
Champion Fitzroy Doncaster batsman Peter Dickson had been wrestling with thoughts of retirement since the Lions’ preliminary final exit. He shelved those plans to play on.
6. GULBIS GUIDES CARLTON TO EPIC GRAND FINAL VICTORY
Paul Amy, Melbourne Leader, April 10
Set 9-409 by Geelong, Carlton completed a remarkable run chase to win its first Premier Cricket premiership since 1980-81, captain Evan Gulbis the man of the match.
7. FRASER-McGURK ONE OF VICTORIA’S MOST PROMISING TALENTS
Toby Prime, Monash Leader, January 30
He was one of the rising stars in Victorian cricket, compared to an Australian limited overs star and a state debut was imminent. Jake Fraser-McGurk was a cricketer on the rise.
8. LEADER’S PREMIER CRICKET TEAM OF THE YEAR
Tim Michell and Paul Amy, Moonee Valley Leader, March 13
It’s a Premier XI loaded with run-makers and wicket-takers, and to celebrate, our reporters have put together their Team of the Year for 2018-19. See who made the list.
9. LEADER’S VSDCA TEAM OF THE YEAR
Paul Amy and Tim Michell, Wydham Leader, March 7
Our reporters have put their necks on the line, naming the VSDCA Team of the Year for 2018-19. Did they get it right?
10. PREMIERSHIP SHARED AFTER TIED GRAND FINAL
Toby Prime, Whitehorse Leader, March 20
Park Orchards and St Davids share the Box Hill Reporter District Cricket Association Dorothy McIntosh Shield after the grand final finished in a tie, both teams were bowled out for 165.
11. FRASER-McGURK TO MAKE VICTORIAN HISTORY
Toby Prime, Monash Leader, November 11
Jake Fraser-McGurk’s net sessions with his father are folklore at one Melbourne club. We explore his junior career as he prepares to become the third youngest player to debut for Victoria.
12. TWO OF STATE’S TOP YOUNG TALENTS SIGN ROOKIE DEALS
Toby Prime, Manningham Leader, May 12
The state’s best young talents were rewarded with Cricket Victoria deals for 2019-20 after standout seasons in Premier Cricket. Find out who made the contract list.
13. PERRIN JOINS PREMIER CRICKET RIVAL AFTER LEAVING LIONS
Toby Prime, Stonnington Leader, May 14
Andrew Perrin joined the exodus at Fitzroy Doncaster, just days after it was confirmed Trent Lawford would be joining VSDCA outfit Yarraville Club.
14. “THERE’S MY TEAM”: QUADS SAVE FLAILING CRICKET SIDE
Paul Amy, Cranbourne Leader, October 19
When it appeared Hallam Kalora Park would be unable to field an under-15 team due to lack of numbers, its coach was devastated … until the Ranaweera quads turned up at training.
15. DU PREEZ PLAYS BLINDER FOR PANTHERS
Paul Amy, Greater Dandenong Leader, November 7
South Africa star Mignon du Preez cracked 13 fours and seven sixes in a memorable cameo for Dandenong in its Premier Cricket women’s T20 match against Carlton-Brunswick.
16. WHO ARE PREMIER CRICKET’S MOST IMPROVED PLAYERS?
Tim Michell, Moonee Valley Leader, February 28
Some started the season outside their club’s First XI, others have blossomed with greater opportunity. Our definitive list of the most-improved players in Premier Cricket in 2018-19.
17. “EVERYONE WAS UP”: CULT HERO’S INCREDIBLE AUSSIE RECEPTION
David Turner, Whitehorse Leader, November 19
Romanian internet sensation Pavel Florin made his Australian cricket debut in a D Grade match but it was A Grade entertainment for the throng of fans who turned out to watch.
Toby Prime, Progress Leader, May 20
Kew unveiled its first significant recruit of the VSDCA off-season by signing former Premier Cricket Monash Tigers batsman Andrew Chalkley.
19. MASSALAGE MASTERCLASS REWRITES GDCA HISTORY BOOKS
Ben Higgins, Sunbury Leader, November 10
Diggers Rest Bulla opener Indika Massalage smashed a GDCA league record 266 against Sunbury United, besting the previous high-score record of 221.
20. “HE’S GOT A DREAM TO PLAY FOR ENGLAND”
Toby Prime, Maroondah Leader, March 12
Ringwood all-rounder Ian Holland relinquished the club captaincy as he hoped to launch an international career with England after signing a long-term deal with County club Hampshire
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