‘Didn’t expect that’: Ex-Test batter Brad Hodge leaves lasting impression with Berwick Springs

Ex-Aussie batter Brad Hodge left an impression at Berwick Springs while a Premier Cricket champion guided his side to victory.

Brad Hodge. (AAP Image/ Hamish Blair)

Brad Hodge may not have been able to steer Berwick Springs to victory but club captain Braydon Hillman said the impression the ex-Test batter left was worth just as much.

Chasing HSD’s 7-117, Hodge landed some lusty blows for the Titans before he and his teammates were bowled out 21 runs shy of victory.

Hillman said Hodge’s reaction to his dismissal showed how invested he was.

“He got 19 or 20 … he was filthy when he got out,” he said.

“He wanted to be there and get it done.

“It was disappointing to lose but they’re in the division above us.

“We kept them to a good score, we got ourselves into a position to win, we just couldn’t get it done.”

Brad Hodge landed a couple of big hits. (AAP Image/ Hamish Blair)

Hillman said Hodge left an impression with the young Titans group after the match.

“He stuck around for an hour and a half or so, talking to everyone and I think he bought all of the boys a beer,” he said.

“He was having a chat to anyone, we didn’t really expect that, he’s Brad Hodge, he’s a busy man – it was great to see.

“There were a few things in the field as captain he helped me with, having guys finer or straighter, there was no specific advice but more as a captain it was that tactical advice.”

Dandenong great Brett Forsyth took Springvale South to victory. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Elsewhere, St Mary’s claimed a seven-wicket win over Berwick, courtesy of a sizzling knock from Saints’ opener Saveen Nanayakkara.

Nanayakkara belted 89no from 47 balls to advance the Saints through to the semi-finals.

Premier Cricket champion Brett Forsyth guided his home club, Springvale South, through with a clinical 70no in the Bloods’ seven-wicket win over Narre South.

Forsyth, who passed 10,000 Premier Cricket runs earlier this summer, hit 10 fours and two sixes in his 58-ball stay.

North Dandenong (10-193) also advanced after a strong win over Fountain Gate (10-90).