Flinders cricket champions hoping to go out on a high

Two of Flinders’ finest cricketers plan to call time on their First XI careers after the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association finals.

Flinders run machine Shane Beggs batting in the 2015-16 MPCA District grand final against Pearcedale. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Win, lose or draw, Flinders champions Dwayne Field and Shane Beggs are planning to draw the curtain on their fantastic First XI careers at the conclusion of the MPCA finals series.

Flinders meets Long Island in a Peninsula division semi-final on Saturday and the pair would love to make it through to the grand final.

“We’re hoping to get through and finish in the big one, it would be a good way to go out,” Field said.

Field and Beggs intend to play on next season, but just not in the First XI — they want to drop down the grades and play with their sons.

Dwayne Field bowling in the 2010-11 MPCA Sub District grand final.

“Our boys play and they can play seniors next season so we’re going to probably go back and play with them in the lower grades,” Field said.

“That’s the plan.

“I’m probably closer to the end than Beggsy and he’s six years older than me.

“It’s just a struggle, it’s bloody hard.

“Ideally it would be good to go back and play seconds but I want to have a year with my young fella maybe in the thirds or fourths.

“We’re thinking about trying to get a fourth team up and going which is for father and sons.

“I’m not saying I’m never going to play firsts again, you never say never, do you, you never retire completely. If you’re in your fifties and they need you, you’d still put your hand up. But just for now I’m going to have a bit of a rest.”

Field joined Flinders in 1997 and captained the Sharks for eight seasons, as well as coaching the club.

He’s led the bowling attack for a long time, taking hundreds of wickets as well as being a vital cog in multiple premierships.

Beggs has churned out thousands of runs for Flinders and won a league medal. In his late 40s, he’s still regarded as one of the competition’s best batsmen.

Premiers: Dwayne Field (back left) and Shane Beggs with (in front, left to right) Sam Field, Charlie Beggs and Ethan Beggs after Flinders won the U12 flag.

Former Queensland paceman Matt Gale will continue playing with Flinders next season, according to Field.

“He will stay on...we’re not really sure in what sort of role, but he’s definitely staying,” he said.

The Field and Beggs names are set to flourish into the future at Flinders.

Sam Field (Dwayne’s son) and Charlie and Ethan Beggs (Shane’s boys) played in the club’s Under 12 West premiership triumph last weekend.

It was back-to-back flags for the side.

Sam was captain and made 33 not out and took 1-12, while Charlie made 24 not out and took 3-6, including a hat trick.

Ethan, who is only nine, made a crucial four runs with the bat.

Dwayne coached the side with Shane his assistant.

MPCA semi-finals, Saturday:

Provincial: Old Peninsula v Baden Powell, Langwarrin v Sorrento.

Peninsula: Pines v Somerville, Long Island v Flinders.

District: Carrum v Delacombe Park, Dromana v Rosebud.

Sub District: Carrum Downs v Balnarring, Mt Martha v Tyabb.