MPCA: Heatherhill skipper Kristian Miller scores century after teammate retires hurt

Players were left shaken when a Heatherhill batter not wearing a helmet was struck during a dramatic round of MPCA Provincial, highlighted by a brilliant century.

Heatherhill centurion Kristian Miller raises his bat on Saturday. Pic: Tyler Lewis

Players were left shaken after Heatherhill opener Matthew Bishop was struck on the head in a MPCA Provincial match on Saturday.

Bishop wasn’t wearing a helmet when he was hit trying to hook a bouncer from Long Island paceman Matt Shimell in the third over of the day.

Bishop immediately retired hurt and was taken to hospital, where he was later cleared of serious injury.

“He got a really nasty one to the head, he was pretty shaken up, I think a few boys were,” Heatherhill captain Kristian Miller said.

“I think it hit him just below the temple.

“He went off and got scans. Thankfully he was cleared, no broken jaw…just a big egg and a swollen face.”

Matthew Bishop.

Kristian Miller.

When Bishop retired hurt, Miller walked to the crease and set about chasing down Long Island’s 233.

He proceeded to peel off a brilliant 101 off 163 balls, with 12 fours and a six, but was “filthy” on himself after getting out at 2-141, with his side still requiring 93 for victory.

Miller begrudgingly raised his bat as he left the ground to a warm ovation from his teammates.

“I was pretty filthy with myself to be honest,’’ he said.

“It wasn’t the normal feeling of walking off after a hundred that’s for sure.

“I felt like I definitely left plenty out there and given there was a lot to get.”

Heatherhill’s Jake Theobald (49no off 90 balls) and Daniel Hille (24 off 49) combined for a vital 74-run fourth wicket partnership as the Hills achieved victory with six wickets and seven overs to spare, making 4-235.

Earlier, Miller combined with opener Jonah Avery (24) for a century partnership.

Theobald has been one of Heatherhill’s best bowlers in the past decade but a back injury has seen him focus on his batting.

Hille, the son of club MPCA batting great John, was playing only his third first XI game and it was his the first time he had batted at that level.

Heatherhill claimed the Ken Lonie Cup. Picture: Facebook

Heatherhill and Long Island were playing for the Ken Lonie Cup and Miller said the Hills’ victory was a “relief to get on the board to be honest’’.

Bishop returned from hospital to see his side secure victory.

In other games:

*Langwarrin star Matt Prosser could be on track for a fourth consecutive Wedgwood Medal after making 97 in his side’s win over Red Hill. Prosser’s near-ton followed his 4-39 with the ball. He hit 10 boundaries in a 167-ball stay to steer Langwarrin past Red Hill’s 133 and on to 6-173. Prosser and Trevor Johnston (47) shared an 87-run third wicket partnership for the 3-0 Langwarrin.

*Sorrento suffered a stinging batting collapse as it lost to Baden Powell. Chasing 216, the Sharks lost 7-12, after being 3-123, to be dismissed for 135. Luke Kranzbuhler was again the Sorrento stand-out with 55, but the day belonged to Baden Powell captain Rhys Elmi (4-29 off 17 overs), Dale Elmi (2-9) and Luke Long (1-27).

*Pat Jackson scored a defiant 39 not out to steer Pines to a gripping two-wicket win over Old Peninsula. Chasing 146, the Piners had contributions from Connor Jackson (26) and Harley Peace-Stirling (27) before Pat Jackson chimed in with a timely innings at number eight, as Pines made 8-147 off 73.2 overs. For the Pirates, who have lost two in a row, Adam Gailitis (3-63) and Bailey Payze (3-42) did best.