Named: Ryan Hendy’s best DDCA cricketers

Doveton champion Ryan Hendy has called time on his cricket career. Ahead of his last match, he names the best players he’s played with and against. SEE THE LIST.

Ryan Hendy bowling for Doveton at Robinson Reserve.

Doveton champion Ryan Hendy has called time on his decorated cricket career.

Saturday’s game against Cranbourne at Robinson Reserve will be his last game of First XI for his beloved Doves.

“That’s going to be my last game,’’ he said.

“I’ve played all my life, I’ve never not played.’’

The man known as “Spanna’’ has played all of his career at Doveton, apart from three years at Narre North.

He won eight club champion awards, a Wookey Medal as the best player in the DDCA and one cricketer of the year award.

Ryan Hendy.

Always competitive.

He also played in three premierships, captained Victoria’s under-21 side, represented the DDCA numerous occasions and captain-coached Doveton for three years.

Hendy cited work, family and football commitments (he coaches Devon Meadows in the MPNFL) for his decision to hang up the boots.

“I’m 40 now and it’s getting harder to play at the top grade,’’ he said.

“It’s been a long journey and I just thought it was time. I’ve struggled to find the energy, with coaching footy as well. It takes up a lot of your time.

“That’ll be it.”

Hendy’s teammates of the past are invited to Doveton on Saturday to raise a glass for the champion.

“I let the club know (I was retiring) and they said, ‘we’re going to make a day out of it’,’’ he said.

“It was nice of them to do that.’’

Hendy has enjoyed an excellent season and leads the DDCA Turf 2 wickets with 28 scalps, at 10.

Ahead of his last match, he names the best players he’s played with and against.

Brad Downe.

Jason Arnberger.

Hendy’s best-ever side (in batting order):

1 Brad Downe

2 Josh Henry

3 Brett Polson

4 Jason Arnberger

5 Darren Pattinson

6 Shaun Tongue

7 Steven Stokes

8 Scott Brandon

9 Mathew Hutchinson

10 Brad Polson

11 Craig Seers

12th man Robert Turner

Brad Polson.

Matthew Hutchinson (left).

Hendy’s best opponents:

Danny Law (Springvale South)

Steve Spoljaric (Parkfield)

Craig Slocombe (Springvale South)

Scott Phillips (Narre South)