Speake up: Ormond appoints former Kiwi as new captain
Ben Speake made a lot of runs and a big impression in his first season in Sub-District. The Monders have responded by installing him as First XI captain.
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When you make double centuries in senior cricket, you also make a good name in the game.
When Ben Speake arrived at Ormond last season his performances in the VTCA were well noted.
He hit 216 in a grand final for Seddon in 2017-18.
In his second innings the following season he cracked 200 not out. It was obvious he liked to deal in what English great Graham Gooch called “daddy hundreds’’.
Speedily and stylishly, Speake transferred his reputation as a runmaker to the Subbies; in Round 2 he crafted 137 not out against Moorabbin.
“Brilliant,’’ Ormond captain James Wild said after Speake’s hand. “He’s 29, he knows his game inside out, he keeps out the good balls and when he gets going he punishes the bad balls. He’s a delight to watch.
“He has a beautiful technique, a great temperament and wonderful concentration skills. He’s exactly what we needed.’’
The century set Speake up for the season; he finished it with 518 runs at 43.2 and 23 dismissals as a wicketkeeper.
Now he’s been appointed Ormond’s new captain, replacing champion all-rounder Wild, who stood down after five seasons in charge.
Speake said it was a great honour to assume the role at such a traditional Sub-District club.
“Obviously last year was my first year at the club and I really enjoyed it,’’ he said. “It’s got a pretty proud history and I’m really happy to be part of it and thrilled to get a chance to lead the team.’’
Speake is from New Zealand, and reached Premier cricket level in Hamilton. Five years ago he decided to have a season in Melbourne, having already played in the UK. He joined Doutta Stars in the VTCA, and took a liking to the city and a fancy for a lady. He decided to stay.
Speake said he was impressed at the standard of the Subbies.
He saw the best of it in the qualifying final against Oakleigh, when the Monders were swept aside for 84 as they chased 164. Speake was dismissed for three, the first of Mick Splatt’s six victims.
“They got the better of us, outplayed us,’’ he said.
“It was disappointing but a realistic reflection of the way we played. We didn’t perform when we needed to. We’re looking to improve and push a little bit further next season.’’
Wild said Speake – nicknamed “Talky’’ at Ormond – was a fine player and should make a good captain.
“He’s quite level-headed – he might control his emotions more than me – he’ll think about the game and he’s pretty bold about making calls like when to bring on bowlers or setting fields,’’ he said.
“When he speaks, the team listens. He’s a quiet guy but when he wants to say something he gets the attention of the team and the respect.
“We’ll get behind him, and hopefully he can lead us on to success.’’
Ormond has reappointed senior coach Murray Ring for the next two years, and Wild is staying on, as are fast bowlers Rodney Bird and Blade Baxter.
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