TSL player Phil Bellchambers cooking up a storm for Easter at Lauderdale

TSL player Phil Bellchambers is a gun on the field and in the kitchen. The professional baker has a closely guarded secret as to why his hot cross buns are so tasty.

Lauderdale forward Phillip Bellchambers is up to his elbows in flour this week pumping out hot cross buns for Easter. Picture: Zak Simmonds

WHAT do you do when there’s no footy – make some dough on the side, of course.

Lauderdale football player Phil Bellchambers is one of the toughest ombres in the Tasmanian State League but this week the man known as “Rock” has been up to his elbows in flour pumping out hot cross buns for Easter.

With the TSL season postponed until at least May 31, Bellchambers has focused on work as a baker, a landscaper as well as studying law at the University of Tasmania.

TSL Tigers Vs Lauderdale at Twin Ovals, Kingston. (L-R) Phil Bellchambers with the ball. PICTURE : MATT THOMPSON

He will rise to the occasion by making thousands of delicious hot cross buns at Windy’s Café in Lauderdale for the Easter long weekend.

What is the secret to Phil’s fabulous buns?

“Hot cross buns are my speciality and I use my own special mix of spices,” he said.

As a baker, Bellchambers goes straight to work after footy training and works until 4am, and on day shift he toils from noon to 8pm.

“I’m struggling to find things to do without footy,” he said.

“My Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursday nights are normally taken up with training and we play at the weekend.

“Now it’s stay at home, do some weights, go for a run, and sit on the couch.”

Bellchambers can’t wait to get football back despite a late start.

“I’d be happy to play as many games as we can, and even play over the summer. I miss my footy so the more games the better,” he said.