Cricketers trump footballers

THE annual Cobden cricketers versus footballers match was played under lights at Cobden on Friday night, with the cricketers scoring a thrilling three run win.

While the match has been played for several years, this was the second time it was played for the Cameron Beaton Shield, which was retained by the cricketers.

“Cameron has done a power of work for both the cricket and footy clubs” Cobden Cricket Club president Matthew Hanks said,

“It’s a nice fit to name it after him and it’s something I know he’s chuffed about.”

Batting first, the cricketers posted 225, led by Eddie Walsh who retired on 30 then later returned to resume his innings.

In reply, the footballers got close.

Playing for the footballers, Cobden cricketers Paul Pekin and Josh Hickey batted well and both retired on 30.

Pekin came back out to bat but couldn’t get the job done.

“He choked under the pressure,” laughed Hanks.

With the footballers getting close, Cobden Bombers coach Brody Mahoney was hitting them well.

“It was pretty competitive, Eddie Walsh was bowling fast and it was getting dark.

“Eddie slowed it down, bowled some spin, Brody hit him for six so Eddie went back off the long run and knocked him over.”

Hanks said the strong relationship between Cobden’s two major clubs allowed nights like Friday to happen.

“The relationship between the cricket and footy clubs is really strong at the moment.

“There’s currently a big crossover of players who play for both which helps, it was great to see a number of our cricketers play in the footballers team.”

The match attracted a crowd of over 100 and has now established a firm footing on the Cobden sporting social calendar.

While Saturday’s cricket was abandoned due to the heat, Cobden still ran a premiership reunion upstairs at the Cobden Community Bank Recreation Reserve.

The reunion covered all premierships won in the Knights very successful history.

“We had around 60 odd attend, many former players in attendance, it was another fantastic day for the club.”