Hi everyone,

As we head into Christmas, we have plenty going on around the Club.  

Well done to the Reuben Beazley T20 team on making the T20 finals, with the semi final clash against Huntly North Epsom to be held on 20th January 2013.  More details to follow on this in the New Year, with a likely home final on the cards.

The official opening of the Top End Training Facility was held on 11th December down at Harry Trott Oval.  The facility was opened by the Mayor of Bendigo, Ms Lisa Ruffell, with many of our Club sponsors and supporters in attendance. Full coverage is available through the Top End Training Facility page on our website.

Well done to 1st XI skipper Leigh McDermott in taking a career best 7 wickets against Huntly North Epsom in round 7.  That effort earned his team, Corey's Captains, the win in the latest round of the Brougham Arms Auction.  You can track the results through the website.             
      
Another reminder that the 160th Reunion Celebration is getting closer as well.  The event will be on Saturday 26th January 2013 at the All Season’s Quality Hotel from 7pm.  Tickets are $50 per head for a two course meal and drink on arrival.  The night will include two more Hall of Fame inductees, interviews with past players, and a small auction of donated goods.    

Please continue to support our sponsors, led by the Major Sponsor Brougham Arms Hotel, and our Major Partner MGR Accountants.  Our sponsors can be accessed through the website.              

Finally, experiencing his first Christmas with the sun on his back is our overseas player for the season, Matthew "Chalky" Chalk.  A big hello to all of our new supporters across the globe in Springfield, where Chalky is from. 

The website editor recently sat down with Chalky and got to know him a little better. 

Merry Christmas everyone, and see you in the New Year. 

Chalky, where are you from in the UK?
Chelmsford, Springfield, Essex

What brings you to Australia?
The sun

Current place of abode?
Previously Chris Tuohey’s dungeon; now living in Chris Tuohey’s cellar

Favourite moment in cricket for you?
Would have to be playing cricket at The Oval

What were your first impressions of Cadman Turner, Harry Donegan and Curt Tuohey when they arrived in the UK at the start of the 2012 English summer?
They were great blokes who liked to socialise.  They all worked at Aldi in the UK, too – that’s where I like to shop – so they got points there.  The only thing was that I couldn’t understand a word Harry said for the first month

What do you hope to do in Australia?
See plenty of Australia, make plenty of runs, keep playing T20, work on my off spin, but mostly take as many memories home as I can home with me

Seeing as though Curtis and Cadman especially haven’t seen winter in 18 months, why do they still have such a pale complexion?
You either have the bronze look, or you don’t…they don’t

When you think stylish dress sense, do you think Heath Behrens or Marcus Smalley?
Heath Behrens marginally.  He keeps talking up this warehouse where he gets all of his kit from, and I'm going shopping with him there for Christmas this week.  Miggy “Polo” Podosky has them both covered, though. Joel Spry, Nick Crawford, and Alex Culvenor all rate themselves far too high 

The main difference between Springfield Cricket Club and BUCCs?
The main difference was the Leigh McDermott Boot Camp.  Back home I'm used to seeing people casually netting and then avoiding doing anything for the rest of the session  

Is Mal Hussein as haunted by Cadman Turner as Cadman Turner would have you believe?
Yeah I'm pretty sure Mel is still in a bad place after that afternoons cricket. Although he did get some revenge making 140 in the return match which they also lost. Bad Luck Mel.

(Editors note – Mel Hussein is the brother of former England captain Nasser Hussein.  Chasing 123 in the 1st XI against High Roding, Springfield was precariously placed at 9 wickets down until Cadman Turner, on debut, kept his cool and made 17 not out (with two 4’s) guiding Springfield home…much to Mel’s disappointment.)              

Hi everyone,
Merry Christmas to you all.  I hope you and your loved ones have a safe and happy holiday season.
We have plenty going on around the Club leading into Christmas.  The Reuben Beazley T20 game on Wednesday 12th December 2012 against Eaglehawk at Harry Trott Oval starting at 5:00pm will serve as our Christmas Party and our Sponsors Night.  All of our junior players are encouraged to come along in their BUCCs shirt to receive a free sausage from the BBQ, and a free drink.  DJ Miggy will have the music going, and it will be a great fun night.  Come along and support the T20 side as they head towards a T20 semi final in the New Year. 
Speaking of Miggy, check out his batting exploits that got the 1st XI out of trouble against Kangaroo Flat during Round 6.  I am told that as the partnership progressed the crowd on the hill grew ten fold, and Miggy entertained the masses with two big sixes along the way.       
On 11th December 2012 at 10:30am, in conjunction with the City of Greater Bendigo, the Top End Training Facility will be officially opened by the Mayor, Cr Lisa Ruffell.  If you want to see the development of the site from start to finish, please check out the website, and if you get down to the ground I encourage you to drop by and take a look at this impressive facility.                 
The 160th Reunion Celebration is getting closer as well.  The event will be on Saturday 26th January 2013 at the All Season’s Quality Hotel from 7pm.  Tickets are $50 per head for a two course meal and drink on arrival.  The night will include two more Hall of Fame inductees, interviews with past players, and a small auction of donated goods.    
Please continue to support our sponsors, led by the Major Sponsor Brougham Arms Hotel, and our Major Partner MGR Accountants.  Our sponsors can be accessed through the webiste.                 

See you at the cricket.

David Bicknell
Club President