The Centenary Roar | Issue #05

Sarah Radlow
Apr 21
4 min read

Thank you!

As the final overs of the season are bowled and the stumps are packed away, it’s time to reflect on what has been one of the most memorable summers in Bentleigh Uniting Cricket Club’s proud history.

From the thrilling moments under pressure to the celebrations that followed, the 2024/25 season has been nothing short of extraordinary. Our Longmuir Shield side stood tall to claim the ultimate prize, securing a well-deserved premiership and writing a new chapter in the club’s legacy. Not to be outdone, our H Grade team also lifted the premiership cup, showing the depth of talent and spirit that runs through every corner of our club.

Beyond the silverware, this season has been defined by the friendships forged, the new faces welcomed, and the unwavering support from our volunteers, members, and families who make BUCC the community we’re all so proud to call home.

As we sign off for the summer, we’d like to take a moment to say thank you — and to remind you, the countdown to the next season is already underway.

Junior Cricket Update: A Season to Remember

As we close the curtain on a huge season for Bentleigh Uniting Cricket Club, we couldn’t be prouder of the incredible efforts and achievements from our junior teams. Week in and week out, these young Lions showed skill, determination, and sportsmanship — and their growth as cricketers and teammates was clear for all to see.

Special congratulations to this year’s award winners, who stood out across a season packed with highlights. Whether it was piling on the runs, taking crucial wickets, pulling off sharp catches, or showing heart and commitment in every training and game — you’ve all done the maroon and gold proud.

A few standout moments:🏆 Noah Montgomery lit up the U16s with 424 runs at an astonishing average of 141.33 and chimed in with 8 wickets for good measure!🎯 Ethan Jowett dominated with both ball and bat, especially in U14s where he took 9 wickets at just 10.89.👏 Bodhi Duke and Thomas Norsworthy were unstoppable in the U12s, both shining across multiple categories.

And how about our Rookies? Both Rookies South and the Undefeated Rookies West squads showed what the future of BUCC looks like: full of promise, enthusiasm, and team spirit.

To all our award winners — and every junior who pulled on the BUCC cap this summer — thank you for your passion, effort, and love for the game. A huge shout-out, too, to our coaches, managers, families, and volunteers who make junior cricket possible each and every season.

We can’t wait to see you all back next season, bigger and better!

Pride of the Lions: Men’s Teams Wrap Up

A huge season for our senior men's sides, highlighted by some truly outstanding individual performances. Congratulations to all our award winners — your commitment and consistency have set the standard this year!

💥 Highest Aggregate Runs:Craig Short — 460 runs @ 46.0

🎯 Highest Aggregate Wickets:Malin Silva — 41 wickets @ 15.63

🔥 Best Bowling Performance:Malin Silva — 6/53 vs East Sandringham(Semi Final, 9th of March 2025)

🦁 Longmuir Shield Awards:

Bowling Average: Malin Silva — 41 wickets @ 15.63
Batting Average: Craig Short — 460 runs @ 46.0
Club Champion (Noel MacPherson Award): Malin Silva

🦁 Quiney Shield Awards:

Bowling Average: Liam Manakis — 11 wickets @ 8.4
Batting Average: Charlie Davidson — 375 runs @ 41.7
Most Valuable Player: Charlie Davidson

🦁 H Grade Awards:

Bowling Average: Ben Perkins — 13 wickets @ 13.5
Batting Average: Chris Manakis — 219 runs @ 54.7
Most Valuable Player: Keith Fuller

🦁 K Grade Awards:

Bowling Average: Jonathan Guttmann — 18 wickets @ 10.3
Batting Average: Jonathan Guttmann — 254 runs @ 84.7
Most Valuable Player: Jonathan Guttmann

A huge well done to all the men who pulled on the maroon and gold this season — whether you filled the scorebook, stood tall for your teammates, or were the loudest voice in the field, you’ve all made us proud.

Lionesses on the Rise: Senior Women’s Award Winners

Our women’s XI enjoyed a fantastic year in their inaugural season, with plenty of individual milestones and memorable moments. Congratulations to all players for building something special and to our award winners for leading the way:

🎯 Bowling Average:Kate Williamson — 8 wickets @ 10.5

💪 Batting Average:Sophie James — 92 runs @ 23.0

🦁 Most Valuable Player:Kate Williamson

A season of firsts, and many more to come! Well done to the whole squad for the passion, commitment, and culture you’ve built. Here’s to 2025/26!

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