Maroon and Gold Glory: Bentleigh Uniting’s Legendary Journey to the T20 Championship

In a summer of upsets, defiance, and hometown pride, Bentleigh Uniting Cricket Club (BUCC) carved their names into cricketing folklore, clinching the Cricket Victoria Statewide T20 Championship. From synthetic wickets in East Bentleigh to the lush turf of Ballarat’s Eastern Oval, this grassroots powerhouse proved that belief, unity, and a splash of maroon and gold can triumph over all odds.

The Road Begins: A Local Derby with High Stakes

On November 23, 2014, Bentleigh Uniting squared off with Bentleigh Turf Cricket Club at the Bentleigh Reserve, a battle not just of teams but of local pride. With a squad led by the ever-reliable Glenn Lalor and powered by the likes of Simon Richards, Micky DeIacovo, Trent Cody, and Ollie Oostermeyer, Uniting posted a gritty 126 on a tough deck.

Bentleigh Turf’s batting arsenal included a formidable New Zealand first-class player, but BUCC’s discipline in the field turned the game. From Chubbsy Surridge’s early breakthroughs to a breathtaking diving catch from DeIacovo to dismiss the NZ skipper, it came down to the last ball — Bentleigh needed 4 to tie. Babs DeIacovo held his nerve. BUCC triumphed by two runs.

One Bentleigh team remained standing. Uniting.

Into the Fire: Cranbourne Clash and a Bowl-Off Victory

On December 17, BUCC travelled to Casey Fields to face Cranbourne CC, champions of the Dandenong District league. It was another turf test for the synthetic side, with unpredictable conditions and top-tier opposition. The game came down to a dramatic bowl-off — yes, a bowl-off — and BUCC held their nerve. The dream was still alive.

Climbing Higher: Ashburton, Altona North, and a Metro Crown

On January 20, 2015, BUCC invaded High Street, Ashburton, to take on the Willows. Yet again, they rose to the occasion. Batting deep and fielding with fire, they progressed to face Altona North on February 1 in a match that would crown the Melbourne Metropolitan Champion.

At W.L.J. Crofts Reserve, BUCC showed why they were the kings of the South and East. Against a strong Western contender, they prevailed by 11 runs in front of a sea of maroon and gold supporters. The victory wasn’t just one for the players — it was for the community, the loyal fans who travelled far and wide, making noise and making history.

Final Chapter: Vengeance in Ballarat

On Sunday, February 22, under Ballarat’s bright sun and on neutral turf at Eastern Oval, Bentleigh Uniting faced Wendouree CC in a rematch of the 2012 final, which they had lost at the MCG.

Wendouree won the toss and batted, but BUCC’s bowlers and fielders were relentless. The likes of Tim Brisbane, Simon Richards, Damian Britt, and Micky DeIacovo restricted Wendouree to 123, never letting them dominate despite a strong start.

Then came the chase.

Micky “Babs” DeIacovo exploded with two sixes in the opening overs, setting the tone. He anchored the innings with an unbeaten 75 off 42 balls, earning Man of the Match honours. Supported by Brisbane (11) and Tom Backman (16), BUCC stormed home with over five overs to spare.

From Synthetic to Supreme

What makes this story even more compelling is BUCC’s underdog status. A club playing on synthetic wickets, without a pavilion, facing turf titans packed with overseas stars and 1st class experience — and beating them all. Bentleigh, Cranbourne, Ashburton, Altona North, and Wendouree — the South, East, West, and North of Victoria — all conquered by the boys from Centenary Park.

Club president John Halliday summed it up:

“All games were at away venues. Many of our players had never played on turf before and not all owned cricket spikes. But what we lacked in facilities, we made up for in heart.”

Champions Forever

On a day when the gold rush of the 1800s was echoed by a maroon and gold invasion of Ballarat, Bentleigh Uniting didn’t just win a trophy. They won respect. They proved that spirit can’t be bought, that champions are forged in challenge, and that underdogs still have their day.

Bentleigh Uniting Cricket Club — 2015 Victorian T20 Champions.A title won with talent. Sealed with belief. Celebrated with pride.