The Centenary Roar | Issue #11

Sarah Radlow
Feb 12
4 min read

More than ‘Just a Cricket Club…’

Our Cricket Club has a long history of working together with other organisations in the local area to improve the quality of life of the less fortunate. Going back to 1932 (when the Club was known as Bentleigh Methodist CC) the Lions have been involved in charitable causes such as: collecting for the Red Cross, gathering and distributing toys at Christmas for those without; subsidising the fees of local children wishing to play cricket.

At this year’s Annual General Meeting, the Club voted unanimously to collect recyclables and cash them in (under the Victorian State Government’s Container Deposit Scheme) and forward items purchased with monies raised for some of Melbourne’s most-marginalised male and female citizens.

The items are taken into Fitzroy every Monday evening by myself and Year 11 students from Mount Lilydale Mercy College where they are delivered to the Sisters of The Missionaries of Charity who run a soup kitchen for Homeless Men in George Street Fitzroy and a Women’s Refuge in Gore Street Fitzroy.

I have been serving at the Men’s Soup Kitchen every Monday night since 2010 and I cannot begin to tell you how grateful and delighted the Sisters are to receive the support of Bentleigh Uniting CC.

For the Men's Soup Kitchen, all manner of foodstuffs are taken in to be cooked; for The Women's Refuge, the items include food but also items such as clothes, laundry powders, toiletries, period care items and colouring books and toys for the young children. Many of the women are fleeing extremely unhealthy domestic situations and arrive at The Refuge with, basically, the clothes that they have on their backs and usually a young child or two.

So far this season, Bentleigh Uniting CC have donated over 2,400 recyclables; this translates to over $240- that has been spent on people in dire need.

If you wish to support this awesome BUCC initiative, please bag up your recyclables and leave them in the Julie Cooper Pavilion foyer at Centenary Park. I will ensure that the recyclables are collected, cashed-in and all monies spent for some of Melbourne’s most-marginalised citizens.

There are many very good cricket clubs in Australia, but precious few that venture into the important area of ‘social-justice’ as well, or as frequently, as Bentleigh Uniting CC does.

Be proud and keep supporting this wonderful cause- it is a sobering reality that poverty and need does not cease for the Christmas/New Year period.

Paul Morgan - BUCC ‘Cleaner’

A great start to the season for new cricketers

As the home and away season winds down, we’re incredibly proud of the effort, growth and team spirit shown across all our Bentleigh Uniting junior sides this year.

A huge congratulations to our U12 (2) team, who have officially secured a spot in finals — a fantastic reward for a season of hard work and improvement. We can’t wait to cheer you on in the next stage!

Our U14s are still in the hunt, with finals hopes alive heading into the final rounds. Every run, wicket and moment of teamwork will count — we’re right behind you!

Meanwhile, our Rookies and U12 Girls still have a few games left to enjoy, finishing their seasons strong. While these competitions don’t have finals, the focus remains on fun, development and building confidence — and they’ve done a brilliant job all season.

Well done to every player, coach and family for making this such a positive and memorable summer of junior cricket at Bentleigh Uniting.

The fifths are back on the track!

As the home and away season draws to a close, it’s shaping up to be a huge finish for our Bentleigh Uniting senior men.

All five senior sides are on track to feature in finals — a brilliant reflection of the depth, commitment and culture across the club this season. From the top grade to our developing squads, every group has put in the work and it’s paying off at the right time of year.

This weekend looms especially large, with several of our sides pushing to lock in top spot and take that all-important momentum into finals. Every session, every run and every wicket has built toward this moment.

A massive shoutout to the players, captains, coaches and volunteers who’ve helped create such a strong and united senior program. Now it’s time to finish the home and away season the right way and roll into finals as one club.

Go well, Lions 🦁💛

Time to build momentum...

Perfect — here’s the updated version with the match details added:

A fantastic finish to the home and away season for our Bentleigh Uniting senior women.

Our First XI have earned their place in finals — a well-deserved reward for their consistency, commitment and hard work throughout the season. They’ve set the standard and now have the opportunity to make their mark when it matters most.

Our Second XI continue to build strongly, with impressive development across the group. The growth in confidence, skill and teamwork this season has been outstanding, laying a strong foundation for the future of our women’s program.

This weekend is extra special, with both sides playing at home at 11:30am — the perfect chance to get down, show your support and cheer on our women in maroon and gold.

Congratulations to all players and coaches on the progress and success this year. Finals await for the First XI — and the best is still to come for this group 💛🦁

5k draw and Pink Stumps Day

Join us at 11:30 for a double header showcasing our Senior Women’s teams, followed by our $5,000 draw at 1pm. Head into our bio to purchase your ticket or see Doc at the canteen🫡.

Bentleigh Uniting is proud to support the McGrath Foundation through Pink Stumps Day, helping raise vital funds for breast cancer care and awareness. We’re incredibly grateful to have @triple_five_fitness sponsoring the day. Your support plays a key role in making this event a success.

We’re looking forward to seeing you all there for what will be an amazing day! 💗