Doin’ it for Bluey

By Peter Sweeney
“THIS one’s for Bluey,” members of the triumphant Beaconsfield Premier Division team said on Sunday, when presented with a pennant for being the best in the business in the West Gippsland Cricket Association.
The odds-on pop managed to stave off a determined Cardinia by just nine runs in a nail-biting finish at the Officer Recreation Reserve – and in so doing, honoured the memory of Wayne ‘Bluey’ Humphrey.
Humphrey, 48, who had much to do with sporting clubs in the Beaconsfield-Berwick district, died suddenly of a heart attack in November.
“He was very involved in the Beacy footy and cricket clubs for many years,” said Justin Stanton, Beaconsfield’s cricket captain.
And besides rewarding ‘Bluey’ for his allegiance, in winning the pennant Beaconsfield also retained the Brian Van Den Berghe Memorial Trophy.
The late Brian Van DenBerghe, who played cricket for both Beaconsfield and Cardinia, succumbed to cancer a decade ago.
Playing for Cardinia in a game 15 years back, Vandenberghe dismissed the whole Catani side.
His figures of 10/11 off 12.5 overs remain the best in the competition.
A trophy is up for grabs each time Beaconsfield and Cardinia play.
Members of Brian Van DenBerghe’s family watched the drama of the Premier Division final unfold – but there was no trophy presentation, as reigning holder Beacy forgot to bring it.
“It was a memorable game of cricket,” Justin Stanton said.
“When we had them at 6/80 on day two, it looked over, but then they fought back so well and nearly won it.
“Yes, we had a few drinks in the changerooms to celebrate.”