To celebrate its centenary, Cricket Shepparton will be immortalising its greats by selecting a Team of the Century at an event in November.
The shortlist — consisting of 30 members — recognises those past and present that have had a large impact on the game of cricket both in the region and beyond.
In the lead-up to the ceremony, The News will run special feature pieces on all 30 players, before the release of a commemorative magazine on November 25.
Cricket Shepparton stalwart Peter Holland has scaled the heights of local and representative cricket.
From his countless Haisman Shield premierships, his consecutive Country Victoria appearances, to a memorable Lightfoot Medal triumph, Holland has enjoyed the very best of what cricket has delivered him over a decorative career.
It’s only a brief glimpse into his exploits but it’s no wonder why the Central Park-St Brendan’s icon has been shortlisted in Cricket Shepparton’s 30-player squad for its Team of the Century.
But the dominant right-hand middle-order bat, who was a mainstay in the Tigers’ dynasty during the 2000s, has a peculiar career highlight that stands above the rest.
The Clyde Young B-grade premiership from the 2016-17 season.
For a player who has a CV that would make most cricketers envious, it’s an intriguing career favourite.
But for Holland, he wouldn’t trade it for any of his seven Haisman Shield premiership medallions.
Because he shared that B-grade glory with his eldest son, Connor.
Up against Euroa at Tallygaroopna, the Tigers were in a spot of bother at 2-11, chasing the Magpies’ score of 141.
Holland senior and junior, who was in his early teens, would combine for a crucial and match-winning 80-run partnership and the rest, as they say, is history.
“I had an absolute ball batting with Connor that day. I enjoyed that a lot,” Holland said.
“I would say that B-grade win is more of a highlight than the rest. Just being able to bat with him all day — it was a lot of fun. We were in a lot of trouble early when he joined me at the crease. He took a barrage of assistance from the bowlers, telling him how to bat and whatnot, but he stuck with me and we were able to go and win that one.”
Before Holland’s premiership success alongside his son, he carved out an extensive and sublime career.
It all began in the backyard, before appearances with St Mel’s Primary School and Notre Dame.
From there, Holland would go on to make his first senior cricket appearance with Central Park-St Brendan’s in his early years of secondary schooling.
All of his mates were at the Deakin Reserve-based outfit and it made sense for the teenager to head for the Tigers.
That relationship with CPSTB has never faltered — despite it stretching almost 40 years.
The daring and reliable batter became a mainstay in the A-grade line-up and was there for the club’s maiden Haisman Shield flag in 1999-00.
That season would prove to be one of Holland’s finest.
So sublime were his efforts that summer — 585 runs at an average 65 — Holland went on to claim Cricket Shepparton’s prestigious Lightfoot Medal.
But Holland sees it differently.
“I always say ‘I stole that one’ that year,” Holland said with a laugh.
“I reckon I was the first and probably the last to ever win it on 12 votes. We had a summer similar to this, just heaps of wash-outs and I had four best-on games.”
It was at that time when Holland began to take his game to the next level.
More of a focus on the mental aspect of his game is what Holland credits for his improvement.
And it would prove a valuable asset.
Holland caught the eyes of Country Victoria selectors, where he represented the state side twice, first at Mt Gambier and then at Cobram.
Back home the team success continued to flow in.
After the shock 2003-04 grand final loss to Mooroopna, Central Park-St Brendan’s would go on to register one of the finest premiership dynasties Cricket Shepparton followers have witnessed.
The Tigers kicked off their dominance the following season and it was Holland who was at the forefront of the charge in the decider.
Holland batted superbly with a classy 86 as he and Rohan Larkin went on to produce an eye-watering 270-run partnership which effectively batted Mooroopna out of the game.
Holland acknowledged Larkin was “magnificent to watch” and one of the finest he has played with, while Karramomus legend Chris Keady was “unbelievable” and one of his hardest opponents.
Premierships continued for Holland and by the time he hung up his yellow-and-black cap he would amass a staggering 16 A-grade titles — to go with his 7790 runs at 31.54.
Yet, Holland’s playing career is only a glimpse of his remarkable involvement with cricket.
His passion for volunteering, highlighted by his decades on committees and coaching senior and junior sides, speaks more to his revered status in Cricket Shepparton circles.
And even if Holland believes he shouldn’t be a member of the Cricket Shepparton Team of the Century, no one can argue he isn’t deserving of a place.
“I am very proud, but I felt like my name shouldn’t be in there,” Holland said.
“It’s a very humbling experience and it’s lovely recognition from Cricket Shepparton.”