The Melbourne and St Kilda Cricket Club’s will be in Deniliquin this weekend, playing one another in a pair of practice matches in preparation for their upcoming Victorian Premier Cricket seasons.
The decision to travel to Deniliquin to play practice matches at Memorial Park comes on the back of relationships made by local cricketers from around the area while plying their craft at either club over the years.
Such players as current Australian off-spinner Todd Murphy from Moama, as well as his father ‘Jack’, from Mathoura, who both played premier cricket at St Kilda Cricket Club.
Todd Murphy also calls St Kilda Cricket Club his home club when he isn’t on international or state level duties.
But they are not the only connections that our area has with the two clubs.
Bryan Harper, who is the current Cricket Australia coach development specialist, played in the Deniliquin & District Cricket Association. He was a talented batsman who scored a double ton in a DDCA grand final.
Bryan’s two sons, Jack and Sam, are also handy cricketers.
Both play for Melbourne Cricket Club, and Sam is also a Big Bash League player with the Melbourne Stars.
Laurie Harper, Bryan’s brother, is another connection to one of the two sides.
He was a player at St Kilda for some time, as well as playing for Victoria at state level.
Laurie won a premiership at the club in the 1991 season with arguably the greatest bowler ever, Shane Warne.
Both clubs are steeped in history and glory, and massive rivals with one another.
Both are home to a number of world-class cricketers.
Shane Warne is undoubtedly the best cricketer from the St Kilda Cricket Club, whereas for the Melbourne Cricket Club, Dean Jones would be their best known player.
This weekend’s match-up between the St Kilda and Melbourne cricket clubs will be a high-level competition.
The fact Deniliquin is ‘hosting’ these practice matches is a testament to the aforementioned cricketers, their character and impressions they made at each club.
The games will be a fantastic opportunity for youth and senior cricketers alike to see some high-quality cricket.
No squads have been announced for the practice matches this weekend, although, both clubs are historically quite strong and are hoping for a big season in 2024/25.
Tomorrow’s game is expected to be played over 50 overs, kicking off at Memorial Park from about 9.30am. Play will finish about 5pm.
A 20 over match will then be played on the Sunday, again starting at 9.30am and finishing about 1pm.