Cricket legend honoured

Bev Millichip has been recognised for 50 years of community cricket involvement. (Damjan Janevski) 383137_01

Altona North and Greenvale Kangaroos’ stalwart Bev Milichip has been celebrated for 50 years of service to cricket as a player, committee member, and now coach.

During the annual Boxing Day Test, Cricket Victoria recognises great servants of the sport, and this season 56 long-time volunteers received recognition.

Bev was honoured to be recognised, and said her love of cricket is what keeps her at the crease.

“My cricket journey started when I was 12 years old, I saw an ad in the local paper looking for girls to play, and from 1974 to 2004 I played for Altona North,” she said.

“I’m so proud to have been recognised by Cricket Victoria and to have been involved with Altona North cricket club where I played 325 games and made over 8533 runs with 11 centuries 37 half centuries and a life member.

“I also spent 20 years with Western Region girls YPL program and hopefully had an influence with their development.

“Currently, I’m involved with Greenvale Premier cricket club as assistant coach and involved with the under 15 girls team. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience developing the talented girls we have in our junior program.”

A number of Williamstown Congregational Cricket Club stalwarts were recognised for their ongoing contributions to Cricket Victoria.

Sofoklis Pilavakis, for 58 years of service, Frank Gigliotti for 54 years of service, Mark Baulch, for 52 years of service, and Darryl Tubbs for 51 years of service.

From the Williamstown Cricket Club, Garry Sturrock was commended for 51 years of service.

Gerald Lynch