Williamstown Cricket Club stalwart Bill Fowler has given new meaning to raising your bat for a 50.
Fowler is about to be recognised by Cricket Victoria for his 50 years’ service to the game.
The 58-year-old has played upwards of 800 matches when you include his days as a junior at Newport and his career peak with Footscray in the Premier Cricket.
After bringing up the milestone in the third XI on Saturday, Fowler was proud to say 300 of those games had been for Williamstown.
“It’s a great honour to have played that many games for such a great club,” he said.
“It’s the third-oldest cricket club in Victoria and it’s great to have played so long for it.”
Fowler was introduced to cricket at the age of eight and has been hooked on the game ever since.
Cricket was in the bloodlines with his father and grandfather both having played for Williamstown in their heyday.
In his prime, Fowler was a strong batsman and left-arm off-spinner, just like his dad.
In recent times, he has been relegated down the batting order, but his bowling figures still turn heads at Morris Street.
Last summer, Fowler took an incredible 30 wickets at an average of 7.3.
While he has played only two games this season, Fowler showed in his 300th that he still poses a threat to opposing batsmen, taking 2-15 off 15 tight overs.
Fowler is thrilled to be able to play alongside the youngsters at Williamstown.
The Williams Landing resident is no longer a captain but is willing to share his experiences and point the young players in the right direction.
“I used to captain the seconds, some six or seven years ago,” he said.
“Now it’s just helping out the younger boys develop and showing them the right way to play the game.
“It’s still great to be involved and playing.
“I’ve played the game for 50 years and I still enjoy it.”
Fowler’s nominated career highlights came as a Williamstown player.
He cherishes the premiership/championship doubles the Seagulls achieved in the 2000-01 and 2006-07 seasons.
“They’re the two highlights plus, of course, the friends we’ve made over the years,” the veteran said.
