Sydney
7 September 2003
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Own
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Marist
laity unity move
$50,000
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Good
Shepherds find green pastures
Upgraded
Bulls go into bat against their demons
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Brothers
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Laity,
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Upgraded Bulls go into bat against their demons
The Papal Bulls – after losing the final – are pictured from left, at rear: Steve Altham, Brett Kelly, Chris Gordon, Adam Jones, Andrew Hall, Ben Smith, Tony Wall; front: Nat Smith, Anthony Gordon (captain), John Gresser, Anthony Gould (vice-captain) and Peter Kuziak
By Damir Govorcin
Papal Bulls cricket captain Anthony Gordon believes his side is capable of exorcising the demons when the Churches’ competition gets under way this month.
The Bulls – from St Michael’s Church, Belfield – have been promoted to A grade.
But they are still haunted by the memory of their shock loss to Randwick Uniting in the A reserve grand final last season.
Anthony says, though, that the move to A grade has fired up the players’ drive to erase the bitter memory of last season when the Papal Bulls – the only Catholic team in the competition – went into the grand final as hot favourite, having gone through the season undefeated and emerged as one-day champions.
But despite Brett Kelly’s opening stand of 50, the team could muster only a paltry 133, which Randwick passed with four wickets in hand.
“The performance is something the boys have to live with, but it’s only added to our hunger to go that one better this season,” said Anthony.
“We were acknowledged as the best side all season, but unfortunately we had an off day and we paid for it.
“We will have the same team we had last season, so I am confident we will give the title a real shake.”
Anthony says the move up in grade will provide his players with a huge challenge.
“The biggest difference now is that we will face more quality fast bowling which will test our batting line-up,” he said.
“It’s a step up from what we have been used to, but my team is experienced enough to handle it.”
The Papal Bulls also field a side in C grade, which will again be captained by Anthony McCarthy.
The side narrowly missed the semi-finals last season, but is favoured to win the title this summer.
The Papal Bulls have a pre-game ritual of saying a group prayer, which Anthony Gordon believes has been a contributing factor to their success over the past few seasons.
“Saying a prayer before the game unites our team and allows us to live and share our faith,” said Anthony.
“We invite our opponents to share in our prayer session, and they have responded to it.
“We say the Our Father together and we also pray to our patron, St Michael.
“The prayer session brings our opponents and us together, and sets the tone for the match to be played in the right spirit.”
The Papal Bulls recently held their presentation night with fast bowler Andrew Hall (52 wickets) winning the St Michael’s Shield for best and fairest in A reserve grade.
In an exciting contest, Andrew won by a point from all-rounder Ben Smith, who was in line for his third consecutive best and fairest.
Fast bowler Adam Jones won the John Gresser Medal for best team player in A reserve.
In the C grade awards, fast bowler and Good Shepherd seminarian James McCarthy (45 wickets) was awarded the Papal Bull for best and fairest; Elie Azzi took out the captain’s medal for best team player.
If you’re a cricketer interested in joining the St Michael’s club, call Anthony Gordon on 0425 299 967 or email him at captgordo@hotmail.com