BENDIGO cricket won’t seem quite the same when the 2017-18 season hits off in October.
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One of the constants of BDCA first XI for more than 20 years has been Bendigo United’s star left-hander Heath Behrens.
But when the Redbacks hit the field for the first time next season, it will be the start of a new era – the post-Behrens era.
Players come and go every year, but those who have had an involvement with the BDCA since 1994 when he debuted are fortunate to have played with and against one of the all-time greats of the competition.
Admittedly, those who bowled to him and the fielders who chased leather at his expense on a hot Saturday afternoon wouldn’t at the time thought themselves so fortunate.
But now that Behrens has announced his retirement, no doubt those opposition bowlers in particular will not only breathe a sigh of relief, but appreciate what has been a stunning BDCA career that from a pure numbers perspective is peerless.
Wanting to spend more time with his family and with the flame that was his competitive juices having all but burned out, six-time premiership player Behrens retires with every BDCA batting record to his name.
Most runs (11,579), most centuries (28), highest score (249 n.o.) and most Melbourne Country Week runs (1637) are all records owned by 38-year-old Behrens.
While it would take a special innings, his record score of 249 could be overtaken any given Saturday, but as for the mark he has set for most runs and centuries, they will stand the test of time for years to come.
Perhaps the only blemish on Behrens’ CV is that he couldn’t crack it for a century against Strathdale-Maristians, which has become a badge of honour for many of his long-time Suns’ rivals.
Behrens made centuries against every other team, including eight against Sandhurst, while his duels with Kangaroo Flat’s Adam Burns – his modern day counterpart with the ball – have long been a highlight on the BDCA calendar.
As for Behrens’ best moments, how can you go past his unbeaten 139 in the 2007 grand final win against Golden Square – the epitome of a captain’s knock – while his 108 in the 2003 grand final against Eaglehawk turned what loomed as a tough chase of 276 into a cakewalk for the Redbacks.
The list of memorable moments could go on and on. Well done on a brilliant career, Puggo. Enjoy life after cricket.
Luke West – sports reporter
