Barry (and Bonnie) step down

Barry Stevenson, one of peninsula cricket’s stalwart volunteers, has called stumps and stepped down from his position.

For the last eight years, senior and junior wickets at the Peninsula Cricket Club ground in Woody Point, have been tended by Barry.

Twelve hours a week, 48 weeks of the year, he has been preparing, rolling, marking stumping senior wickets, with pet dog Bonnie alongside on the roller.

Blaster wickets

Barry also created two 16-metre turf strips for the Redcliffe City Cyclones’ Master Blaster junior (ages 5-8) teams who play under lights on Fridays.

His efforts led the Redcliffe venue’s wickets to become the envy of northside clubs, but at the age of 80 Barry is making way for the next generation of volunteer groundsmen.

“The Redcliffe City Cyclones have greatly valued the support Barry has shown to junior cricket over this time,” said Cyclones’ President Darren Wheeler.

Best wishes

“We were pleased to present him with a new club shirt as a small token of our gratitude.

“We sincerely wish Barry all the best and look forward to still seeing him around the club in a more relaxed capacity.”

Despite having played cricket for many years in several states, Barry had no previous experience preparing wickets when he first took over.

Learning curve

“Queensland Cricket came out when I started and gave me a hand and I asked a lot of questions,” said Barry, who has lived in Redcliffe for 24 years.

“I went to seminars and other grounds … and asked a lot of questions. I’m told we have one of the best wickets in Warehouse (Cricket Association).

“It has been very gratifying to be able to help out.”

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