THE SLEDGER SALUTES!
A new feature of the Sledger this year will be a salute to the players and people who make notable achievements and contributions to the club throughout the season. Too often these people are allowed to do their work quietly in the background without getting the kudos they deserve from the players and supporters.
This week the Sledger would like to salute two players, and characters, of the club who have achieved a feat that all of us here at Prahran wish that we could one day achieve. It is not very often that we celebrate the milestone that, in round 2 this season, we have been able to celebrate twice! Of course, we are talking about two Prahran stalwarts in Neil Schlittler and Bryce McGain who both reached 100 VCA Premier Grade games for Prahran.
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Neil Schlittler
Neil joined Prahran in 1992/93 through the Dowling program from Surrey Hills Cricket club. It was blatantly obvious to all observers that he had immense natural talent, his fielding was excellent but nowhere near as impressive as his ability to hit the ball. Neil worked his way up the grades quickly and made his first team debut in 1998. Neil boast 4 1st grade hundreds, 3 of which were brought up with a 6 over the bowlers head. Neil’s big hitting is an impressive feature of his game, and one that worries opposition bowlers who know that if they get it wrong they will be hit all over the park all day.
Neil has also been able to travel as a cricketer as well playing 2 seasons at St |
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Asaph where he hit a record 310 not out in a one day game, and Denmark where he enjoyed the Danish lifestyle helping his club Glostrup to a silver medal in the league.
Off the field Neil is a great character to have around, always full of funny one liner's and quick witted observations. He is the first choice when it comes to MC’s for social functions and there hasn’t been a time yet where he has failed to have the audience in stitches.
Here are some words from some of his peers. |
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Neil after making 177 for Glostrup in Denmark |
Ash Hawley
Firstly I would like to say a huge congratulations to Neil on playing his 100th Premier 1sts game for Prahran Cricket Club. An absolutely huge effort which has seen a whole lot of commitment, sacrifice, perseverance and dedication – all of which I have been privileged to encounter first hand over the 13 or so years I have known Neil. There is so much to say about Schlitz and his time at PCC – but in short – he is one of very few district cricketers I have come across who have worn their clubs colours with such pride and respect. A heart that bleeds blue and white, he has contributed no small part to the culture with which we now successfully enjoy – a ‘club first and foremost’ policy – not set by words, but by actions, giving an example all should follow. He has stuck by the club through hardest of times, when others found it easier to leave, with a sense of duty for the opportunities afforded him – one of the many things I will always respect him for. The size of the man in PCC terms is only matched by his towering maximums sent into the grandstand at Toorak Park. |
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To the club, he has been MC, Drill Sergeant, Match winner, Comedian and Leader. To me, he has been Friend, Confidant, Team mate and co creator of Nuts Out.
Well deserved Neil. Well deserved.
Nuts out Nuts Out Nuts Out Nuts Out | |
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Steve DeBolfo
“Congratulations to Neil Schlittler who played his 100th first grade game for the Prahran Cricket Club in Round 2 against the Geelong Cricket Club. Also known as 310, Mr. Viking, or just plain Schlitz, he is a favorite son down at Toorak Park. He has given his team mates plenty of laughs on and off the field, and with an outstretched finger I say well done Neil, WELL DONE!” |
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| Neil Sweeping with power |
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Bryce in his Victorian kit |
BRYCE McGAIN
Bryce joined Prahran in 2000/01 having already played 80 premier matches for Frankston. He was appointed Captain in 2001/02 a job which he held until the end of 2005/06. This was a very difficult time for the Prahran first eleven as many of the players were inexperienced, however Bryce’s modern, adventurous, positive and enthusiastic captaincy style helped all the players develop as cricketers and will undoubtedly act as the corner stone in the success of many of the young and upcoming players in the future.
Bryce’s highest honor since joining Prahran is making his debut for Victoria in first class cricket in 2002 and captaining the side which won the inaugural one day trophy at the MCG in 2003.
Off the field Bryce is a funny, enthusiastic person with strong leadership skills. Two of his greatest strengths are, the ability to make people feel welcome and to organize a ripper end of season trip.
Here are some words from his peers. |
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Brendan McGuiness
Bryce was my SECOND contact with the club, no surprise Ian Crawford was number 1! But Bryce really showed his passion for his club, his passion for success and his easy-going humourous manor made it a sure thing for me to join Prahran when i did. He's the best leg spinner in the state, and despite the tough times the club faced 5 years ago at the bottom of the ladder, his number 1 priority was to ensure that the club would be a success again.
Many a funny time...end of season trips, country trips, and pre season trips plus his classic one-liners at training or game day keep all the lads laughing. He's always up for a beer and is on the circuit whenever he gets the |
| chance...sets an awesome example for the young blokes on cricket club etiqutte (getting smashed on the circuit or at club functions, playing lots of cricket and enjoying great times with great blokes). Always has an entertaining story to tell and being Prahran "mafia"...he knows everything!He introduced me to a club full of great blokes and i openly admit that i have never enjoyed my cricket more since joining the club. I have him to thank for bringing me down. Naturally i wish him all the best for the next 100 with Prahran. |
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Cameron Huckett
Congratulations to Bryce McGain who played his 100th first grade game for the Prahran Cricket Club in Round 2 against the Geelong Cricket Club. Goo, over the 100 games you have played at Prahran you were captain for most of them an did a great job, sent the club in the right way on the field and off and so many of us have learnt alot of you and put us in good stead...well done goo, hope there is a many more for us! |
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And finally from the president Ian Crawford
Both Bryce McGain and Neil Schlittler recently celebrated 100 First Eleven games for Prahran Cricket Club.
A marvelous effort. |
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Bryce has shown quite outstanding leadership qualities on and off the field and his superb spin bowling, courageous batting and previous captaincy make him the real all-rounder of Premier cricket.
Neil, like Bryce, is an outstanding clubman having come up through all elevens at Prahran commencing with the WJ Dowling Under 16 team. His exciting batting, more than handy bowling and great catching put him in an all-round category as well. A huge contributor for his Club.
Congratulations Bryce and Neil –very well done. |
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