First Drop – Details, episodes & analysis

Benalla product, Steven Lalor, joins the first drop crew for our latest episode. Stephen was a big part of Benalla cricket before moving interstate in the mid 90's and wherever he went success wasn't far behind.  A Victorian Country Championship representative in 1989 highlights the quality of cricketer he was. 

Warrnambool and Nestles Cricket Club identity, Gary 'Beasa' MacLean, joins the first drop podcast for our next installment.  A multiple premiership player, a feared bowler throughout the Warrnambool district and a man who comes highly respected.  Gary now spends a great deal of his time helping his club off field and was able to eat the fruits of his labor, with Nestle's CC taking out the 2022/23 premiership.   

The First Drop crew are joined by White Hills legend and all time leading run scorer, Gavin Bowles. Bowlesy has spent the entirety of his career at the Bendigo club, amassing over 7000 runs and 14 centuries. He is one of it not the most, well liked and respected players of the  BDCA and his desire for that elusive premiership will drive him on for the season ahead. 

The First Drop crew are joined by one of our resident co-hosts, Robert Saker. Big Mal has gained many plaudits for recent work on the pod and has been a welcomed addition to team since coming on board. Robert has enjoyed a successful time in the game, winning four premierships with Violet Town and creating life long connections at both Carlton and Northcote in Victoria's premier competition. Now residing on the south east coast of NSW, Big Mal, is now set to be back at his best for Ulladulla United,  after a major injury curtailed the last 4 years of his career.  

The First Drop crew are joined by former Victorian State player and Cricket Shepparton legend, Rohan Larkin. Rohan started his career at Central Park St Brendan's Cricket Club in Shepparton, before making a name for himself at Carlton Cricket Club and eventually working his way into the Victorian State Team. Rohan is an accomplished top order bat, with a hardened edge and a drive to be the best. He was a huge part in his home clubs premiership dynasty and has left a famous legacy at his childhood club. 

The First Drop crew are joined by Wendouree Cricket Club legend, Peter Brady. Peter hails from Minyip, located in the heart of the wheat belt in the Wimmera, but made a name for himself in Ballarat. There he scored bulk runs for his club side and represented Ballarat at seventeen Melbourne Country Weeks. Peter also played in six Victorian Country sides that faced international test teams and more than held his own on each occasion. 

Terry Cameron joins the First Drop podcast for our latest episode.  Terry or TC as he is known, takes us on a journey through his cricketing life. From humble beginnings of self-taught leg spin with a tennis ball to taking hundreds upon hundreds of wickets in the Benalla District Cricket Association with the four-piece kookaburra. TC speaks of his time in cricket glowingly and puts to bed, the mystery behind his lodgings during his time away at Melbourne country week.

The First Drop Podcast welcomes Heath Behrens to the show. Heath or Puggo as he known in Bendigo circles spent his career at  the Bendigo United Cricket Club, where he played in six  1st XI premierships.  Heath also amassed the highest amount of runs scored by any player in the history of the Bendigo District Cricket Association and holds the record as the only player in BDCA history to score three double centuries. 

Geoff Phillips joins the First Drop Podcast for Episode 03 of the new Season. Geoff is a very respected man throughout the Grampians region, and especially in the town he calls home, Tatyoon. Geoff represented Victoria at the country championships five times, and was picked to represent the  Australian side from those championships,  four times. A beyond humble guest, Geoff speaks passionately about the great game and the positive impacts it has had on him. 

Peter Raglus joins the crew for the next instalment of First Drop. Peter has spent his cricketing life in the Kyabram District, playing for Rushworth and Kyabram Cricket Clubs. A legend of the area, Rags has famously never missed a country week from the mid 80’s to the present day, a feat he owes all to his lovely wife, Kaye.