The cricketing and wider sporting community have praised the renaming of Freebody Park's number two oval to honour Queanbeyan cricketing legend and well respected local, Neil Bulger.
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The proposal was put to Council by the Queanbeyan Cricket Club and approved on Wednesday, April 22, at the Council meeting.
In the proposal Club resident Peter Solway described Bulger as a "Life Member and a cherished part of the Queanbeyan District Cricket Club."
"Bulger could do it all. He was a fast medium swing bowler, a sublime left handed stroke player who could flick a switch and be dynamic hitting boundaries to all parts," he said.
"The 1980-81 season in particular saw him play a major role in bringing the premiership trophy back to Queanbeyan after 22 long years.
"Neil hit four centuries that year, including one in the semi-final before taking a grand final hat-trick.
"In total he scored just on 4000 first grade runs and took 250 wickets.
"He represented the ACT with distinction and was selected in the Australian Aboriginal side that toured the UK in 1989.
"He was also 12th man for Bob Hawke's inaugural Prime Ministers XI.
"As the club celebrates 150 years of history, Neil Bulger takes pride of place as one of its finest.
"Neil Bulger. A great player, a champion bloke, and to put it simply, The Legend."
Solway said the club will host an event in Bulger's honour and add a plaque to the clubhouse to celebrate the naming of Neil Bulger Oval and the great man's achievements later on in the year when cricket resumes.
Until then he said he is very happy the Council has chosen to honour the Queanbeyan great.
"I think it's great- it recognises a club legend and father figure to the club," Solway said.
"He was a brilliant cricketer, one of the best Queanbeyan has produced.
"We're very happy the Council has seen it fit to name the Oval after him."