“Queanbeyan was playing so well at the end of the 1985-86 season that they were virtually unbeatable. In the semi-final they made 728 in just a little under 10 hours. Michael Frost made 164, Peter Solway 119, John Bull 106. Then with the end presumably in sight at 8/509, Mark Thornton, who finished with 97, and Michael Carruthers (112 not out) added 186 for the ninth wicket,” Cricket on the Limestone Plains by the late Don Selth.
IT is the stories and memories of the past 150 years that make the mighty Queanbeyan Bluebags such an amazing tale. In the middle of a fair number of these stories – including the one above – was Neil Bulger. A great player, a champion bloke, and to put it simply, The Legend
Neil first played for Queanbeyan in 1972-73 but lasted only the one season before heading back to his beloved Tumut. He returned in 1979-80 and proceeded to rewrite the record books with his feats with both bat and ball.
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 (who could forget ‘that’ throw from the boundary).
He also played in third, fourth, fifth and even sixth grade as his career wound down. He played with his mates and they were in every grade throughout the club. His name and records are listed in almost every grade at the Bluebags whether most runs, highest score or best bowling figures.
In the 1990-91 season (at the age of 40) Bulger returned to first grade and made one of his most valuable contributions, taking 1/1 off 11 overs as the Bluebags came from the dead to topple Weston Creek in an epic Grand Final.
He was unplayable and the young Creek blokes were in awe. As were the Queanbeyan players as this gentle giant also grabbed an astonishing catch at first slip and the trophy returned over the border where it belonged.
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.
In later years he turned to his crafty spinners and dazzled many players with his big grin and resonating chuckle.
A friend to all who know him there is little wonder Neil ‘Legend’ Bulger is a Life Member and a cherished part of the furniture at the Queanbeyan District Cricket Club. As the club celebrates 150 years of history, Neil Bulger takes pride of place as one of its finest.
Those who are interested or want to offer any information about the Queanbeyan Cricket Club and the past 150 years please feel free to contact the cricket club directly at their website – www.queanbeyancricket.com
Next week, 'The Snick' will take a look at a couple of the club’s big quicks in Mark Steel and Frank Hansby and will touch on a few lower grade heroes like Baz Hassall and Graham ‘Crusher’ Cleal.
Next week, 'The Snick' will take a look at a couple of the club’s big quicks in Mark Steel and Frank Hansby and will touch on a few lower grade heroes like Baz Hassall and Graham ‘Crusher’ Cleal.