The Shire of Beverley chief executive officer has been named in the top 11 players in the world following his tour with the Australian team for the Over 50s World Cup in Sydney.
Stephen Gollan, who plays locally for Beverley and is a chair for Wheatbelt Regional Cricket Council represented Australia in the three week long series helping the side take out the over all tournament.
Gollan bowled 50 overs taking 12 wickets and seven maidens.
He also averaged 41 runs with a highest score of 39 not out.
Gollan is no stranger to over 50s cricket.
“I was lucky enough to be selected for WA in the over 50s,” he said.
“Last year we won that and this year we didn’t do so well and from that there was a selection for the Australian side.”
Gollan was named in the team of the tournement and won the spirit of cricket award picked by the umpires in the Ashes inspired three game series against England following the World Cup.
“Not many people at my age get to play for their country let alone win,” he said.
Gollan said the highlight of the trip was not taking out the final against Pakistan but the quality of games in the lead up.
“In the semi final against New Zealand they needed five off the last ball and the guy belted it,” he said.
“We thought it would be a six but it fell three metres short and was caught.
“I thought we’d make the finals and it was our goal to make the top four.
“We ended up at the top and the rest is history.”
His next venture is to continue playing for Beverley in the Avon Cricket Association.
“Hopefuly Beverley gets into the finals,” Gollan said.
“We’re probably a bit further up the ladder than we first thought. “
Tammin, York and Seabrook have been the big three for the last few seasons.”
Gollan said despite the World Cup not being as social as playing for Beverley the mateship formed between the teams was special.
The comradeship and meeting other people is what you get out of it,” he said.
“Everyone mingled.
“I think now, whether we won or not we have mateship.”
When asked who he would compare his game to, Gollan was modest saying he was happy to be still playing the sport.
“I’m lucky enough to just bowl straight and take a few wickets,” he said.
“You’d like to say Glen Maxwell wouldn’t you?”
