TWENTY-eight years ago, Michael Murphy, Dale Mitchell and David Ryan savoured premiership success.

Today, with a strong bond forged through cricket, the great mates are hoping to once again win the games ultimate prize.

They may not move as fast as they used to and the grade might be a rung or two down from where their careers peaked, but the Brierly Christ Church life members, who have played a combined total of more than 1080 senior games, are as excited about todays division three showdown with Russells Creek as they were all those years ago.

The trio played in the Bulls most recent premiership, the 1983-84 A reserve flag, and would dearly love another one as the end of their careers near.

Murphy, who turns 50 in two weeks, is adamant the grand final is his swansong.

I had retired . . . several times, Murphy said.

But (son and coach) Nathan talked me into playing a few games because they were short of players. A few games turned into most of the season.

But its been far from a chore for the paceman, who now describes his speed as slow medium.

I just enjoy playing with mates Mitch, Dave Ryan and Gary Stonehouse. To come back and have a year with them has been great.

Murphy said his knees were buggered and he had to use his personal relationship with the coach to not bowl at training during the week.

See the original post here:
Mates go for more success, nearly three decades on