By Kyra Gillespie
The Pakenham Cricket Ground was crowded with family and friends of Harley Hulme on Friday 29 September to celebrate the second Harley ‘Chopper’ Hulme shield.
In memory of a good cricket player and an even better friend, the Pakenham Cricket Club and Jindivick Cricket Club went head to head, with Pakenham ultimately coming out on top.
“We had about 150 people come along on the day, it was a really good turnout,” long-time friend Zac Chaplin said.
“The shield went really well last year and it’s a good way to come together in memory of Harley.
“It’s a good feeling for me and his close mates, it gives us a chance to catch up and hang out.”
The event started around noon and continued well into the afternoon. Being a public holiday, Zac said that attendees were in high spirits.
“Grand Final eve is a good and easy day to host it as most people don’t have work.”
Before the game kicked off, close friends Cal and Bianca performed Harley’s favourite song Piano Man, a tradition they have established since last year’s shield.
Despite being an easy day, there was a lot of hard work that went on in the background to make the day happen.
“I want to thank the president of the Pakenham Cricket Club Phil Anning. He helped us set up on the day and get everything organised.
“Phil and the committee took care of all the food and drinks, they were so helpful.
“There was a lot to set up for the day and Phil really made it happen.”
A couple of raffles were held on the day to raise money for the organisations that support the club.
“It was a good way to pay the cricket club back for all their hard work.”
The day was such a success that it is going to become an annual event.
“We are going to keep it going for sure, it’s a really good way to keep in touch with all the people that went to school with and who played sport with him.
“His family are really grateful to us for hosting it too which is great.”
