By David Nagel
Devon Meadows Life Member Lincoln Hepburn was appreciative but wearing thin of the accolades as he walked proudly through a guard of honour to play his 500th game for the Panthers against Pakenham on Saturday.
The Panthers’ E Grade skipper walked through the applauding players, respectably acknowledging both teams, before rubbing his hands together prior to the first ball being bowled at Booring Reserve.
“Righto, that’s enough of that stuff…let’s get into it.”
Hepburn was now in his comfort zone, playing cricket for his beloved Panthers; a tradition he has continued since playing his first game as a 10-year-old in the under-14s in 1983.
He has gone on to make 5075 runs, while his 776th wicket came during the Panthers nine-wicket win over the Lions on Saturday.
Hepburn has played in six premierships at the club, including two First XI flags after making his senior debut in 1988.
He claimed his best bowling figures of 7/16 against Lyndhurst Vikings in 1997 – one of three seven-wicket hauls – and made 116 not out against Beaconsfield in F Grade in 2009.
His exploits, both on and off the field, led to him receiving Life Membership at Devon Meadows in 1995.
He has served several stints as vice president at Devon Meadows and even served as secretary of the WGCA.
Former Devon Meadows president Mick Floyd acknowledged Hepburn’s wonderful achievement via a video tribute at training on Thursday night.
“It’s an extraordinary achievement, representing four decades of dedicated service to the club and to the game of cricket,” Floyd said.
“The numbers you’ve put up over that time are truly extraordinary.
“Over 5000 runs, 775 wickets, and six premierships, but the numbers alone don’t reflect your contribution to our great club.
“You’ve always been exceptional at taking your players under your wing.
“I was 19 when I came to Pantherland and I remember you kindly offering me a lift to Cardinia for my First XI debut.
“I learned a lot on the field that day, but learnt a whole lot more on the trip home.
“Over the next 25 years I’m proud to say that you’ve continued to be a fantastic mentor, club mate and friend.”
Hepburn was caught unaware by the video; but his response showed his love for both the game and the club he has represented more than any other player in history.
“I took a while to get to 500 because back in those days we only played eight, 10 or 12 games, and it was all two-day cricket,” he said.
“Obviously I’ve seen a lot of change in cricket generally, but certainly around Devon Meadows…this used to be a tin shed.
“I’m just so lucky, and so lucky do have done it at this club.
“There’s been near on a thousand players come through and being the historian I’ve got them all on a spread sheet.
“I looked through it and I think I’ve met in excess of 800 of them.
“It’s been an absolutely magnificent club to play for and I hope everyone appreciates that.
“Devon Meadows is, by and large, still very, very similar in culture and attitude.
“I appreciate all of the committee members over the years that have enabled the club to prosper for 55 years now.”
Hepburn then returned the favour by heaping praise on Floyd.
“I really must thank Mick (Floyd), who I paid tribute to not long ago when he stepped down from the presidency after an enormous impact as president,” Hepburn said.
“I said at the time, ‘it’s probably the most important individual effort that anyone has put into this club over the course of 15 years.”
Hepburn said he had entertained thoughts of retirement, but the thought of hanging up the creams was too tough.
“I’ve sort of thought about it leading into this day, this time, and when should I retire,” he said.
“Like a good darts player I could go out on 501, but I may as well keep going as long as I can; I would miss it too much.
“To me it’s not really an achievement, I love playing cricket and I love this cricket club.”
Hepburn rates his match-winning spell of 5/26 in the 2001/02 premiership win over Merinda Park as his career highlight.
On Saturday, teammates from that game almost 23 years ago – Peter O’Brien and Peter Zauner – formed part of his 500-game guard of honour.
