Matt Bignell closes in on 100th game at Russells Creek

In his second spell, he's one of the reigning premier's oldest.

The 29-year-old, who will play his 100^th game on Saturday, came back to Creek last year after five seasons at South West Cricket powerhouse Pomborneit.

Bignell already has another milestone in his sights.

"It feels great to be honest. I've obviously had some injury issues with my back so to get to 100 games is fantastic," he said.

"Hopefully I can keep going and get to that 200 or 300 game milestone. If my back holds out, I'll keep playing for as long as I can."

Bignell, who works as a postman, said Creek's young dynamic had created an upbeat atmosphere.

"The young fellas are amazing and their cricket knowledge and brains are great compared to what they were when I was younger," he said.

"I get coaching off 21 year olds at training and they'll often have something to say which is fantastic.

"The blokes around the club are quite young now - I think the average age is about 25.

"You sometimes get the feeling at clubs that people are playing for themselves but that's not the case here. We're all playing for each other.

"I feel we're getting better and stronger as a club."

Creek's strong start to the season - it's sitting undefeated in second - has Bignell yet to bat.

But the all-rounder was confident he could answer the call when required. Bignell has been training with teammates since the depths of winter as Creek eyes a third-successive premiership.

"I'm happy because we're winning games," Bignell said.

"The blokes up the top are doing their job and it's meant I'm not needed.

"I'd love to have a bat but I'm hoping not too many wickets fall this week.

"I'm definitely ready to go. I've been training since May - myself and Tom Dark have been having a hit.

"I definitely feel like I have my eye in."

The off-spinner wasn't content with just having a hit. Instead, a "more mature" Bignell wanted to be a part of a Russells Creek's dynasty.

His five-year stint at Pomborneit - which included a season of captaincy - laid the foundation for growth.

"It was a great experience, to go out to Pombo," Bignell said.

"We didn't make finals but we had a crack. It definitely gives you a bit more maturity and makes you a better cricketer.

"The blokes out at Pombo got behind me for the whole year and it was just fantastic. It helped me mature a lot as a cricketer."

Creek faces Geoff Williams' Nestles on Saturday.

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