AFTER three successful “Bowdy’s Big Bash’’ tribute cricket matches in Marburg, post-game chat turned to whether another type of memorial event could be staged in future.

However, Marburg Mustangs captain Michael Hillier declared at least one more cricket encounter was needed after his side lost to the Northsiders Tigers in the latest match.

It was the third tribute game held in honour of popular Marburg sportsman and former publican Matt Bowden.

Tigers hold a 2-1 advantage, prompting the ever-competitive good mate of Matt to issue another challenge.

“There was a bit of talk that because we are all getting a bit older, whether we do something else instead of playing cricket,” Hillier said.

“But now that Marburg, my team, lost . . . the Marburg boys are pretty keen for revenge."

Hillier played a leading role in establishing the annual get-together as close as possible to Matt’s February 23 birthday each year.

Hillier was among Matt’s teammates who shared in Marburg’s historic first grade grand final success in the 2002/2003 season, ironically against Northsiders.

Based in Marburg and working in his family’s pub, Matt forged strong friendships with many people, including the Northsiders players who joined the latest game.

Matt Bowden (right) with his daughter Milla and dad Dan.

Matt passed away in 2021 after battling cancer with his trademark determination.

Three years later, Matt would have been all smiles with a beer in hand seeing the community turn up in good numbers at Verrenkamp Oval in Marburg.

“It was another fantastic afternoon with family and friends gathering to remember Matt and catch up over a couple of things he loved – cricket and mateship,” Hillier said.

A memorable moment was when Josh Sinnamon joined his grandfather John Verrenkamp and uncle Mike at the oval named after the family.

“That was a very special touch to have Matt’s parents Dan and Julie watching the game alongside John Verrenkamp, one of Marburg’s finest ever cricketers,” Hillier said.

“John has been unwell of late so it was great that he was able to make it down to the ground to watch the game and his grandson Josh, a former Marburg junior who made the trip from Rockhampton.”

It was a special moment when Josh Sinnamon joined his grandfather John Verrenkamp (middle) and uncle Mike at the field named after the family.

Mike Verrenkamp mowed the field in preparation for the latest game.

John was a founding member of the Marburg Cricket Club established in 1946.

A new club was formed in 2013 when Marburg merged with Mt-Crosby Thunder.

“Probably the best thing about the day is the spirit of the Marburg community and you see lots of people you haven’t for a number of years come that come and watched us,” Hillier said.

“Lots of kids there and families so it was a really nice atmosphere.

“It is a proud tradition and we’ve got to keep it going.”

Matt, who played most of his cricket for Marburg, also joined Northsiders in his later years..

Victorious Northsiders captain Brad Bulow (pictured above with Matt) was another close friend of “Bowdy”, having attended St Edmund’s College and played representative cricket with him.

“It’s a really good nostalgic day to get together people who played with Matt and had something to do with him,” Bulow said.

“The Norths boys always had a good bonding relationship with all the country clubs.

“The game was played in good spirit, a little bit of banter.”

Bulow said the Marburg pub was where many friendships were formed after playing cricket.

“We all had great memories there with Matt being a publican and having many events and functions there as well,’’ he said.

Bulow said the tribute match served another important purpose.

“It was good for Lauren [Matt’s partner] and Milla [his daughter] to see all the dads and her dad’s mates celebrate together and present the trophy,” Bulow said.

Tigers won the close T20 game after scoring 221.  Kev Cumming and Matt Caldwell scored half centuries.

Jon Bowden joined the Marburg side, taking two wickets, supporting Ben O’Connell with three dismissals.

O’Connell was recruited through a connection with his grandparents who served on the Marburg Show Society committee.

Josh Sinnamon top scored for Marburg with 52 not out.

And where else to keep fine Bowdy memories alive after the game than at the Marburg pub owned by the Bowden family.