Grampians Cricket Association has paid tribute to two volunteers with life memberships awarded on Monday night.
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Tatyoon's Geoff Phillips and Aradale's Phil Rodger's contribution to the game was recognised and celebrated at the association presentation evening for 2019-20.
Phillips said it was "humbling" to have received the award, his name etched alongside some greats within the region's cricket.
"I certainly didn't expect it at all," he said.
"I was totally unaware of what was happening and quite overwhelmed when it was announced.
"To think I'm alongside those names who I hold in very high regard is very humbling."
Growing up on the family farm in Tatyoon, Phillips started playing cricket with his older brother Allan at a young age.
Phillips went on to play in Victorian country teams and Australian Country representative cricket teams where he went up against international teams. He was also fortunate to play a season of cricket in Yorkshire, England in the late 1980s.
"I think the main aspect of my involvement in cricket is I always just enjoyed playing cricket and the love of the game," he said.
"Really, I suppose since I've finished playing I've done a bit of coaching and a lot of club work at Tatyoon. It's been trying to put something back into the game which has been satisfying for me.
"It's really all about keeping the game of cricket going for me. I've had a lot of enjoyment playing and hopefully, the game will continue."
Rodgers said he was also "deeply honoured" to receive the award.
"It was a complete shock to be completely honest," he said.
"I did twig when my wife, four grand-daughters and daughter walked into the room and thought what would they be doing at a cricket function.
"It was a great shock."
Rodgers, an Aradale life member, and former Grampians Cricket Association representative celebrated 25 years of preparing the Alexandra Oval turf pitch for Grampians Cricket Association games as well as other representative matches in 2017.
"I"m very fortunate when I first started playing A Grade at 13 years old I played with and against some of the greats of the Grampians Cricket Association during my career," he said.
"I played in my first Country Week in Melbourne at the age of 15 and learned a lot just being in the company of those great players.
"I've certainly had a great ride in cricket."
Rodgers umpires cricket and recognises the struggles cricket has had over the years with retaining players.
"In recent years I've taken up umpiring and I must admit when I umpire the under-16 grand final two weeks ago I was pleasantly surprised to see the level of talent coming through," he said.
"There were some outstanding kids on both sides and I sincerely hope those kids keep coming through.
"There seems to be a problem that when they get to 17 or 18 years of age they tend to stop playing.
"I really don't know what the answer is."
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