WAURN Ponds cricketers could be forgiven for feeling a little starstruck in their fourth XI match on Saturday.

Not only did the Eagles field just seven players, but they also had to contend with the great Gary Ablett Snr.

In just his third match for Torquay this season, 54-year-old Ablett had Waurn Ponds in all sorts of trouble with his swing bowling, snaring 3-4 from seven overs.

One of the greatest forwards of all time with 1030 goals for the Cats, Ablett wasn’t required to bat as the Tigers posted 4-295 and rolled the Eagles for 27.

Round 18

“His first five overs were maidens,” Ablett’s teammate David Stacey said. “I think a few of the boys were a little starstruck when they faced him.

“It’s a big thrill even for us older guys. I’m 47 and I still get excited to see him around the club.

“He’s friendly with one of the local guys and his history dates back to when he was playing in the 80s.

“He’s trained the last two or three weeks and he’s still big across the shoulders. I wouldn’t have like to have been the full back when he ran down to me.”

Ablett is not the only Cat donning the cricket whites this summer — livewire Stephen Motlop also made a cameo on the pitch for Barwon Heads in the BPCA last weekend, making four valuable runs for the Seagulls.

Gary Ablett Sr in action for Torquay in the GCA2 fourths. Picture: Alison Wynd Source: News Corp Australia

Gary Ablett Sr in action for Torquay in the GCA2 fourths. Picture: Alison Wynd Source: News Corp Australia

Gary Ablett Sr in action for Torquay in the GCA2 fourths. Picture: Alison Wynd Source: News Corp Australia

Gary Ablett Sr in action for Torquay in the GCA2 fourths. Picture: Alison Wynd Source: News Corp Australia