The annual cricket match between footballers and cricketers at Mount Burr on Saturday night was its usual high-spirited affair.

However, it began in a sombre fashion when the competing teams paused to remember Bryce Pollard for the third consecutive memorial match.

Nowadays, the yearly game is all about honouring the sad death from pancreatic cancer in 2019 of the 30-year-old Mount Burr sportsman.

Bryce represented both Mount Burr sporting clubs from junior grades onwards each summer and winter and was a popular figure with the Mozzies and the wider sporting fraternity.

The trophy was instigated in 2021 and it is the actual cricket bat once wielded by him.

Some of his former team mates including Chris Puiatti and Daniel Cooney travelled 450km from Adelaide to take part in the 100-ball bash in his memory at “Mick” and Jean Walker Oval.

As before, Bryce’s photo and his cricket gear and football guernsey were displayed at the Can Hill viewing area.

The oval playing surface was in an excellent condition thanks to the efforts of long-time honorary groundsman Peter Henderson.

It is a few years since “Hendo” played cricket and football but he kept in the action by umpiring both innings.

Sue Pollard, mother of Bryce, thanked the two clubs and the many spectators for honouring her son.

“This year’s game was again a fundraiser for Pancare and the Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation,” she said.

“The Somerset Hotel and Jens Hotel donated raffle prizes while the Wagyu burgers came from The Tasting Room at Mayura Station.”

Another highlight of the night was the use of the new $200,000 oval lights from four towers for the first time and this added an extra dimension to the cricket.

Mount Burr United Football Club president Maurie Puiatti said the lion’s share of the project costs had been met by grants from the State Government and Wattle Range Council.

He said club funds and volunteer labour meant no money was owing.

Among the gathering of 120 was Mount Burr United Football Club life member Aileen Bellman.

The 91-year-old is looking forward to resuming her timekeeping duties when Mount Burr plays its first game for 2023 at Nangwarry on April 15.

Her elevated perch is above the outdoor stubbie booth and she will be able to assess the impact of Brownlow Medallist and retired Collingwood champion Dane Swan who is making a guest appearance for the Saints.