Change of scenery for bush Bradman

By Steve Brown
`ONE of regional Victoria’s finest batsman, Robbie Bedford has been appointed captain of Decoite Shield team Ferntree Gully Footballers for season 2008/09.
Forty-four year old Bedford enjoys a high profile in the strong Mornington Peninsula Association where he captained the league to several Provincial Country Week premierships.
Known in cricket circles as the “bush Bradman” the highly talented left-hander was never really interested playing Premier cricket after only a handful of games with Melbourne as a teenager, however, he boasts a more than impressive record.
Bedford has represented the Victorian Country X1 in 33 matches and was twice selected to play for the Australian Country X1 and averages 43 with the bat in Australian Country Championships.
He has played five international matches against India, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka (twice) and the West Indies, with his highest score being 55 not out against India. He has also played against New South Wales.
Bedford decided to join the FTGDCA this season as he professes the need for a change of scene.
“I’m really looking forward to it … I made just under 500 runs last year in the MPCA and I’m still as competitive as ever,” he said.
Bedford nominated Patrick Patterson from the West Indies as the fastest bowler he has faced in any level of cricket.