A match with meaning

Editorial and photography: Danielle Ford

When stumps were called at the end of this game of cricket, the scoreboard showed a winning team and a losing team.

But in this special match, it was not the result that was important, but rather the resulting impact it has on so many.

The annual Luke Batty Memorial T20 match sees the Victoria Police Cricket Club play an all-stars team from the Tyabb Cricket Club for the Luke Batty Memorial Shield.

The event was initiated in 2015 by Victoria Police Cricket Club captain Sergeant Steven Oates in honour of Tyabb youngster Luke Batty, who was tragically killed by his father in 2014.

“The idea was to honour Luke and support his mother Rosie, along with the Tyabb Cricket Club and wider community. It also helps bring more awareness to family violence issues,” Sgt Oates said.

Luke’s mother and prominent family violence campaigner, Rosie Batty, attends the match each year and said the police and community support displayed at the event makes it something she looks forward to.

Rosie Batty, who presented the Luke Batty Shield at match, is pictured with Victoria Police Cricket Club members Adam Drinkwell (left) and Sen Const Greg Todd.

While the match is regarded as a special tribute each year, the 2020 contest held a bit more significance, with the creation of a manof-the-match shield dedicated to and named after Leading Senior Constable Paul Topham.

Ldg Sen Const Topham worked at Hastings Police Station and was involved in the initial police response and coronial inquest into Luke’s death.

He is credited by Ms Batty as having been a huge help during some of her darkest days.

Ldg Sen Const Topham sadly died in January 2019, following a struggle with mental health issues.

“With the shield being presented in Paul‘s honour this year, I really wanted to be here as he was such a huge support for me in a terrible time. It was very special to be here with his family for this occasion,” Ms Batty said.

Ldg Sen Const Topham’s wife, children, parents, sisters, nieces and nephews were also in attendance at the match and said it was heart-warming to see the respect and love there was for him.

Ldg Sen Const Paul Topham’s wife and children were joined by Southern Metro Region Assistant Commissioner Robert Hill before the match.

Sgt Oates said the support for the match from within Victoria Police, along with the Tyabb community, is amazing, with many players travelling from far and wide to attend.

“This year, former Australian cricket player Brad Hodge played on the Tyabb team. It was a huge boost to have someone of his profile come along and show their support for our event,” he said.

“Some of our Victoria Police members who played came from hours away, with one member driving from Sale every year to play this match.”

Ldg Sen Const Topham’s parents are pictured with the man-of-the match shield, which was named in their son’s honour.

For 24/7 crisis support or suicide prevention services, please call 13 11 14. If life is in danger, call Triple Zero (000). Current and former Victoria Police employees and their families can also access wellbeing services via bluespacewellbeing.com.au