"The greatest thing about cricket is being able to pit yourself against other players who have different skills," the left-handed Bayswater Cricket Club opening batsman said.

He thrives on the competitiveness of the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association competition, which he described as "very tough".

Connell came to the Bayswater club in 2004 after a 10-year stint at Caulfield Cricket Club. That club won three premierships during his stay.

He had the ability to quickly change gears when opening the Bayswater innings with his right-handed batting partner, the aggressive Danny Adams.

"If I need to be aggressive I can, or if I need to put my head down, I can do that too."

Bayswater captain-coach Sean Flynn praised Connell's batting ability.

"In those two hundred games he would have opened the batting in almost every one. It is when the batting is the toughest."

Flynn said Connell was quiet by nature but when he spoke, people listened.

"He is a good club person and good with the young kids as well, he is always trying to help them improve."

Connell, whose signature shot is the cover drive, said he was proud to represent his club.

"The people down there are fantastic. They don't tend to get down. If they have a few bad losses they just keep on rolling. They have a great attitude."