HAWK Carl Haseloff chalked up his 10,000th career run, playing what his teammates call a classic Hoff shot – straight over mid-on and off one of Golden Point’s opening bowlers.

Haseloff shook hands with East Ballarat captain Brad Whittaker, who was batting with him at the time, then was straight back to business at Eastern Oval on Saturday.

He encouraged Whittaker to keep pushing on to build their partnership in a tight battle against Point, a pivotal match for both in Ballarat Cricket Association club firsts before Christmas.

Haseloff’s batting feat was so rare it even had BCA stalwarts scratching their heads to be certain on exactly who else had the tally.

The veteran Hawk has compiled his milestone in more than 28 summers since making his senior debut aged 16.

Most, at least 7000 to 8000, have been made in the A-grade.

“It was a goal I’ve had for a while. The longer you play, the more goals you set yourself, so I can cross that one off the list,” Haseloff said.

“I’m privileged and proud to make them all for the one club.”

Haseloff stepped up to the crease nervous and needing nine more runs. He had been so close last week when he made 69 runs against Ballarat-Redan at City Oval.

The Hawks were 3-26 on a slow ground and under pressure from Point’s in-form bowling attack.

Like he has a few times this season, Haseloff worked hard to turn the Hawks’ batting fortunes around. He made top score for day one with 28 runs and with his extended family proudly watching.

Hawks captain Brad Whittaker said the milestone run typified the way Haseloff always went about his game and in setting a great example for a young team.

“For the loss of experience we’ve had the past couple of years, it’s great to have him around and, for me personally, he’s invaluable really in his knowledge of the game,” Whittaker said. “... For all of us, to play with him in that game when he scored his 10,000th run was really special and something we’ll always remember, especially for me batting with him.”

Play against Point remains tight.

Point is in the four and the Hawks are just outside the four with each team determined to sit with the leaders for the mid-season break.

Haseloff bowed out when the Hawks were 5-71.

Josh Brown, last round’s hero, again helped boost the Hawks’ tally, which he did with 24 runs through the lower order.

Dwayne Hiscock (2-16), Simon Ogilvie (2-20), Andrew Warrick (2-22) and Dan White (2-43) picked up the bulk of the wickets.

The Pointies bundled out East for 135 runs in the 54th over and had plenty of time to get started.

Point captain Josh White and Andrew Falkner played careful cricket to round out play.

melanie.whelan@fairfaxmedia.com.au