Belmont District Cricket Club- Presidents and 1st grade report 1985/86
Belmont District Cricket Club | November 21, 2024
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
When presenting a report to you, the Members and Supporters of our Cricket Club. it is not always possible to present facts other than the individual team results and trophy winners. This year there have been many things happen which I feel are different and provide exciting prospects for our Club.
Firstly, the Cricket Club fielded probably the highest percentage of players under the age of 23 In its senior ranks ever. Despite the tender years of its players, the senior club managed semi finalists in three grades out of five.
Once again the club sponsored teams in all C & s junior grades with the exception of Under 16's as this year saw the advent of an additional group in Under 15's.
These junior teams produced semi finalists galore with two teams completing the double and winning their respective finals.
This young content of players has finally appeared to be halting the problems the senior club were facing a few years ago with a depletion of its young ranks to other sports. Amongst these younger players are many exciting prospects which augers well for our future.
In order to keep cricket attractive to these younger players, the club has also notched up a couple of other firsts. Our Presentation Night was a dual affair for both Seniors and Juniors. This was done for several reasons - I feel it helps to break down the barriers between Junior and Senior cricket, and it also hopefully may give the Juniors an insight into the tradition and strength of the senior body.
To celebrate such an important affair Greg Matthews was invited to be the guest speaker to a full house of eager listeners.
Out on the field the Club was provided with an international size oval in Miller Field.
While these changes were taking place, many hardships were endured by our cricketers in the loss of the usual first class practice wickets and the disadvantage of playing away for the first part of the season for all games.
However, Miller Field is beginning to shape up and turf practice will again be provided there. In addition, two all-weather synthetic wickets are being laid in a completely enclosed area. These wickets will allow practice on wet days and also allow special coaching to take place by means of a bowling machine as well. It is proposed to provide lighting to this area to allow night practice as well - another
All these things come, of course, at a price which brings me to the Belmont Sportsman's Club. Without the substantial support we receive from the Board, the Management and Members, our Club could not hope to function at the level it does.
My sincere thanks go to the Club as a whole.
I would also like to thank Macquarie Timbers through Barry Goodwin for their generous help in providing new sight screens for Cahill Oval.
Another interesting innovation was the employment of Hunter Seminar Services who worked with the First. Grade over several sessions and was generally very well received by all. It takes more than just talent to win First Grade finals and we as a Club have always prided ourselves in providing new initiatives to cricket.
All of these things do not happen without, a hard working committee, and at Belmont we have one in all members of the committee not just a few. My thanks to all especially Greg, Graham and Alan.
Congratulations go to Lakes United and the Baseball Club for their respective Grand Final wins which provided the Sportsman's Club with a "treble".
Well the Cricket Club has started it again this year, so all the best, and let's make it two in a row for all three.
In closing, may I congratulate Peter Schacht and Greg Charlton as Senior and Junior Cricketers of the Year respectively, and Greg Paterson on winning the Clubman Award.
R MAYO
FIRST GRADE REPORT
CHRIS WILLIAMS:
CAPTAIN - As Club Coach and First Grade Captain, I have found two premierships back to back to be most rewarding. The all round performances of the team and isolated instances of individual brilliance have led to the team's success. To the team I forward my admiration but foresee that if we wish to remain leaders in our chosen sport, in 1986/87 a more concentrated effort will be required.
RUSSELL NEAL:
VICE CAPTAIN - Russell found the season very frustrating with the bat. His form was not that of previous seasons but found consolation with the ball and filled the spot as the team's spinner with consummate ease.
STEVE CLARKSON: His start to the season was diversified with football causing him to miss a few games. During this time he still found form and while at the crease batted with confidence. I will recall my comments of 12 months ago and repeat that if Steve concentrates on cricket his future is not only with Belmont but representative honours are assured.
BRUCE HILLIAR:
Bruce found cricket a cruel master last season, he could not find form and his defensive style of cricket found him with his back to the wall many times. Bruce!, 86/87 is another, season, it must be better!
JOHN GIBSON: Following a good 85/86 season, his performance this year has been even more valuable to the team's final result. His gritty performances when the pressure was on was a regular occurrence. He accepted the responsibility of having to bat to suit the game situation. A very fine player that will be a key figure in the 86/87 season.
GREG HOOK:
This season was a highlight for me and to see a number of players become top line first grade players is very fulfilling, and Greg was one of those players, As the year progressed so did his ability, his on field attitude and determination was only surpassed by his batting ability. I can see an even bigger and better 86/87 season for Greg. A pleasure to play with you.
NEIL HOOK:
Neil is a changed cricketer from last season. He has found the temperament that makes a good player. His ability started to show but a nagging injury held him back. The forthcoming season is apen for Neil, his talent to bowl quickly is refreshing, and his batting will improve with practice and concentration.
I look forward to his progress in 86/87.
PETER SCHACHT:
One of the "Music Duo" (Composer and Pianist). Peter's performance was justly rewarded with the honour of being named as "Senior Player of the Year". He performed aggressively with the bat and destroyed many a bowler's ego. His keeping is still as solid as ever. It is very pleasing to be able to see a cricketer have a very fine season, but even more to know that even better performances can be obtained with more experience. A super season Peter!
CRAIG HAMILTON: The other part of the "Music Duo" (Lead Singer), Crag has also developed into a top class cricketer. His all round ability, attitude and effort has enabled him to reap the rewards from the sport. He has developed the talent to be patient and concentrate for long periods. A very good all round season, Craig, continue the good work in 86/87.
TOM HOPPE: Tom has had a good season and continues to improve with age and experience. As the season flowed he did not have much work but when required always put in a maximum effort. Tom will be an important factor in 86/87 with much more work required.
STEVE HEMSWORTH: Steve found the season hard work. His lack of stamina as a fast bowler stopped him from grabbing the wickets that produce a good season.
Steve has genuine pace but must put in the effort to gain results. Steve, the decision is yours!
SIDNEY MAYO: SCORER - Sid was his typically vocal self, but once again I have proved you can win without a third man and fine leg. Sid, thank you for your continued support - you are a very important part of the First Grade.
See you in 1986/87.
To culminate this report I forward to John Hook and the Directors my personal thanks and appreciation of a job well done over the past 12 months. To the Executive of the Cricket Club I give a second Premiership In appreciation and confirmation of their confidence in 1985/86.
CHRIS WILLIAMS
