Belmont District Cricket Club Presidents Report and First Grade Report 1987-1988
Belmont District Cricket Club | January 07, 2025
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
There are times when administrators of cricket clubs feel every one of "Murphy's Laws" are working in unison against them to bring down all the plans and good intentions of a winter's pre-planning.
This past season was one such time, not only did the weather thwart numerous attempts to get onto the paddock, it also put paid to the First Grade's aspirations in the Semis once again. Added to this was the longest list of unavailable players at any one time that I can remember.It was common to have the equivalent of two teams unavailable, therefore, on many occasions teams would look nothing like the one that took the field the previous match. For a Captain trying to formulate a consistent approach to the season, this situation is impossible.
It is to the Club's credit though, and a testimony of our overall strength, that no forfeits resulted. It is also a testimony to the resourcefulness of our lower grade captains that saw both Fourths and Fifths making the Finals, with the Fourths taking out the honours. A great effort by all.
Once again the Club fulfilled our charter in providing cricketing opportunities to the Belmont area. The Juniors were strong and the new arrangement of a Junior Secretary worked well. My thanks to David Willoughby.
Administratively, the Club is strong with a very active Committee and at times with very spirited debates on matters. This is healthy and very necessary. My thanks to all the Committee and in particular to my Executive, who carry out their various functions with efficiency and competence.
To the Board and Management of Belmont Sportsman's Club goes the appreciation of all who are associated with cricket in Belmont. For through the various facets of assistance provided, be it grants, raffles, etc.
all cricketers are afforded inexpensive cricket and some of the best facilities available.
May I also thank publicly the members of the Sportsman's Club whose support throughout the year is really appreciated, as is the friendly co-operation from the staff.
In closing I would like to wish our kindred bodies, the Baseball Club and Lakes United, all the best for their coming season. I would also thank T.N.T. for their sponsorship of Tony Middleton, who by doing so gave many cricketers the opportunity to meet and play with a talented cricketer and a good bloke to boot. All the best Tony this season back in the "old country"!
ROBERT MAYO
FIRST GRADE REPORT
CHRIS WILLIAMS: CAPTAIN
1987/88 was another successful season and due to inclement weather both the Major and Minor Premierships went begging. The team performed consistently and if we can produce the same form in 1988/89 we should be in the Premiership race.
STEVE CLARKSON: VICE CAPTAIN
As I mentioned last year, Steve is a very talented cricketer and only time will show his full ability. He batted with maturity and should, over the next few years, produce some sparkling cricket.
TONY MIDDLETON:
To acquire the services of such a talented cricketer with an engaging personality, made his presence with the club most rewarding both on and off the field. I am confident that his return in 1988/89 will provide a solid base for our batsmen.
ALAN SHARP:
Alan provided the strength in the "Middle Order" that enabled the side to post very high scores and graft its way out of trouble his all round cricket experience has in some way enabled all players in the side to gain a wider knowledge of the sport.
RUSSELL NEAL:
Russell had a good allround season. He batted solidly with a number of good scores in difficult situations. He bowled very well and has increased his bowling to the level where he is a valuable allrounder.
GREG HOOK:
The 1987/88 season has once again seen Greg continue to gain experience. He batted well and fitted into a very strong batting line up with consummate ease.
CRAIG HAMILTON:
Craig had a very fine season. He played Representative level and this experience was a reward to the club. He performed well with the ball all season and on many occasions batted with the ability of a higher order batsmen. With the last two seasons, Craig is now one of the District's leading allrounders.
PETER SCHACHT:
Last season I mentioned "the greater the work the more rewards gained".
It is my opinion that should Peter maintain the effort of the last six weeks of the 1987/88 season, he will find the success of a number of "It's up to you!"
MARK ROSKELL:
This season saw Mark come into the First XI as a permanent member and as the season progressed he gained confidence. He has the ability but only time and experience will see the rewards.
GREG PATERSON:
Greg found cricket a hard master last season. He started with a fist of wickets early and then the tide turned with nothing going his way.
He always performs with 100% and Belmont District Cricket Club always benefits.
IAN HOOK:
lan bowled well but with a few injuries and other sporting commitments, was not able to play all games. He is a fine bowler and next season will see him add to his tally for Belmont District Cricket Club.
NEIL HOOK:
Neil has genuine pace and on a number of occasions last season it was refreshing to see batsmen backing up. With continued practice and the passing of seasons he will be a front line attack bowler.
SID MAYO AND FAMILY:
Sid continued as his vocal self throughout the 1987/88 season, but I will be happy to see him "hear him" again next season.
To Mertel and Jan we all owe kilograms around our waists but look forward to further increases next season. Thanks for your continued support.
To culminate this report, I would like to convey my thanks to the Committee of the Belmont District Cricket Club for another successful season. I would also ask John Hook to accept himself and forward to the Directors of the Belmont Sportsman Club the appreciation for the facilities and organisation provided for cricket in the Belmont District.
CHRIS WILLIAMS
