Vale Warren Saunders

St George Cricket Club | March 01, 2023

It could just be the saddest day in St George District Cricket Clubs' history.

It is a very sad day as we record the passing of Warren Saunders OAM. To his children, Jenny, Sally, Margaret and John and their families we extend our deepest condolences. This is a loss that we all feel very deeply.

Warren commenced his career at St George in the AW Green Shield where he played for three years but his love for the Club started prior to his selection. He often told of sitting at the gate near the fence watching O’Reilly, Morris, Lindwall and their contemporaries terrorise opponents with their skills. From Green Shield he quickly graduated through the ranks to 1^st Grade where he established an enviable record, ultimately scoring 10,952 runs, still the record aggregate in that grade.

At the age of 24 he took on the 1st grade captaincy, a position he held with distinction for 14 seasons. Leading the Club to 5 premierships, 3 times runners up. In that period the Club also won 7 Club Championships. While it’s obvious from his record, Warren was an outstanding leader. He was firm but fair and a master tactician. Most importantly he had a reputation as a true sportsman and generous opponent. He encouraged positive cricket and led from the front gaining total respect from his teammates.

Warren also a had a strong career for NSW, playing 35 times and captaining twice, averaging over 40 at the top of the order. His contribution to NSW cricket included as a State Selector, team manager and service on the State Board. He also had a stint as a Director of the Australian Cricket Board of Control, now Cricket Australia. He was awarded CNSW Life Membership in 1977 having received the same honour from St George in 1970.

While Warren’s contribution to St George on the field was enormous it was matched by his efforts in administration. He served on the Committee for 37 years, the last 10 as President. For the last 30 years he held the position of Patron with his great friend Brian Booth. The two pillars of the Club.

What of course can’t be quantified is the impact Warren has had on the lives of so many. There’s no doubt that on hearing of this sad news today there’ll be thousands who’ll reflect on a Warren Saunders story, whether it be from watching him play, making a speech with a positive message, a quiet one on one piece of mentoring, the list is endless. One thing that will be consistent is that each one will reflect on a wonderful man. Impossible to count the number of times it’s said – Warren Saunders ‘what a gentleman’.

We are all better for having Warren Saunders in our lives and while we deal with our loss, we also celebrate one of the best we’ll ever know.