It is with great regret that we advise that Alan Griffiths, 1st Grade player #40, passed away on 5th December 2023 after a battle with cancer. He was aged 75. Alan played six seasons for the Club, being a foundation player in 1965-66. He played 97 matches between 1965-66 and 1970-71, scoring 3071 runs at an average of 24.2, with four centuries. He also took 69 catches. In first grade, he scored 820 runs in 31 matches at an average of 21.0, with a highest score of 102. His century was scored opening the batting against Bankstown, whose opening bowlers were Jeff Thomson and Len Pascoe! He was a member of the 4th Grade premiership team in 1967-68 and the 1st Grade Rothmans Limited Overs Knockout premiership team in 1969-70. Some comments in annual reports about Alan included:
1965-66 “B” Shires (6th Grade):
“Outstanding features of the season’s play included the aggressive right-handed batting of Alan Griffiths, who scored 392 runs” (including his highest score for the Club of 146no).
1967-68 4th Grade:
“Alan Griffiths’ aggregate of 431 runs was a fitting reward for consistent batting, while his energy and anticipation in the field saved many runs.”
1968-69 3rd Grade:
“Alan Griffiths, who scored a fine century, showed much improved technique and earned promotion.”
1969-70 1st Grade:
“Opener Alan Griffiths showed determination of high order and was a most consistent runmaker in his first season in the major grade. He was also an inspiration in the field with superb exhibitions at times.”
Alan was an outstanding sportsman. He finished his career with SDCC at the age of 22 to pursue his soccer career. He played for Sutherland and then Marconi in the National Soccer League. His three sons, Adam, Joel & Ryan, all played for the Socceroos.
We extend our sincere condolences to his wife Leonie, his sons Adam, Joel & Ryan and daughter Ranae, and their families.
