South Perth Cricket Club News

When Life Member, Ted Badcock (1898-1982) passed away in South Perth in 1982 he bequeathed all his cricket memorabilia to the South Perth CC. Last year when New Zealand Cricket Inc honored all it's Test Players with a Presentation Black Cap your executive approached the NZ Authority and placed our claim on this much-prized symbol.

Already Life Member, Paul Barton had been awarded his Black Cap, the 89th player to receive selection and our Director of WACA Cricket, Rodney Redmond, had earned the 126th Black Cap.

New Zealand was elevated to Official Test Playing Nation status in 1929 the same year in which the South Perth Cricket Club was officially formed. The Club was aware that Ted had played in the first official Test Match against England in New Zealand and knew that Ted's Cap must have ranked amongst the first.

"I was a bit gobs-smacked when the CEO of NZ Cricket rang to inform me that our claim on Ted's Cap had not only been recognized but that Ted Badcock was the first official player to be named and as a consequence had earned the distinction and honor of qualifying for the Number 1 Black Cap." Ian Waite, Club President remarked.

"A fitting ceremony will be conducted during the early part of the season for an official handover." Ian advised.

At the 71st AGM of the Club held in July the Board of Directors, following recommendation from the Life Membership and Heritage Committee, recommended to the membership that Wendy Fulton and Grant Hebbard be proposed for Life Membership. The motion was passed by unanimous acclamation.

Both these worthy recipients had rendered outstanding service to the Club each for about 16 consecutive years. Wendy's is the third woman to receive Life Membership behind Mrs Phyl Thomson and Mrs Jo O"Dea. Grant "Hebbsey" Hebbard was a cornerstone within the South Perth Suburban Turf Cricket Club prior to the amalgamation in 1995. He has continued to be the "glue" that keeps the Clubs functioning together as a happy band of cricketers.

Also the AGM provided the forum to introduce explicit guidelines to future committees and membership dealing with life members. These were passed to become part of the Club's Constitution and Rules.

In the process of reviewing Life Membership matters it was found that the three "Life Memberships", conferred by the South Perth Junior Cricket Council over the past decade, to Stuart Foster, Rick Watson and Brian McIntyre may have lacked a basis for determination.

The South Perth Junior Cricket Council (or Club as it is often referred by) exists under the incorporated entity, The South Perth Cricket Club Inc, and membership of the SPJCC is determined under the Constitution and Rules of the South Perth CC Inc.

The Board of Directors had no reservation in adopting the recommendation of the Life Membership and Heritage Committee in recommending to the AGM that formal recognition be accorded Stuart Foster, Rick Watson and Brian McIntyre on their Life Membership status. Again, this was passed with unanimous vote.

"The South Perth Cricket Club is about the promotion of cricket in the District through all age groups and at all levels."

"Tonight we have witnessed the promotion of five members who have been elevated to the highest level of honor that we can confer for past outstanding and meritorious service. Wendy is one of a few who have achieved their award for service to both Junior and Senior sectors of the Club. Grant, for his service to the two senior sections within our Club. Stuart, Rick and Brian, like some before them, for long and meritorious service, primarily with the Junior sector of the Club."

"All have given their best for cricket within the South Perth District. Congratulations to you all." Ian Waite, President, was reported as saying.

An evening will be planned to give due honor and recognition to our newest Life Members.

When the season starts for most of us it has been well and truly underway for Damien Martyn.

Marto has already notched-up his first 3 games for Australia this season against the South Africans in the historical first international cricket matches played under a roof at Melbourne's new Colonial Stadium.

Damien should be back home and available to play for WA against visiting Natal and Victorian teams in the scheduled pre-season matches here in Perth and Broome. Subject to a possible short sojourn to the African continent Marto is almost certainty to be available to South Perth in the early games of the season.

Club Icon and Life Member, Charlie Bull, was recovering from potentially dangerous surgery in August.

It was great news to hear that all went well for Charlie and he was home 3 days after, minus a few bits and pieces.

"At 78 years of age its best to get these things out of the way in the off season" Charlie said from his bedside. "I want to be in Melbourne in September to attend the National Scorers Meeting and fit enough to be in Broome to keep tally for the Natal:Vic:WA pre-season games and, of course I wouldn't want to miss the first game in the season at Richardson."

During the winter recess fax's have been flying from Lahore and Perth concerning the Real Twelve Brothers Cricket Team.

Shiekh Zulfiqar Ali Captains a team fully composed of his 11 brothers in what must be one of the most unique cricket clubs in the world.

They will be on tour in Australia during October and November and have approached the Club to ascertain whether we were interested in fielding a team or two against them on the Perth leg of the tour.

Your Committee, always on the look out for new and interesting ways to engage the members was quick to take them up on their offer.

Our first game against the Real Twelve Brothers will be against a possible Colts team at Richardson Park No 2 on Sunday 5th November 2000 coincidental to a BankWest game against Perth CC.

A second game is possible but as yet confirmed. It will be a mid-week game around the 5th November. Any member interested in putting their name up for this once in a life time cricketing opportunity should contact President Ian Waite by fax 9367 7179 or e-mail melwin@space.net.au or see him at the Club.

Major Sponsors, Carrier-apac, are continuing their commitment to South Perth for the 2000'01 season.

Similar to last year their much appreciated support will go directly to assist their two "Cool Teams" the WACA 1st Grade side in the BankWest One-Day Competition and the A Grade side playing in the WASTCA Competition.

The best deals on air-conditioning units are available NOW - not in the middle of January and February. So if you want to do yourself a favor contact your nearest Carrier outlet NOW, mention that you're there because of the support they give us at the Cricket Club and Dave Clark told you that they would look after you with the best deal in town ... don't wait until demand outstrips supply when discounts are hard to come by.

Bob, Justin and Scotty were just as enthusiastic as ever when approached if they would continue their support of South Perth.

Not only are they going to maintain their Player of the Round Awards as well as our much appreciated backing of the Bruce Laird Shield they have offered a whole bunch of Cricket Memorabilia for us to raise money against.

To demonstrate your appreciation race into the "Meulies Cricket Emporium" up on the Canning Highway at South Perth and give them your business or at least give them the chance to quote you.

This year the State Squad will take on Victoria and Natal in a series of games to be played in Perth during 13th and 27th September, then to Broome for a round robin to play on the WACA's transportable pitch.

With the inclusion of Rockingham Mandurah into the 1st Grade WACA SunSmart (formerly the SmokeFree) League Pennant's competition has meant that there will be no Bye this year for the 1st Grade Team. Your Club, through WACA Delegate, Rod Sillitoe, put forward to the WACA Cricket Council that we deemed it preferable for all teams to play all sides. We failed to get majority support.

As a consequence all WACA Grade sides will miss-out on playing two teams this summer, Subiaco-Floreat and Willetton.

The WACA had determined to continue with a cycle of rotation. Each Club will not play every other club once over a period of seven or eight years. With Rockingham Mandurah entering into the 1st Grade competition this year has meant that teams not playing them were drawn out of a hat. The cycle is in its fourth year of rotation. That's comforting to know, isn't it.

The Club has responded positively to a survey conducted by the WACA for a "Community Super-Eights Competition".

It is envisaged that the competition would involve teams from all metropolitan cricket associations at grounds specified by the WACA. The competition would be run on a knock-out basis and prize-money would be set at $4 000.

Your Club has advised the WACA that it supports the initiative and would nominate a team. It has expressed the view that the competition should be run as a block as opposed to one-off games, ie 2 or 4 games in a succession on the one-day at the one venue. The competition should be open to all South Perth players and not be age restrictive.

As devout readers will remember Mark Ligtermoet was last season's Scholarship winner and has spent the past England Summer playing and coaching cricket at Bournemouth in the sunny south of England.

Mark's been having a beaut time but is looking forward to enjoy some of his mum's home cooking, once again, and will be back home on the 29th September raring to do battle on the field of glory for South Perth.

News, just to hand, from the olde darte, is that Bournemouth has selected their player to travel to the antipodes to learn and experience cricket, Western Aussie style.

He's David Kidner, 18, a left hand swing bowler and good bat (that is, for a Pom) and is considered a genuine all-rounder.

David will initially play in the WACA lower grades and, on merit, will fight his way to the top, he hopes.

David is both house-trained and a reliable sort of chap. Well educated with a fine sense of de-quorum. He'll be looking for shared accommodation and is prepared to pay handsomely for the pleasure of staying with local folk. If you have a spare room or need someone to share let Rodney Redmond or Darryll Smith know.

Your committee has been working hard over the winter recess. They have put in place an arrangement with the Dansk Cricket Forbund (DCF), that's the National Danish Cricket Association.

The arrangement provides that we accept one or two players from Denmark for the Aussie Summer Season of Cricket and inculcate them with some Aussie cricket experience and prowess.

In return the DCF will fund a nominated player-coach from South Perth to take up coaching and playing duties within a local Danish Cricket Club affiliated with the DCF.

This arrangement is somewhat different to the Bournemouth-South Perth Cricket Scholarship Program in that our nominated playing coach must have an ACB accredited Level II coaching qualification and good playing credentials. It is envisaged that it will be a paid position.

Not bad eh! A six-month paid working holiday in Denmark.

The first two Danish cricketers, a 'keeper/top-order batsman and a Leggy/middle-order batsman, will join us in September and seek selection within the WACA grades. Both played in the 1999 Danish Under 19 National Team and are regarded amongst the most promising cricketers in Denmark.

The Club has arranged employment for the boys and we need to arrange accommodation. A boarding position would be preferred in return for a reasonable rate. If you are interested in polishing up on your Viking-speak and put some extra cash into your coffers and welcome one or both these boys into your Valhalla then contact Ian "Blood-axe" Waite a/h 9368 2243 or by email: melwin@space.net.au on any day except Wodins-day or Thors-day.

Life Member, John Armstrong, an architect of considerable merit, has accepted the invitation of Ian McNabb, on behalf of the Life Membership and Heritage Committee, to commence the considerable process and make application for Richardson Park to be listed on the State's Heritage Listing as a continuing cricket venue for posterity.

Richardson Park has been the focal point of Local Cricket since 1929 and is considered worthy of Heritage Listing and preservation due to the important cultural role it has played in the community. Richardson Park's facilities have assisted in the development of local cricket and other sports as well as individual local cricketers and other sportsmen who have gone onto represent their State and Nation. It is significant in historic, current and future terms.

Richardson Park will increasingly become more valuable and, as a consequence, under greater threat.

As the City of South Perth develops as a residential and business precinct so close as it is to the CBD of Perth, potential demands may tempt future Local Governments or State Governments to accede to future proposals that may threaten Richardson Park's continuance as an important and central Cricket and sports venue and vital open space amidst growing densities of residential of commercial developments.

This initiative builds on representations made by Club President, Ian Waite, in favorable discussions with the Mayor of South Perth and Club Patron, Suzanne Pierce during last season.

Followers of English cricket would not be surprised to see Surrey and Yorkshire County Cricket Clubs leading the competition in the PPP Healthcare County Championships on completed four-day games. Both these clubs used our facilities at Richardson Park last year in their pre-season training and warm-up matches in preparation for the England summer.

It is obvious that this experience has given them the edge against their competitors.

After 13 games Surrey CCC were clear leaders on 171 points while Yorkshire CCC were lying second on 153 points on the Division One table as at 22nd August 2000.

Season Opener for the WACA 1st Grade Carrier-apac Cool Team will be a BankWest Cup Game against a combined Metropolitan XI for Monday 2nd October (that's the Queen's Birthday long weekend). At time of publication we were still waiting confirmation whether the game will be played at Richardson Park.

This season the Carrier-apac Cool Team have a BankWest bye in Round 2. The Cool Team are scheduled to play Perth in Round 3, at home on Sunday 5th November, Willetton, away in Round 4 on Sunday 19th November prior to the quarterfinals scheduled for 21st January 2001.

Round 1 SunSmart League Against Fremantle

WACA 1st and 4th Grade teams will meet Fremantle at home on the opening games of the WACA Pennant's Competition in a consecutive 2-Dayer over the 7th and 8th October. Both 2nd and 3rd Grade will travel to Stevens Park.

Round 2 SunSmart League Against Midland Guildford

Our 1st and 4th's will travel to Lilac Hill on Saturday 14th and 21st October while our 2nd and 3rd Graders will be at home for Round 2.

Round 3 SunSmart League Against Perth

Our 1st and 4th Graders will be on the road again, this time to our next-door neighbors at Fletcher Park for Round 3. Our 2nd and 4th Grade teams are at home over the games scheduled for 28th October and 4th November.

Colts to Meet Metropolitan XI as their Season Opener

Our WACA Colts will be playing their first game of the Season on Sunday 29th October. At time of publication we were waiting confirmation if the game is to be played at South Perth.

Their next game is scheduled for Sunday 26th November against Perth at home.

Under 17s Away Against Freo.

The WACA U17's are scheduled to play their season opener against Fremantle at Stevens Reserve over Saturday 7th and 14th October.

Round 2 will be played against Midland Guild ford at home over the 21st and 28th October.

Under 15s At Home Against Freo.

Last year Premiership winning side, the WACA U15's are scheduled to play their season opener against Fremantle at home over 7th and 14th October.

Round 2 will be played against Midland Guildford at Lilac Hill over the 21st and 28th October.

Inverarity Shield Side Against Rockingham Mandurah

The WACA U13's are split in two Divisions - North and South. Our guys will face Perth, Gosnells, Midland-Guildford, Melville, Rockingham-Mandurah, Fremantle and Willetton this season.

Their season opener will be against Rockingham Mandurah, at home, scheduled for Saturday 22nd October.

Round 2 will be against Melville, at home, Saturday 5th November.

WACA pre-season training commenced at Wesley College for WACA Grades and U17's squad members and at Richardson Park for the U13 and U15 squads on Sunday 20th August six weeks prior to the commencement of the season.

Her Worship the Mayor of the City of South Perth, Suzanne Pierce was elected Club Patron for her second term.

Ian Waite was elected President and Chairman of Directors for his third successive season.

John McDonald was elected as Director of Finance (Treasurer) for his first term.

Geoffrey Woodley-Page accepted nomination as Director of Administration (Secretary).

Rodney Redmond was elected as Director of Cricket (Senior WACA) and as a consequence, Chairman of Selectors, for his second successive term.

Ian Furnivall was elected as Director of Cricket (WASTCA) for his second term.

Ted Allen was elected as Director of Cricket (Juniors) for his second term.

Rod Sillitoe, retiring as Treasurer after about 10th terms, remains on the Board of Directors as the elected Delegate to the WACA, a post he has held for the past two years.

Training commencing at EJ Oval Sunday 27th August and a throng of over 25 players braved the damp and chill air to impress selectors for spots in the four teams contesting the WA Suburban Turf Competition this year.

Amongst the hopefuls was last year's WACA 1st Grade Manager-Nets Captain and newest Life Member, Grant Hebbard. Also it's rumored that former WACA leg-spinner, Blaine Heddle is back from his global wanderings and is hopeful of securing a spot in the first XI.

Due to popular demand the next Level II Course will be conducted in-season.

Part A, the Sport Specific (Cricket) component will commence September 20th. Part B, Coaching Principles will commence 4th November.

Members interested in registering should contact former South Perth player and now WACA State Coaching Co-ordinator, Steve Phillippe at the WACA on 9265 7203 or Louise on 9265 7217.