EMU PLAINS CLUB INC.

2005 / 2006

END OF SEASON REPORTS

JUNIORS

President’s Report In season 2005/06, the Emu Plains Cricket Club fielded 7 junior and 6 senior sides, equating to approximately 140 registered cricketers ranging in ages from 7 through to the mid 40’s. As well, the Club conducted its ‘Have-A-Go’ programme for some 66 children under the age of 7. Our Senior sides comprised 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th, 8th and 9th Grades, with only 8th Grade making the finals, and unfortunately dipping out in the semi. The other grades performed admirably though, and a couple could have squeezed into the finals if other results had have gone their way in the final round. The split of teams across the grades was very hard to manage at times, particularly if looking to promote or lower players between 3rd and 7th grades. The captains and selectors did an admirable job in ensuring competitive teams turned out each week, and the committee thanks them for their efforts. We all look forward to improved performances next season. In the juniors our U/12 and U/16 sides were the best performed, each making the semi-finals, but both bowed out at that stage. Congratulations to both those sides for their strong performance. Well done to all the other teams as we look forward to next year to build on the skills and lessons learnt over the past six months. The Club stands in good stead with the amount of Junior talent in our ranks. To all the coaches, managers, and parents who involved themselves with the various teams, the committee offers you our sincerest thanks. Cricket is a wonderful team game to teach young, active children, but this would not be possible without your efforts. The committee endeavours at all times to provide the best equipment, administration and support for our teams, but we need the continued involvement of the mums and dads to assist with the training and game-day care. Off the field, the Club has enjoyed another successful year through the endeavours of the small, hard-working committee. A particular thanks to Paul Fitzpatrick for his tireless work in Junior administration. The Club’s financial position is sound and most sides now play with new or near to new equipment, so a special thanks to all who helped and supported us at our various fundraising activities. Emu Sports Club was again our major sponsor and we value their commitment to the thriving cricket community of Emu Plains. Congratulations to all our trophy winners, in particular the recipients of the Perpetual Awards. The committee is also very pleased to announce that Jamie Large has been named Clubman of the Year for season 2005/06. Jamie’s efforts as Club Treasurer, U/14’s Manager and 3rd Grade are second to none around the Club, and we greatly appreciate his commitment and tireless input into making the Club the success that it is. Finally, well done to all the Emu Plains cricketers. This Club continues to provide an avenue for men, boys and girls of all ages to enjoy this great game. We look forward to continued success in 2006/07. Martin Bowerman, President

Office Bearers Patrons: Alma Ristau - appointed in 1996 Betty Coleman - appointed in 1996 Eddie Ristau - appointed in 1996 Lionel Gyler - appointed in 1996 Life Members: Leslie Mitchell - appointed in 1990 Paul Ryan - appointed in 1990 Garry Ross - appointed in 1992 Peter Watts - appointed in 1992 Tim Pedlar - appointed in 1992 Tony Hoy - appointed in 1992 Peter Mitchell - appointed in 1992 Lionel Gyler - appointed in 1996 George Stanowski – appointed in 2000 Darran Harvey – appointed in 2004 Martin Romer – appointed in 2004 Greg Bottrill – appointed in 2005 Executive Committee: President: Martin Bowerman Vice-President: Trevor Wilson Treasurer: Jamie Large Secretary: Ange Barbaro Junior Secretary: Paul Fitzpatrick

Junior Secretary’s Report Our junior player numbers were 87, down from 102 the previous season, which was a little disappointing given the excitement generated by the recent Ashes series . However, we hope to retain most of these next year, and with a focus on getting our Have-A-Go players through to juniors, hopefully we can increase our junior numbers next season. Two players have achieved a special milestone this year – 100 games for the club. Congratulations to Matthew Large and Tom Romer. Season results are shown below: Team Played Won Drawn Lost Result U/8 18 Non-competitive U/9 19 Non-competitive U/10 18 8 3 7 7/11 U/12-2 11 5 1 5 Semi-Finalist U/13-1 9 0 1 8 5/5 U/14-1 11 3 1 7 5/6 U/16 12 4 0 8 Semi-Finalist

The Milo Have-a-Go programme was a wonderful success. The highest number of players ever – 66 – participated this year, with participants coming from as far away as Springwood and St Clair. Matthew (Lex) Elliott from 1st grade once again was the co-ordinator, and did a great job in coaching the children. Many thanks to Lex for his time in organising and running the programme. I hope the workout he was given each Saturday morning by the kids didn’t affect his performances for 1st grade in the afternoon. The challenge for the club is to work out a way to transfer our high Have-A-Go player numbers into juniors – I can assure you that the committee will be working hard on this. Special recognition goes to the coaches, managers, scorers, and supporters who contribute s o much each week. Without the considerable commitment of your time, skills, and efforts, the players would not have the opportunities to participate in the cricket community. Our club is far from being just a collection of junior teams. The club has a number of senior teams whose history and tradition far predate the juniors. One of my greatest thrills is to see juniors transition into the ranks of the senior club, competing against men. I congratulate those players from our U/14 and U/16 teams who have made themselves available and risen to the challenge of playing seniors. This spirit bodes well for the future of our club. Congratulations to the following players who were selected for Penrith representative duties : U/12 Jim Goulder Shield: Jacqueline-Marie Klincke U/13 Walter S Gee Shield: Daniel Batchelor U/16 President’s Cup: Patrick Cromie, Jason Guilfoyle, John Ryan, Ryan Thomas, Laurie Wallis

This year marks the end of many years of service from Paul & Barbara Ryan. Paul is one of only 12 life members – he has played for many years, and contributed in many areas including Treasurer, Secretary, and coach. Barbara has been at his side for all of this time, supporting him and their children, managing, and scoring. On behalf of the cricket community at Emu Plains, thank you for your outstanding contribution over many years, and we wish you well in the future. Remember that we can always find a coaching and managing position should you wish to make a comeback! Thank you to the players for choosing to play with Emu Plains. The club has a great tradition, and I hope that you will continue to play with and support the club for many years to come. Paul Fitzpatrick, Junior Secretary Under 8 Open It was a great year for the Emu Plains Cricket Club Under 8’s. A great group of boys developed into a real team and made great improvements in their cricketing skills. The year started with great enthusiasm. All the boys were busting to get out on the field and demonstrate the skills they had developed in Have-A-Go, in the backyard and by watching their heroes on television.

The learning curve was steep in the first few games as players, coach and parents got used to the rules and the skills involved. The steepest curve of all was in learning how to fill in a score book. In the early games we had a few players who had already developed good skills and Josh, Riley and Dennis could be relied upon to put in some good overs. By the end of the season other players had worked hard on their bowling and were getting good figures with their accurate bowling. Nicholas and James stand out in this area. Good batting skills were also in evidence in some of the early games with Josh and Denis scoring some wonderful boundaries. But once again, as the season progressed other players worked on their batting skills and started to put in some great innings. Nicholas and Anthony made the biggest gains here. All players made great progress in their calling. There was some great work done in the field this season with a number of players taking some good catches. By the end of the season teamwork in the field was coming to the fore with players backing up the stumps leading to some good run outs. The most pleasing aspect of the season was watching a great group of boys develop into a great team. The support they gave each other when their team mates succeeded and especially when they were struggling was wonderful to see. Josh and Riley were always ready with some positive talk to boost their team mates. Parents and caregivers should be congratulated for their efforts in supporting their own boys and the team as a whole. Special thanks go to Paul Hand and Wayne Morgan in their roles as unofficial assistant coaches and to Manager Karen Carr who took on most of the scoring this season. Dean Newbold, Coach Under 9 Open It has been a very fulfilling and enjoyable season from my perspective - I have really enjoyed coaching the kids this year and seeing them develop & improve their own game. Six veteran players from last season’s U/8 team returned, and four debutants joined the chaos of U/9 cricket. Liam Bordley is a promising bowler who bowls straight most of the time. He also loves to have the bat in his hand, and has improved throughout the season. Jacqueline Klincke has a very promising future. She is a left-armer, and almost as quick as Cathryn Fitzpatrick. Jacqueline is also strong at the batting crease and will score plenty in coming years . A genuine all-rounder. Daniel Shipton is a run scoring machine, the teams big hitter. Who could forget his 26* against Henry Lawson when he hit three sixes and a four! The innings changed the match and set the foundation for a team score of 81 without loss. John Klincke was our leading -taker with seven , and also took out the best . John bowls a loopy style, often above the eye line, that takes wickets . Conor Fitzpatrick loves to take a wicket or beat his highest score. He is improving with every match, and was very excited when he got a caught-and-bowled this season. Jayden de Vries is the joker of the team, and is constantly looking to amuse himself (& others) on the field. But he is a solid batsman who does not like to lose his wicket. He is a very keen batsmen, and my memory is etched with “Can I bat?” from every training session. Ryan Fletcher only started playing junior cricket in the new year, and what a talent he is. I think he may have played quite a bit of back yard cricket, as he can bat, bowl, and keep. He’s very keen about his cricket, and I think he will be around for quite a few years to come. Sam Harris is a naturally gifted athlete who has plenty of promise. He is athletic in the field and made some great saves this year. One piece of advice for next season Sam: you don’t have to ask the umpire each time you want to bowl the next ! Carter Neal had a great season – he was the most improved player from last season, and took some great wickets and scored a few runs. If Carter keeps improving his game at this rate, he can look forward to taking out a few awards in the next season or two. Elliot Stacey is an enthusiastic & exciting young cricketer, who always gives his best. He is an exciting batsman who loves to score runs. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to his move overseas – I hope that he can rejoin Emu in a few years. Matthew Godwin is a quiet young man who has the potential to be a very good cricketer, especially in the batting department. Would love to see him turn out for the U/10’s next season, I’m sure he will score quite a few runs. Highlights of the season: · Daniel’s three sixes and 26*;

· The game against Henry Lawson where the team did not lose a wicket in 16 overs, the team scoring 81; · The four Jacqueline hit through mid-wicket in the last game – the best timed and hardest hit of the season; · Conor’s caught and bowled; · Ryan’s wicket-keeping; · The genuine all-round improvement of all players; · The warm encouragement shown to all the players by the parents on match day – fantastic to see; · The assistance provided to me by all the parents throughout the season. Tina & John Klincke deserve special recognition – Tina has scored almost every week, John has looked after the statistics and Results Vault, and both have taken the time to produce a great team newsletter on a regular basis. Thank you both for your efforts. Thank you to Graeme Bordley for managing the team , keeping the kit in order, and helping out with training. And thanks to Colin Shipton and Adrian Fletcher for your assistance with training – much appreciated. Paul Fitzpatrick, Coach Under 10 Open The 2005-06 cricket season was a successful season on many levels. Most importantly the boys maintained a very positive attitude and spirit for the duration of the season including the last delivery in the last game, whereby the boys won by one run! From the very first game of the season the boys demonstrated great confidence as they constantly encouraged each other, particularly in high pressure situations. It was a great experience to witness the development of skill throughout the season with accurate bowling and greatly improved batting, particularly defensive stroke play. With the exception of one game the boys went through the season without being all dismissed. My prediction for their future years is that they will become very good two day players as they were able to increasingly maintain concentration out in the middle. I would like to make mention of the very special individuals who made up this great team and just of few of the memorable moments throughout the season:

· Tom & Aaron’s first wickets! · Willie & Cameron’s top scores 25 n.o! · Jack’s Hat trick! · Peter and Trent’s long range direct hits! · Jordan’s first runs scored for the year and only being bowled out once all season! · Simon’s very accurate bowling and excellent square leg fielding! · Trent and Mitch’s ninth wicket match winning partnership! · Jack and Joel’s famous batting partnership! · Mitchell’s 13 catches for the year! · Tom, Aaron, Jordan and Jye who were the greatest improvers throughout the season with their bowling and the courage they displayed out in the middle with the bat! · Chris, Nick, Mitch and Joel’s famous leg spin bowling · The excellent gloves of Nick, Cameron, Joel, Jack & Mitch · First time opening batters Chris, Simon, Peter, Will and Jye Above all I have been most impressed with the spirit and sportsmanship displayed by the boys throughout the season. I look forward to watching the boys continue with their cricket over the next few years and have no doubt that there will be some going on to play at a representative level. What is more important is that they continue enjoying the game itself along with the many local mates and families that have made this past season so successful. I would also like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation of our team manager Steve Masters for his excellent organisation, commitment to scoring each week and his very informative and original newsletters! Finally thanks to the parents for their help at training and game day and the support of Steve and I over the season. Thanks again to all the U/10 boys… You are the BEST! Tim Hardy, Coach

Under 12 Division 2 Emu Plains Under 12/ Division 2 have had a great season, reaching the two-day match semi-finals. Most of our team members have been playing together for Emu Plains since Under 9’s and a strong camaraderie is alive and well in the team! This year we welcomed Jack Minney (formerly Glenmore Park) and Jarrod Bartley (his first year in cricket). The parent group have set a standard that rival teams have failed to match – the Bacon & Egg Roll Brunch on cricket mornings. Over the season all boys have improved their technique and PB’s (Personal Best). The constant encouragement and support of each other is fantastic and we are looking forward to an awesome season 2006 – 2007. Liz Dowd, Manager Well from a coach’s point of view, I couldn’t ask for any more than what the boys have given this year on the field and at training. It has been a great season from a team aspect and from individual efforts from each and every player. It makes me so proud to see a team which is able to celebrate a well earned win, but, also appreciating the other team who were better on the day. The support that you gave to each other on and off the field was outstanding. I hope to see you all back next season to build on what we achieved this year. Congratulations Emu Plains, a great season. Tony Robson, Coach Under 13 Division 1 After winning the U12/2 Final in season 2004/05 the U13/1 embarked on the difficult challenge of first division competition in 2005/06 season. Adding to the challenge was also the loss of three players from 04/05 season and gaining four new players for the 05/06 season. We didn’t win a game, but had a fantastic draw. We struggled to get into a rhythm during the season. We had a bye early December then didn’t play again until the end of January. With training it was either rained out or sweltering hot. All the players played throughout the season with high spirits and gave great effort. With the way the competition was structured the first competition was the one-day games. We struggled in the first game against Penrith RSL having only eight players and just getting on the field. We lost outright, but removed some pre-season cobwebs. Following the first result we continued to struggle throughout the one-day competition, without winning a game. With the start of the two day competition our first game was against Glenbrook - Blaxland. It had rained for days and we were lucky to get a start. Glenbrook batted and blasted 252 by the end of play. The ball just became a wet mess by the end of play. The team performed well despite the conditions. We turn up the next week chasing our biggest total to date. We started soundly, but slipped in the middle until a 133 run partnership late in the innings allow us to finish losing but not being bowled out. Our total ended up being 208, considering the challenge it was a tremendous effort by the team. With added confidence we played Colyton - St Clair. We batted first basically throwing our innings away for 76. Colyton went into bat and we displayed our best bowling / fielding display for the season. At end of play Colyton were 7/65 and moving into the next week we had a real chance to produce an upset. Mother nature performed her duties and the game was rained out. Following a count back the scores were tied. We achieved out first points for the season and gained more confidence. We played Glenmore Park next and batted first. We scored 134, which was a reasonable total. If we bowled and fielded the next week well, there was a 50/50 chance of getting the points. It wasn’t to be, we couldn’t hold a catch all day despite a good bowling display. Our last game of the season was against Penrith RSL the competition leaders. We batted first and scored 117, which ultimately would not be enough runs. Despite not winning a game all season the players need to be congratulated for their effort and persistence throughout the season. All the parents need a big thankyou for bringing the players to training and games. Also all the parents who helped throughout the year with scoring, preparation before the game and at training a big thankyou. Remember keep practicing throughout the off-season ready for next season. Neil Batchelor, Coach Under 14 Division 1 Season 2005/6 saw us finish in 5th position, one better than last year! While we finished outside the semi finals, we managed to stay competitive in most games we played. We carried 14 players throughout the season which required two players to miss a game every week. The boys understood this from day one, but preferred this than having to

lose a team mate to another club. Every boy was happy to have their rest when needed and several boys even forfeited their bat to give other team mates who hadn't batted as much a go. Thank you boys for your help with this it made my job a lot easier. Thank you to the parents for your support I am very lucky to have such an easy going group of parents who win lose or draw always remain supportive to the boys and myself. Thank you to Will Watson, Jamie Large, Paul Hoolahan, Paul Fitzpatrick, David Bransdon, Steve Dantier, for your help with training, scoring, putting out and picking up boundary markers etc. - it is much appreciated. A big thank you to Fay Love for her help with the recording of the results every week. Finally a big thank you to the boys - you are a pleasure to coach and I hope to see you all back next season. Cameron Dantier: “Roy” Big hitting batsman had a great year with the bat topping our aggregate, also a very handy left arm bowler, and one of our standout players for the year. Also made his senior debut this season. Matthew Large: Solid left hand batsmen who often opened the bat for us seeing off the fast bowlers, very patient batsmen and a great team player who gets 100 club games this year - great effort. Matthew Love: Came up from 2nd division last year and proved to himself how good a bowler he is. Matt was always on the spot with the ball, frustrating the hell out of the opposition batsmen. Corey Lucas-Smith: Also came up from 2nd division last year and proved he can compete in division 1. He was our middle order slogger who can punish attacks on his day. Matt Sutcliffe: He is slowly turning himself into a very good leg spin bowler. Matt’s bowling improves every week, and he is a great competitor who never gives up Cameron Bush: Best set of hands in the comp! A fantastic fielder and very good bowler. Some of his catches this year were brilliant. He is also a great kid who is a joy to coach. Jacob Thomas: One half of our opening pace attack which gave it to all the fancied sides we played this year - he generates good pace and bounce and will be a force to contend with in years to come. Also made his senior debut this year. Thomas Romer: Unfortunately started late to the season due to injury, but looked to be getting back to his best with the bat towards the end of the season, and hit our only six of the year. Also played seniors this year, playing 2nd grade. Bill Watson: “Mr Patient” attacks all bowlers regardless of their reputation, and he was a real partnership breaker with the ball getting through when we most needed him. Another kid with a big heart not afraid and always plays for the team. Michael Todd: “Warney” always has a plan against a batsmen. A very good leg spin bowler who has a never say die attitude, is a real fighter and a great team man. Lives for cricket. Aaron Bransdon: Another player who came from 2nd division but made the adjustment well, a stylish right handed batsmen who is slowly developing all the shots. Bowled well throughout the year and looks to be a genuine allrounder. Cal Robinson: “Mr Casual” has not a worry in the world, and is a classy opening batsmen with huge potential. He is the sort of player who can play all positions on the field whether it be keeping, bowling or batting and is a real asset to any team. Brendan Hoolahan: Made the step up from 2nd to 1st division well. An aggressive batsmen not afraid to hit over the top. A very good fielder in the slips with a great set of hands who took some great catches this year. Luke Fitzpatrick: Spearhead of our bowling attack - right arm fast, terrific talent who should waltz into rep teams next year. A great kid to coach and a fantastic team player. Luke’s attitude and manner are why coaches enjoy coaching. Also played seniors this season. Special thanks to Paul Fitzpatrick and the committee for your support throughout the season. Marty Romer, Coach Under 16 Open The Under 16s had one division of six teams – Claremont Meadows, Penrith RSL, St Marys Leagues, Cranebrook, Glenbrook-Blaxland, and Emu Plains. Effectively, it was internally two groups with Claremont Meadows and Penrith RSL stacked with representative players, and the other four teams which were of comparable ability. It is satisfying then to note that we finished 3rd, and were competitive against the top two teams. There always emerged someone in the team to “save the day” if our fortunes started to turn. The team was well led by captain John Ryan who didn’t shirk the tough stuff – happy to open the batting and to be wicket-keeper in most games. When given the opportunity to field, he set a high standard of commitment and enthusiasm. John was the only survivor of the under 10 days, turning out each season.

Other senior players were David Withers who has played for the last few seasons, Ryan Thomas greatly improved in only his second season, Jake MacAndrew who played for Cranebrook for many seasons before joining Emu Plains, and the reliable Jason Guilfoyle who has been an Emu Plains stalwart. Many of this years team have played up a grade in the under 16s because there was no under 15s team. These players were Laurie Wallis, Kurt Niess, Pat Cromie, Anthony Morrissey, Brock Alewood, Anthony Weymouth, and Luke Bartley. It is a measure of their character that they were prepared to accept the challenge of some tough competition. Highlights of the season: · the outstanding enthusiasm and fielding skills of David Withers and his acceptance of captaincy duties when given the opportunities; · the 50s scored by John Ryan, Laurie Wallis, and Ryan Thomas; · the brilliant catches taken by Jake MacAndrew and Ryan Thomas; · the defiant 8th wicket partnership between Jake MacAndrew and Anthony Morrissey in the semi-final; · the head clash between Kurt Niess and an opposing player when Kurt was “subbing” for a team short of players. Two ambulances turned up, but fortunately no damage was done!; · Laurie Wallis winning the throwing competition at training and Ryan Thomas throwing out his arm!; · Pat Cromie winning the bowling accuracy competition at training, as well as the long-hitting competition; · Jason Guilfoyle’s 5 wickets for 12 runs against Glenbrook-Blaxland. Special thanks to Barbara Ryan who has scored for seven seasons; Gordon Withers for his loyal support; Ken Wallis for recording the score-book details; and all the parents who have provided cheery encouragement to me and their sons. Paul Ryan, Coach