Ate The Como Courier
Edition 4 November 2012
South Yarra Cricket Club (The Yarras) Como Park, corner of One month in Williams Road and Alexandra Avenue, South Yarra It’s hard to believe, I know, On the field, things have are doing a magnificent job www.yarras.com but we are already one been a bit up and down, in trying to run training month through the season. with the lower grades in sessions so far, and it is Established: 1866 (?) particular struggling with great to see everyone President: David Hill And what have we learnt the bat. following their instructions. Editor: James Dixon about the season to date? The training decks are also There have been some in good condition and in [email protected] Probably not a lot to be obvious individual stand- regular use, which helps honest, other than out performances to date our cause.
Melbourne is definitely not though, and we will the best place to be playing highlight these within the Speaking of new faces, it is cricket if you want to make pages of this newsletter. good to see our relationship sure you play every single with Sport Lived weekend during the One of the most blossoming, and I for one Summer. encouraging signs of our am particularly happy to Keep watching this pre-season was the hear so many English space - Upcoming As we all know, there has unbelievable level of accents at training each Milestones been significant frustration attendance at training and week (even if some of them so far this season, both as a the significant smattering are Southern accents!). Batting result of the weather and as of new faces within the Robert Fisher – 87 a result of the state of the crowds in the nets. Let’s make sure we make runs Como West square. all our new faces welcome Pasquale Scrimizzi – It is good to see that this down at Como and 1,498 runs However, in both respects has continued into the continue to build on that Chris Connelly - 1,959 we have now moved on, season itself, with us club spirit that is growing runs and we even had the luxury regularly having enough by the week. Gideon Haigh - 2,982 of all 5 teams getting a people training to field 4 runs game in over the past 2 teams on a Thursday night. Ed. weekends. Bowling The captains, led by Stu, Adam Sadler – 43 wkts Stuart Norman - 45 wkts What’s coming up at the Yarras James Allen - 46 wkts Martin Reidy - 95 wkts What When Where Robert Fisher - 95 wkts
Outdoor training Every Tuesday and Thursday Como Park, South Yarra Matches continues night from 6pm Stuart Norman - 46 Braden Grigg - 47 November social event – Saturday 24 November Como Pavilion, South Yarra Shaun Robinson - 49 theme TBC Richard Halpagoda – 49 December Christmas To be announced Como Pavilion, South Yarra Pasquale Scrimizzi – Karaoke 99
Page 2 The Como Courier November 2012
Getting to know…
We are now 2 captain’s down in Statistics: our ‘Getting to know’ section of the Courier. Debut – Saturday 13 January 2007; D Grade Vs Burnley. Next in-line, fresh from leading Scored 4 runs, batting at 4, and his side to their first win of the took 2-21 with the ball. season, is the third grade captain, Ben McLean. Games played – 70 Ben is now in his second season as third grade captain down the Runs scored – 1,047 @ 17.75 Yarras and has also served on the committee with distinction Highest score – 63* for South in his time down at Como Park. Yarra 5ths Vs South Yarra 4ths (yes they did play in the same It is all about the on-field grade), Sun 30 Nov 2008, MCA involvement for Ben now C Sunday. though, so let’s find out a little bit more about our resident Wickets: 23 @ 20.78 Yarras economist. Best bowling: 4/30 Vs East Malvern Tooronga, Sunday 21 October 2012, MCA B Sunday.
What brought you down to Talk us through your Your decision to take-on the the Yarras? cricketing past. captaincy last year may have I moved down to Melbourne and I played juniors at Claremont- been a bit from left-field in was living near Fawkner Park. I Nedlands, a district club in Perth. some eyes. was walking through one day and My Dad was first grade captain for stopped to watch the cricket – the Mt Lawley district club and was a What made you want to take it blokes batting were about 6/25 but fringe member of state squad (sadly on and what have you learned seemed happy enough – I thought this talent has skipped a from the experience so far? then and there that that’s the club generation). I’ve always thought about the game for me. a lot when playing (and made I took a bit of time off cricket and plenty of suggestions to captains) Needless to say, with a score line then returned to play Suburban and was interested in putting my like that it was the Yarras (one Turf (sub-district) for Swanbourne words into action. bloke had been run out by this – playing in the 3’s and getting the bloke Gid, and the very same Gid odd game in the 2’s. You quickly learn that it’s a lot had been given out LBW – though easier to suggest than to make apparently there was no way it was Then various bits and pieces of decisions that involve choosing out). So I rang the president (Em) cricket in Sydney and England between a huge raft of options. and I’m still here 70 games later. before winding up at the Yarras.
I have also learned that What would be the elements of What are your passions/interests consulting with your team is the your dream cricketing day? outside of cricket? best way to get to good Late to rise, big breakfast out, quick Golf, reading, most sports as a spectator, decisions, but that in the end 100 followed by a 5 for and a crushing food, wine, travel, horse racing (it is you have to make the decision victory for the 3rds over Burnley (in spring carnival after all!) yourself. preference, though this doesn’t really matter) on Como East. Who would be your 3 ideal dinner Cricket is a complicated game, guests (dead or alive)? and an innings in the field slips Then retreating to the balcony and a Too hard! away if you don’t concentrate frosty beer by 5pm to watch the 1’s or and work the field to restrict 2’s win a close game over their Ian M Banks would be one of the three, runs and seek wickets. nemesis side (Ed: That would be but as for the rest it is too hard to narrow Burnley again!). it down. Nassim Taleb perhaps and I am learning all the time and possibly JM Keynes for someone that lived like to think that while I have a Then head out for a curry. in fascinating times (Ed: Don’t worry long way to go, I am getting Yarras, I had to go onto Wikipedia for 2 better every week. of those 3 individuals as well!).
Page 3 The Como Courier November 2012
Dear Auntie Sue...
Dear Auntie Sue, Dear Mr Thomas (is that Tom for short?), There is nothing like the pressure to perform. It sorts out the men from the boys. Thank you for your letter. I can understand Not only are you performing in front of your At times in the field I find that there are times during a long day in the team-mates but also in front of those on the my mind (and eyes) field that your mind may begin to wonder to Como Hill who are sitting back enjoying wandering from the game. all manner of things, including the watching the boys perform all sweaty in the wonderful spread available at the afternoon hot sun (having performed on the hill myself tea break. I should know). In the absence of banning I must say that you have asked the right One strategy you may want to employ when blonde joggers from Como person. Being the worldly woman I am, and you find yourself being distracted on the on weekends can you my ability to appreciate beauty in all its field is to implement some form of memory suggest some strategies to forms, I can imagine that there are all sorts aid. The memory aid will trigger your of distractions when fielding, especially at conscious and you will remember that you improve my focus when the picturesque Como Park. are in public e.g. when you feel yourself fielding? getting distracted you could put your hands First of all, I don’t think that it’s a bad thing in your pockets. This may trigger a reaction to let your mind (and eyes) wonder during a and remind you of your love for the Yarra’s P. Thomas game of cricket. There is often a bit of down and playing at Como. time between balls when you can take in the scenery and all it has to offer. The key thing Another, more advisable, strategy would be to be aware of is when you should be turned to store up your excitement for some form of on. Personally I think any stimulant that delayed gratification after the game. It works makes your blood flow and encourages you for the legendary singer Sting and it may to put everything into it is a good thing. work for you. Auntie Sue.
Milestones and things to be proud of
As you read on the front page of with a few more to be achieved Finally, thanks to Nashy for each Como Courier, at all times very shortly. noticing that the Yarras are now there are a number of upcoming even more famous on the global player milestones within the There have also been some scale thanks to the Macaulays club. It would be remiss of us, significant personal milestones and to iTunes – see below to however, to not acknowledge in and around the club over the understand what I mean. those that have been achieved past few weeks, so over the course of the past congratulations to the Sadlers, At $2, this app is a steal and month, and as such Griggs, Petersons and Hartigans provides hours of entertainment, congratulations to all Yarras who on future new arrivals into the reminiscing on the bad old days have gone past milestones in the Yarras family and also to the (plus it helps fund an ex-Yarras past month (there have been too Scrimizzis on (finally) buying cause)! many to mention this month) their dream home.
Page 4 The Como Courier November 2012
Stats Amazing: Current Yarras Centurions
There have been 82 centuries scored by Yarras players dating back to the times records have been kept, the highest of which was 250 by Charlie Fairbairn Vs Old Mentonians when we were still in the VTCA. Of these 82 centuries, 15 have been scored by current Yarras players (10 of them, to be precise) and are listed below.
Overall Rank Player Season Runs Grade Division Opposition 5 Grigg, Braden 2010/11 165* 1st XI MCA:A Grade Indigos 18 Haack, Bruce 2010/11 136 4th XI MCA:C Grade Eastern Flow 23 Sampson, Leigh 2009/10 129 2nd XI MCA:B Grade Parkville District 24 Higgins, Ben 2009/10 128 1st XI MCA:A Grade Power House 31 Murugan, Cent 2006/7 125* 4th XI MCA:C Grade Monash Uni Gryphons 33 Mullinar, Tom B 1999/2000 122* 2nd XI VTCA:West B2 Bonbeach Tangy 41 Higgins, Ben 2009/10 117 4th XI MCA:C Grade Sacred Heart 42 Scrimizzi, Pat 2003/4 116 2nd XI VTCA:South A2 Old Mentonians 45 Higgins, Ben 2010/11 115 1st XI MCA:A Grade Indigos 52 Norman, Stuart 2010/11 107 2nd XI MCA:B Grade Sacred Heart 60 Potter, Brent G 2009/10 105 3rd XI MCA:B Sunday Grade Glen Iris 72 Higgins, Ben 2010/11 102 1st XI MCA:A Grade Burnley CYMS 73 Hodgson, Peter 2011/12 101* 4th XI MCA:C Grade Carnegie 77 Robinson, Shaun L 2002/3 101* 4th XI MCA:C Grade Glen Iris 82 Grigg, Braden 2009/10 100 1st XI MCA:A Grade Reds
We shouldn’t, however, simply focus on the past. We should also look at the present, where there have been a number of early season performances worthy of a mention, the top few being as follows:
Batsman Runs Grade Round Opponent Sriravindrarajah, Muhilan 95 B Sunday Grade 3 East Malvern Tooronga Martin, Noel 94 D Grade 1 Barnawartha North Haack, Bruce 67 A Grade 3 Melbourne Cobras Paine, Ben 66 B Grade 3 Eastern Flow Dowling, Glen 63 A Grade 3 Melbourne Cobras
Bowler Figures Grade Round Opponent Ben Paine 5/11 B Grade 3 Eastern Flow Paul Martin 5/44 D Grade 4 East Malvern Tooronga Ben Paine 4/9 B Grade 3 Eastern Flow Francis Wynter 4/16 B Grade 3 Eastern Flow Ben McLean 4/30 B Sunday Grade 3 East Malvern Tooronga
It is with great pride that we are able to continue to grow our relationship with the Windsor Community Bank during season 2012/3. For all your banking needs, please contact them directly.
Page 5 The Como Courier November 2012
Third Umpire: The Bradman Oration
“It’s not so long since we had a being our very own Gideon have been delivered by Michael $3,500 utilities bill turn up Haigh. Parkinson, Richie Benaud, Alan when we had $50 in the bank. Jones, General Peter Cosgrove, Could we, wondered the The opening paragraph of this Ricky Ponting, Greg Chappell, president, become the first club review is taken directly from the Sir Tim Rice and, last year in to operate without electricity? Oration and relates directly, as Canberra, Rahul Dravid. So as Really, added the treasurer, the you all probably know, to our you can see, Gid is in esteemed most profitable option would be beloved Yarras. company. to play no games at all, and simply to hold barbecues. The For those who don’t know, the The theme of the 2012 Oration secretary rather liked the sound Bradman Oration is a black tie was grass roots cricket, the place of this, having himself been dinner event held in honour of that club cricket has in (most) unanimously elected at the The Don, featuring a people’s hearts, how it mimics annual meeting while on his contemporary discussion by a Australian society and how honeymoon in Bali, and still to prominent person on the spirit important an element it should evolve an exit strategy.” of cricket and cricket’s role in be for the upper echelons of the the modern world. The first Australian cricket family going And so was the theme of the Oration was delivered by the forward, particularly as the new night for the 2012 Bradman then Prime Minister, John era of independent directors is Oration, this year the orator Howard. Subsequent Orations ushered into Cricket Australia.
I had the honour of actually flogging KFC and accumulating Ponting in particular was very being at the Oration, being a last Facebook likes that it let its core articulate and very passionate minute benefactor of Gid’s constituencies fade away.” about his home club roots back generosity, and throughout the in Northern Tasmania and Oration it was clear (in case it Upon completion of the Oration, clearly was in support of the needed reaffirming) as to a much deserved standing rhetoric within Gid’s words. Gideon’s passion for the Yarras. ovation was lauded on Gid by most, but not all, of the To sum up the evening, there There would certainly have been audience. were 2 key things that I learned a few awkward moments for from being present last week: certain individuals within the What followed next was a break audience (specifically Mike from tradition for the event, as a 1. I don’t dislike Ponting McKenna, Big Bash guru) as the panel was convened to discuss as much as I used to; speech wore on, particularly as the content of the Oration and, Gid sought to comment on “the including Gid, Ed Cowan and 2. Gid does actually own a cricket generation that grew so Ricky Ponting. tie! obsessed with
Just as an add-on, the fun didn’t It was a big night for the Yarras, were able to make it on the end at the Oration. Quickly with what could easily be a night. Special mention should go following on from Wednesday record-crowd for Como Pavilion to ABC’s Anne Delaney for her night came the book launch at and I have no doubt that we unstinting help during the night. Como Park, where Gid launched have raised significant funds in ‘On Warne’ with Ed Cowan as the process. It was a big week for the Yarras guest speaker. and a big week for the most Special thanks should go to a famous Yarra of them all, and I In front of a star-studded crowd number of Yarras who put big for one enjoyed (almost) every including John Inverarity, shifts in to make sure the event minute of it. Gerard Whateley, John Harms went well, including Hammer, and Mick Molloy, both speakers the Mantis, the Ricksta and El A copy of the Bradman Oration did a great job and were ably Pres to name but a few, and also is attached to the e-mail sending supported by Hilly and VB. thanks to those members who this newsletter out.