WANGARATTA & DISTRICT ASSOCIATION 2007/08 PRESENTATION NIGHT & INAUGURAL HALL OF FAME

Monday, 10th March, 2008 2007 / 08 WDCA - PRESENTATION NIGHT - TROPHY WINNERS AWARD DONOR RECIPIENT CLUB HONOURS A. GRADE Player of the Year - Points Kookaburra Jeremy Ackroyd Rovers - United 860 points Chronicle Trophy - votes N E Newspapers Jeremy Ackroyd Rovers - United 20 votes Batting - Average Wang Auto Spares Jeremy Ackroyd Rovers - United 95.83 runs Batting - Aggregate Rowan St Chiropractors Tim Wood Bruck 765 runs Bowling - Average Mr Ken Stewart Craig Startin Bruck 7.40 runs/ Bowling - Aggregate Wang Furnishings & Kent Braden City colts 27 Bedding Golden Gloves Award Mr Andrew Walker Vance Curran Bruck 24 wickets

A. RESERVE Player of the Year - Votes Lidgerwoods Furniture& Adrian Grantham & Rutherglen 10 votes Electrical Brendon Thompson Beechworth 10 votes Batting - Average Wang Gateway Hayden Murray Myrtleford 67.25 runs Batting - Aggregate APCO Wangaratta Hayden Murray Myrtleford 538 runs Bowling - Average Wingates Sportz Andrew Badrock Bright 8.41 runs/wicket Bowling - Aggregate North East Hotel Richard Worchester Beechworth 38 wickets

B. GRADE Player of the Year - Votes WDCA Executive Craig Henwood Wang-Magpies 11 votes Batting - Average Wang Physiotherapy Brian Hargreaves Wh - Gapsted 89.00 runs Batting - Aggregate Abbotts Valley Motors Paul Kent Wh - Gapsted 453 runs Bowling - Average Holloway Vision Cnt Russell Moyle Bright 4.97 runs/wicket Bowling - Aggregate Buffalo Hotel Myrtleford Russell Moyle Bright 33 wickets

C. GRADE Player of the Year - Votes Adina Ski Hire Luke Kuschert Corowa 23 votes Batting - Average A1 Tyre Power Shane Wheeler Who - Gapsted 47.76 runs Batting - Aggregate Pryor Printing Shane Wheeler Who - Gapsted 573 runs Bowling - Average Wang Sportspower Wayne Millis Who - Gapsted 6.78 runs/wicket Bowling - Aggregate Park View Motor Inn Matt Elliott Rovers - United 36 wickets REP CRICKET AWARDS Senior Rep Player of the Year B Line Buses Aidan Ryan Greta Best U/21 Rep Player West End Lotto Chris Thewlis Wang -Magpies Best Player – Melb C Week Welch Family Aidan Ryan Greta 20 votes John Welch Award Best Player-Melb Country Stan Treblecock Family Aidan Ryan Greta Week on reunion day Award

YOUNG PLAYER AWARDS Con O’Callaghan Award Con O’Callaghan Family Chris Sherratt City Colts

Rising Star Award Kookaburra Chris Thewlis Wang-Magpies

TROPHIES SUPPLIED BY – MEYLAND TROPHIES & ENGRAVING

CLEM FISHER MAX BUSSELL

WILS NICOLL

CLEM FISHER The portrait of an old-time batsman guards the entrance to Wangaratta’s cricket headquarters. It is a classic right hander’s stance: upright, comfortable, with a glint in his eye and a look of defiance, seemingly inviting the bowler to “come and get me if you’re good enough”. He was the scourge of all opponents, was this gnarled, crusty veteran who had such an influence on local cricket over 50 odd years that he remains an enduring figure. Clement Robert William Fisher was born in 1905. His idol was his father John, who played cricket for 53 years. The Fisher boys were tutored on the concrete wicket at the family property “Glen”, at East Wangaratta and Clem made his debut at the age of 14, with Tarrawingee. He later played with Brookfield alongside his cousins the Kneebones, before forming a new team, East Wangaratta which played on a ground shaped on the Fisher property. Widely regarded as the districts best all rounder Clem led East to three premierships in four seasons. His first trip to Country Week produced successive innings of 61 (against Mallee) and 91 (Bass Valley). He relished the good Melbourne wickets and the lift in standard. He would become a key figure in the famous Wangaratta teams of the 30’s. The opening partnership that Clem formed with Alec Fraser in Representative Cricket served Wangaratta admirably. Although opposites in personality and batting techniques, they moulded well at the crease and the runs usually came in a flood. They shared partnerships of 243 and 250 at Country Week, among their many huge stands. People were busily picking up the threads of day to day life at the cessation of war time hostilities and cricket was not a huge priority. For Fisher though, it was at the top of his list. The WDCA cranked up again in 1946, with Clem at the Helm. His forthright manner no doubt alienated a few, but his love of cricket was contagious and he was a hands on President for 4 years. He was a valuable consultant to clubs who were installing turf wickets in the 50’s and continued to keep a watchful eye on their development. The last 15 years of his playing career were spent with Wangaratta (who emanated from Railways) and he crowned his last innings with a half at the age of 57. Fisher was looked upon as the “elder statesman” of Wangaratta Cricket in his retirement. He was the Country Week manager for 18 years, continued to roll the showgrounds wicket and threw everything into his role as President of both the WDCA and NEDCCC. Just as important was his attendance at each WDCA game every Saturday in Wangaratta. Like clockwork his green Chev would chug into the ground and Clem would arrive smoke in hand to survey the proceedings. He died in 1978 and his memory is perpetuated by the WDCA pavilion which bears his name and host of stories that can be told about his involvement.

CLEM FISHER Clubs - Tarrawingee, Brookfield, East Wangaratta, Wangaratta.

WDCA Record - Games - 273 - Runs - 6323 - Centuries - 8 - Half Centuries - 23 - Wickets - 382

Melbourne Country Week - Trips - 20 trips as a player - Centuries – 2 - Half Centuries - 6 - Opening partnerships of 243 and 250 with Alec Fraser at Melbourne Country Week - Manager through the 1950's and early 1960's

WDCA - Life Member - President - 1946/47 to 1949/50; 1964/65 to 1973/74. (14 years)

Career Highlight - Opening partnerships of 243 and 250 with Alec Fraser at Melbourne Country Week WILS NICOLL He was slight and craggy-faced and as he pushed open the white gate to tread onto the lush grass of the St Kilda Oval, he looked slightly out of place. The old weather beaten hat was pulled down to shield his eyes from the belting sun. His black socks tucked into his pants were in stark contrast to the well worn whites and his trusty pigskin covered bat had seen many a battle. As he sauntered to the wicket he thought he overheard someone say …”have a look at the bush yokel will ya!...... ”. His jaw tightened, his eyes narrowed and the battle began………… Two hours or so later, Wils Nicoll returned to the pavilion. He had plundered the bowling in his usual ruthless manner and his innings of 130 had set up an easy victory. Nicoll was a run machine. His career total of 10710 runs, amassed in a career for Whorouly, which extended from 1927 to 1961 was staggering. Of those runs, 2461 came when Whorouly were in the Ovens and King competition for six years. He took 418 wickets (116 in the O & K ) with his slow mediums , and played 293 games (68 in the O & K). He did not purport to style, but was effective and at times murderous. Whorouly were always a formidable combination in the era of Wils and his brother Ron. He scored 20 centuries (14 in the WDCA). They included one at Tarrawingee which the author remembers vividly. Pressed into subbing for the home team and based in the covers, the ball continually came flashing off the Nicoll blade as we made countless trips to the boundary to retrieve. But the intriguing thing from my viewpoint, was that Wils smoked throughout his entire innings. He would have a few drags between overs, then park the cigarette behind the stumps while he dealt with the Tarra attack. Wils Nicoll spanned the Golden WDCA era of the 30’s when he was a key member of some great Wangaratta sides. And he was just as effective in the 50’s as Wangaratta became a formidable Country Week combination. He won the WDCA batting average 5 times in 8 years during the 50’s. One of his biggest thrills came when he shared a 240 run partnership with his son Peter in 1959-60, when the young left-hander was making his way in the game. Nicoll was no stranger to controversy. He was the central figure in Whorouly being sensationally disqualified during the 1947-48 finals series. He had been banned from the WDCA cricket for not playing in a representative fixture without reasonable excuse. He continued to play for Whorouly seemingly illegally and the resultant disqualification caused a furore in local cricket. The Maroons gained retribution by winning the flag the following season. He made 13 trips to Melbourne Country Week with Wangaratta and was captain in 1952.

A true cricketing legend was Wils Nicoll

WILS NICOLL Club  Whorouly

WDCA Record  Premierships – 5  Games – 225  Runs – 7723  Centuries – 14  Highest Score – 178 *  Wickets – 302  Winner of WDCA Batting Average – 1948/49, 52/53, 53/54, 56/57, 57/58, 59/60 – (768 runs @96.00)  Shared in a 240 run partnership with his son, Peter in 1959/60.  Chronicle Trophy – 1959/60

Melbourne Country Week  Trips – 13 between 1931 – 1956.  Captain – 1952  Centuries – 2  Half Centuries – 8  Figured in two double century patnerships  6 wicket hauls – 2

WDCA Life Member

Career Highlight

 Helping to keep Whorouly CC at, or around the top during his long career.

MAX BUSSELL Max Bussell first became immersed in the folklore of country cricket during his early teenage years in Wangaratta. On summer evenings in the mid 1940’s he would join senior players at the Railways Cricket Club and help them roll the wicket, avidly listening to their stories of the great cricketers of the past. He hoped to one day emulate the deeds of these local legends. He was to do so in spectacular fashion. At the age of 14 he made his senior debut with Railways. The club later changed its name to Wangaratta Cricket Club and it remained the home of Max Bussell until he called it a day in 1979. An all rounder along the lines of “ Freddie” Flintoff, he was a tall blonde, curly haired fast bowler with a rhythmic acton and a hard hitting stroke player who could tear an attack to pieces. Bussell took an important step in his cricketing education when he attended his first Melbourne Country Week Carnival at the age of 16. It was very much a learning experience and he played only a couple of games, but he revelled in the atmosphere of playing on the good grounds, against the best players from the Victorian country area. Within a few years Bussell himself was a country cricket champion. This was emphasised clearly in the 1954 “A” Group final at St Kilda when he and fellow tearaway Jack Beeby crashed through a strong Shepparton batting line-up. Max captured 8/27 but always gave Beeby credit for applying loads of pressure at the other end. His performance again attracted the attention of District clubs, but he was content to stay put in Wangaratta. Bussell made 22 trips to Country Week as a player ( WDCA Record). His highlight, apart from the 1954 title, was being part of Wangaratta’s only Provincial championship in 1957. He captained the side from 1960 to 1964 and again in 1969. Wangaratta were always around the top in club cricket when Max was at his top. He his 8 centuries but the stat that was the most eye catching of all came in a match against Moyhu Green. He took two hat tricks in the one game, capturing 7/16 in the first innings and 7/8 in the second. Bussell always performed well against visiting international teams. He played against Peter May’s MCG team in 1958 at Wangaratta and earned selection against Ted Dexters side in 1962 at Shepparton. In 1964 he was given the honor of captaining a Victorian Country X1 against South Africa at Benalla. He scored a plucky 27 against the fiery Springhurst pace attack, which included Perer Pollock, the fastest bowler he ever faced. A memorable Bussell knock was his 57 against a Victorian side which included Meckiff, Quick and Kline. In another match at the showgrounds against South Africa, his swing bowling earned him 3 wickets, when the locals almost turned the tables on the Croweaters. Involved in administration of the game in the latter part of his playing career he spent a three year term as WDCA president in the late seventies.

MAX BUSSELL Clubs  Railways & Wangaratta

WDCA Record  Games - 197 games.  Runs - 5413.  Wickets - 529.  Centuries - 8.  Five wicket hauls - 31.  Ten wicket hauls - 3.  Wangaratta Chronicle Trophy – 1958/59, 1961/62.  WDCA Batting average – 1965/66.  Best bowling - 14/24.  Took two WDCA hat tricks in the same V's Moyhu CC

Melbourne Country Week  22 country week trips as a player  Two country titles.  Five wicket hauls - 7 (including 8/27 in 1954 final).  Half Centuries - 3.  Captain - 1960 - 64, 1969.  Took 21 wickets in 1954 and 17 in 1960.

WDCA Admin  Life Member  President - 1976/77 - 1978/79 - Three years

Representative Career  Long term rep in N E (Ensign) Cup matches.  Rep VCCL V England - 1959.  VCCL V England - 1962.  VCCL Captain V South Africa - 1963.  VCCL V's South Australia - 1957.  VCCL V's Victoria - 1961.

Career Highlight  Proving himself against the best in at Melbourne Country Week.

GRAHAM KERR He was once bestowed the honour of “ Citizen of the Year “ for his unyielding service to the Wangaratta community. He has been on countless Boards and committees and is famous for being able to squeeze so much into his day. Cricket has been Graham Kerr’s passion for nearly 60 years and he still keeps a close eye on its operation, as well as tending the Showgrounds wicket. He officially began his cricket career in the 1951-52 seasons at the age of 13, although his love affair with the game was nurtured years earlier when he would go to watch his father play, often subbing when the team was short. After starting with the Wangaratta Methodist, he moved on to play with Tarrawingee for a year then joined Magpies Cricket Club upon its formation. The ardent Magpie ( he makes no attempt to disguise his loyalty ) has worn a variety of different hats during his involvement with local cricket, from player to curator to administrator. A solid right hand batsman ( ultra competitive of course ) and a medium pacer who confused by bowling off the wrong foot, he played in five Magpies premierships over 28 years. It was the flags that gave him his greatest thrills in cricket. He was a promising lad of 19 when chosen in the Melbourne Country Week side of 1957 and was delighted to be a part of the Provincial title winning combination. Part of his honeymoon in 1964 was spent at Bendigo, where he helped Wangaratta to a Country Week title, with wife Jenny a keen spectator. So there has been plenty of success on the playing front. But the administration of the game is where Graham Kerr has really left his mark. He first became involved as a WDCA delegate in his teens and was the treasurer for 15 years, secretary for 9 and President for 3 years. He has performed just about every role, including preparing wickets for 48 years and managing Melbourne Country Week teams. He has long been known as the “conscience” of Wangaratta cricket and his eagle eye ensures that the rules and standards of the game are kept at the appropriate level. Four years ago Graham’s service to the game was acknowledged by Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria, with 50 year certificate. It is difficult to imagine anyone giving more to the game than Graham Kerr. Whilst he is not directly involved on the WDCA Executive at present, he is still in the background, ever ready for a piece of advice if asked. His contribution to the N.E.D.C.C.C. and the V.C.C.L ( as treasurer of both organisations) is highly valued.

GRAHAM KERR Clubs –  Methodists, Tarrawingee, Magpies, Wang Magpies,

WDCA Record –  WDCA A Grade Premierships - 5  Centuries - 1.  Best bowling - 7/7.

Melbourne Country Week –  Trips - 3, including as a member of Wang's last Provincial Premiership side in 1957.

Bendigo Country Week –  Trips - 6, three as captain. Administration –  WDCA President - 1980/81, 1987/88, 1988/89. 3 years.  WDCA Secretary - 1969/70 to 1976/77, 1981/82. 9 years.  WDCA Treasurer - 1964/65 to 1969/70, 1991/92 to 1999/2000. 15 years.  Long term WDCA Executive member  Long term NEDCCC Executive member  VCCL Executive.

Life member of -  WDCA, NEDCCC.

 Current curator of Norm Minns Oval wicket.

Career Highlight –  Guiding the Magpies CC through some rocky times, the merge with Wangaratta and then to see the Wang Magpies become the WDCA pace setter.

GEOFF WELCH He was just 14 when the journey began. The word had filtered through that the lad who had been skittling them in junior cricket was a talent. So when he took 5/30 in one of his first games for United, people started to take notice of the fuzzy haired left overarmer. Geoffrey Welch had a strong physique, and with a long rhythmic run up threw everything into his stride. He could cause the ball to move and bounce and was decidedly quick. And he loved bowling!!!! In his first full season of senior cricket he took 121 wickets, at one stage playing a month non-stop at Benalla, Bendigo and Melbourne Country Weeks, WDCA and Sunday Cricket. With his first ball at Melbourne he dismissed the Sale-Maffra opener. What a fairytale for the 15 year old. A couple of years later he ripped through the heart of the powerful Victorian batting line up in a match at Benalla. In his first over he all but claimed the wicket of with a “ripper”. He had Ken Eastwood caught, Bob Cowper lbw and Keith Stackpole caught hooking, to have the heady figures of 3/18. Naturally Welch was coaxed to District cricket and had season at the head of North Melbourne’s attack. But like so many country kids, his heart was always at home, so he took the new ball for United, represented Wangaratta in representative cricket and over the next 40 years proceeded to put an unforgettable stamp on the game as a player, administrator, coach and cricket sage. As a bowler Geoff went through various stages. The first was as the lightning quick, who could knock your head off. Then as his dickey knee slowly became more troublesome, he became a slippery medium pacer relying on movement. With his limp becoming more pronounced , he was a steady, slow medium, with guile and accuracy. The attribute that he never lost was his competitiveness and the streak of meanness and confidence that allowed him to treat even the best batsman with disdain. In a playing career that featured selection against two touring sides (West Indies in 1969 and MCC in 1971) countless individual honours and 788 wickets in cricket, he often recalls with glee another highlight. It was a swashbuckling knock of 87* at Beechworth, the highest of his career. Geoff was the typical tail ender. The job was usually done by a star studded United batting line up and he was of the opinion that you don’t go out to poke around. So the Welch innings were always entertaining. Geoff’s service to cricket continued, he coached, managed and organised Wangaratta’s representative teams, took North East sides around the country. There was no one better to keep exhuberant youngsters in check and to get the maximum out of their cricket. Hundreds of kids have benefited from his influence. He became WDCA President in 1989-90 and served a marathon 17 years as the association expanded, streamlined and embraced a new era. Commonsense, diplomacy and foresight were the hallmark of an outstanding leader.

GEOFF WELCH Clubs - United - Combined Schools - North Melbourne - Rovers - United WDCA Career - Premierships - 8 - Games - 253 - WDCA / Wang Chronicle Trophy, 1979/80 - WDCA Cricketer of the Year, 1977/78 & 1979/80 - WDCA – 1975/76, 1982/83 - WDCA Bowling Aggregate – 1973/74, 1976/77, 1983/84 - Best Match bowling figures - 14/18 & 14/28 - Best innings figures - 9/26 - 788 wickets - Five wicket hauls - 63 - Ten wicket hauls - 5 - Runs – 2245 - Highest Score – 87 * V’s Beechworth – 1983/84 Melbourne Country Week - Trips : 6 - Five wicket hauls - 2 Bendigo Country Week - Trips : 6 – - Five wicket hauls - 3 - 18 wickets in 1977(equal record) Rep Career  58 wickets in the NEDCC  Represented – Country Colts V Public Schools in 1966,  VCCL V Tasmania 1967,  VCCL V Victoria in 1968,  VCCL V West Indies in 1969,  VCCL V England in 1971 (Game later cancelled).  Played 8 senior games at North Melbourne. Administrative Career  WDCA President – 1989/90 – 2005/06 – 17 years  WDCA Secretary – 1986/87 – 1988/89  Served long periods on NEDCCC,  Coached / Managed many under age O & M & N E junior teams,  Served on the VCCL. Career Highlight – A long & successful playing career with United CC. 2008 Inductees - Lex Nicoll, Max Bussell, Betty Williams, Graham Kerr & Geoff Welch.

Vi & Max Bussell & Jenny & Graham Kerr Max Bussell & Family