The Illawarra Catholic Club Cricket Club will celebrate its 50th season of fielding teams in the now St George DCA competitions with a cocktail function at Club Central Hurstville on February 17.
Starting in 1968-69 with two teams, under-10s and 12s, the club has since enjoyed 110 competition victories featuring 18 first grade premierships, including 12 of the last 16 years, the association record.
In their 50 years nearly 2,500 boys and girls, men and women have played with the club including Australian representative Sarah Aley and St George first graders Chris MacDougal and Michael Kennedy and Sutherland’s Daniel Rixon. Sixteen of the club’s juniors have gone on to play Sydney first grade cricket.
Big name coaches Steve Rixon, Kerry O’Keeffe and Warren Saunders have coached teams at the club.
Mayor of Georges River Council Kevin Greene served as club president for 37 of its 50 years and was a member of the first under-10s team.
“This function will provide a fantastic opportunity to gather and share some wonderful memories of matches, personalities and most importantly friendships,” he said.
“I’m aware of a number of past players who are travelling from across NSW and from interstate to share in this occasion and catch up with former teammates. I’ve got no doubt the game in 1984 when Australian great Doug Walters played against our first grade team in front of nearly 1,000 spectators at Gannons Park will get a run.
“While Doug scored 142 not out our team won the game and indeed the premiership.”
Details: icccricksec@optusnet.com.au or 0402 562 605
