50 Years of Cricket - A History of a community club and the people who make it

My first introduction to this mighty club was as an opposition player in the late 1960’s and even then when the club was in its infancy, it already had the respect of all who came in contact. What really struck me, were how many talented players the club had within their ranks and were trying out for representative honours. Parent involvement was second to none, taking on roles of coach, manager, and scorer. I am proud to say that little has changed in this regard, and in fact we are proud that 2nd & 3rd generations are returning to the club with their wider families.

When you read through our history, it gives you an insight into where we came from, our achievements (club and individual) and highlights some stalwarts of the club who are acknowledged as our early pioneers and recognises contributions throughout the years to ensure our longevity.

Our celebration this year of achieving the milestone of 50 years culminating in a luncheon, allows all players, officials, parents and friends who have had any association with our club, the opportunity to show their appreciation and reminisce about cricket in Engadine. We congratulate those named in our "All Time Best 16A Team & A1 Team" which will always create some debate and controversy. If I can cast your minds back to 1959 when it all began. Australia was still dealing in pounds shilling and pence, Sir Robert Menzies was our Prime Minister, Ben Hur was voted best picture, and a young Elvis was rocketing up the charts with "A fool such as I".

In sporting terms, the St George Dragons were in their record breaking era of 11 Rugby League premierships, MacDougal won the Melbourne Cup and in cricketing terms, The Australian Team was lead by Richie Benaud in a home soil ashes series won by Australia 4-0 and no doubt a good environment to recruit new players at club level, which is still the case to-day.

The landscape of local cricket has changed in many ways highlighted by:

• Introduction of six ball overs
• Cricket pitches covered in astro turf - leading to the demise of mats
• Protective gear introduced - Helmets etc
• U/8’s introduced with soft ball and modified rules
• Limited Over Cricket and now moving into 20/20

But the biggest change for our club was when we acquired our own clubhouse and indoor training facility within the Anzac Oval Complex. A place to call home and meet, which houses our trophies, life members and premiership team photos and the honour board.

"50 Years of Cricket - A History of a community club and the people who make it" was the brainstorm of life members Russ Waddell & Ian Latham with contributions by other life members including our own "Mr Cricket" Harry Robbins. Your efforts form part of the folklore of this club, to which we say thank you.

50 Years of Cricket - Available Here for Download

Steve Jones
President EDCC

End of Season - Yearbooks

Each season we have end of season presentations. A big part of these presentations is the handing out of the yearbook. The yearbook contains reports for each team plus statistics for each player.

2008/2009 Annual Report

Download full report here (pdf - 0.54 Meg, 70 pages).

Presidents Report

I can’t believe the year has passed so quickly but another fantastic year for the “Dragons” and it gives me great pleasure to submit my report for the 2008/09 season.

Some highlights for this season include:

• Celebration of the Club’s 50th Year
• Return to the club’s original colours (Red & Black)
• Premiership to the 16A, 12A, 12E & 10A junior teams
• Finalists to the A2, B1(2), B5 & B7 senior teams
• New junior club record with Jonathan Haslam scoring 167 No in 14A
• Runner Up of the SSJCA Junior Club Championship
• Inaugural year for our U/10 development squad
• A new microfiber playing shirt

Congratulations to our 10A, 12A, 12E & 16A teams for being crowned premiers for 2008/09. Our Men’s teams found it a little tougher this year and although three teams made the final series all were defeated but not before putting in sterling efforts. There were many good individual & team performances which have been acknowledged throughout this year book and recommend the team’s end of year reports as they highlight the fun had by one & all.

Our club celebrated its 50th year which saw us return to our original colours of black & red for this year only. Culmination of the celebrations was a luncheon held at the St Moritz Room, whereby close to 200 people attended the function, which was hosted by Ex Australian cricketer Len Pascoe and we were entertained by another Ex Australian cricketer, Rodney Hogg and singer Dave Prior. It was great to see that all 18 of our life members were able to attend, and family representing our 3 “retired” life members made it such a special day to acknowledge the services of players, administrators and supporters over many eras. I can tell you from reliable sources that the yarns were still continuing well into the night. Russ Waddell & Ian Latham must be congratulated for their efforts in organising this event & they also found time to compile the book “50 Years of Cricket – A history of a community club and the people who make it 1959 – 2008.” It is certainly worth a read.

This year we introduced our U/10 development squad to assist our up and coming U8’s make the transition to traditional cricket that little bit easier. Renowned coach Peter Schofield put the boys through their paces with an army of helpers & the early indications are that this programme is here to stay.

The club is very proud that our players and officials continue to support the SSJCA in their endeavour to improve cricket at all levels. A number of our players have represented the shire this year. I notice with interest that the careers of former junior players Ben Marciante and Sam Newman continue to excel. Ben made his first grade debut for Sutherland & has been selected in the NSW City U/19 squad, while Sam continues to take wickets for Sutherland and has also been selected in the NSW U/19 squad.

Our Trivia night this year was well supported and hosted by our secretary Craig Rice. Craig did a wonderful job and I thank him for his efforts & support throughout the year, along with our ever ready committee who have again completed tasks on time.

To the parents, coaches, managers and scorers your continued support and friendship is appreciated and we look forward to your ongoing commitment to the club, and hopefully you’ll find time to put your name forward to become involved on our committee & taking a more active role.

Economic times have had its effect on our sponsors, but we do appreciate their support. Club patrons should acknowledge & support these loyal sponsors and when the opportunity arises, purchase their goods or services where appropriate.

In closing let me say that I am already looking forward to the new season and please keep up to date with any club news from our state of the art website www.engadinedragonscc.org.au

Steve Jones

2007/2008 Annual Report

Download full report here (pdf - 0.55 Meg, 72 pages).

Presidents Report

Another great year for the "Dragons" and its gives me great pleasure to submit my report for the 2007/08 season. Some highlights for this season include: -

• Premiership to the B1, B2 & B8 senior teams.
• Premiership to the 10A, 14A, & 16C junior teams.
• Winner of the SSJCA Junior Club Championship
• The Club competed in all junior "A" grade finals (10's - 16's)
• Our young 8A1 side went through the season undefeated for the second year in a row
• Our 10A side also were undefeated throughout the season
• Expansion and rewiring of our cricket nets facility at Anzac Oval.
• The purchase of Sun Shades & Scorebook holders for all teams.

Congratulations to our 10A, 14A, 16C, B1, B2 & B8, teams for being crowned premiers for 2007-08 whilst our 16A, 12A & C1 teams were pipped at the post. Our under 8's & under 10's, who are our future of this mighty club, impressed both spectators and officials with the way they improved their cricket throughout the year. To our other teams your achievements did not go unnoticed and are acknowledged in your end of year reports. Well Done.

The willingness and ability of our army of volunteers never ceases to amaze me ensuring all tasks are completed on time. To our Coaches, Managers and Scorers we say a big thank you for your tireless efforts throughout the year. We hope you enjoyed the sunshades and the scorebook holders which hopefully made your job a little easier. Our committee members were again magnificent in their roles and combined to ensure our players had every opportunity to play their cricket.

Appreciation is extended to Ken Newman who once again hosted our annual Trivia Night at Engadine RSL and a big thank you to all the parents and contributors on the night. From all reports everyone took something away with them on the night and the committee table ran last again !!!

Andrew Mazurkiewicz is our new webmaster and is to be congratulated on the time, effort and expertise he has brought to our Website and Webpage. Not only is this good for the club to attract new sponsors but also entrench our existing sponsors with exposure to a wider audience. Why don't you check out our site at www.engadinedragonscc.org.au

Our sponsors provide valuable assistance in maintaining the services that we provide at a reasonable cost. So when you are next looking for that special item or service, be sure to look up our sponsors and tell them you are from the Dragons Cricket Club.

On 26th October this year we celebrate the club's 50th Anniversary with a luncheon at the St Moritz Room, Engadine Hotel. Players, friends, committee persons and parents from many eras will be in attendance so I encourage you to book your seat early as we are expecting a full house, with a first in first paid policy. The MC will be a former Test Cricketer, with some surprise entertainment also on the agenda. This will be one event not to be missed.

We have seen that many of our current and former players have excelled in representative teams and are also furthered their careers with the Sutherland District Grade Club. The club acknowledges their achievements and extends our ongoing support to these players. We are also fortunate that many of our prior juniors are now playing in our men's competition and coaching or assisting some of our junior teams. This is also encouraged and your contributions certainly do not go unnoticed.

It is hoped that you enjoy your off season, and look forward to catching up with everyone in 2008/9 and close with the message "We are a proud club with a proud history for developing juniors".

Steve Jones

2006/2007 Annual Report

Download full report here (pdf - 0.7 Meg, 79 pages).

Presidents Report (excerpt)

It gives me great pleasure to submit my first report as President of Engadine Dragons. Some highlights for the season include:

• Seven out of seven senior teams making the semi finals and four making the finals (A2, B2, B3 & C1).
• Competed in four junior finals (10A, 14A, 16A & 16C).
• Running a close 2nd in the Junior Club Championship
• Expansion of our Clubhouse facility that now includes a meeting area
• Fielding three U8's and three U10's teams
• Sponsorship of our teams continues to grow

Congratulations to our 10A, 14A, 16A & C1 teams for being crowned premiers for 2006-07 with commiserations to the 16C, A2, B2 & B3 for having a great year only to be pipped at the post. Our under 8's & under 10's, who are our future of this mighty club, impressed both spectators and officials with the way they improved their cricket throughout the year. To our other teams your achievements did not go unnoticed and are acknowledged in your end of year reports. Well done.

Dennis Pendergast completed a rare coaching feat this year. He started with a bunch of boys in the under 10a's way back in 2000 and every second year won an "A Grade" premiership culminating in the ultimate prize of the 16A title this year. What a feat!! Russ Waddell continues to support our club even years after retiring from our committee. Each year he hosts both our awards nights and does a sterling job for which we are indebted to you. Bob Priceeach fortnight plays editor for our newsletter and on top of this found time to organise our end of year celebrations after the finals. Thank you Bob. Peter Ward our Assistant Secretary Juniors has completed eight years in this role and his dedication is very commendable. This year he assisted Craig Rice in ensuring our club moved from a paper based results system to a web based online reporting system with the junior association acknowledging their efforts. A day does not go by in the Summer without seeing our stalwart Harry Robbins coaching and providing that elusive tip to a young gun in the nets. Your efforts provide the foundations for the success of this club and we all say a big thank you.

The success of our club is not just about winning premierships. I like to monitor the return of players backing up for another season, and the pathway of our juniors to senior cricket as a part barometer of our success. We will continue to work on both of these in years to come. For the players that are leaving us to further your cricketing careers with our grade partners, we wish you every success for the future.

It is hoped that you enjoy your off season, and look forward to catching up with everyone in 2007/8.

Steve Jones
President

2005/2006 Annual Report

Download full report here (pdf - 1.0 Meg, 70 pages).

Presidents Report (excerpt)

The 2005/06 season was another extremely successful year for the club. Some highlights include:

• Junior Club Champions for the second year in a row.
• Competed in five junior finals (12A, 12D, 14A, 16A & 16C).
• Competed in two senior finals (C1 & C3).
• Three junior premierships.
• Fielded a record four Under 8 sides.
• Junior sides provided with shirts thanks to increased sponsorship.
• Great exposure for the club via coverage in Engadine District News.
• Bradman Scholarship again provided to two junior players.

Congratulations to our 12A, 12D and 14A teams on becoming 2005-06 Premiers with commiserations to the 16A, 16C, C1 and C3 sides for finishing runners-up. Look out next year, the Dragons will fire again.

The ANZAC Oval 527 Committee has approved our requested extension to the clubhouse facility to allow for increased practice and meeting space. The construction work is expected to commence around June.

As this is my final year as President, I hope everyone involved with the management of the club continues to abide by the following golden rule... "We are a club that aims to teach players to enjoy this great game and to play it in a positive, fair and honest way".

Gordon Scott
President

2004/2005 Annual Report

Download full report here (pdf - 2.2 Meg, 65 pages).

Presidents Report (excerpt)

What a fantastic season 2004-05 turned out to be. Some of the highlights included:

• Winning the Junior Club Championship for the ninth time
• Six finals contested - six premierships - B4, 12B, 14A, 14B, 16B and 16C
• The celebrations back at Anzac after the Finals. What a turnout!
• Our own clubhouse and indoor practice facility
• Two under 8 teams (the basis of our future as a club)
• Increase in the number of sponsors providing support both in cash and in-kind
• Another great response to our annual fundraising raffle
• Excellent media coverage in the Engadine District News
• Continuation of the Bradman Scholarship
• A very hard working and dedicated Management Committee
• Excellent and enthusiastic coaches and managers for all our junior teams
• Our first female coach – Nicole Dowd, coach of 10C

Congratulations to our six Premiership teams and to all the junior teams on their tremendous performance in winning the SSJCA Club Championship.

I'm sure everyone would agree it has been very pleasing to see the Engadine District News publishing regular reports on club and team achievements. How good was it to get on pages 1 and 2 in early March following our historic six premierships. All this media exposure comes about by the fantastic effort from one of our true club stalwarts Tony Gleeson. Thanks very much Tony for you contribution and time spent in preparing the supplements (you should have been a journo) and also for your work you have undertaken in our clubhouse. We are very fortunate to have a lot of dedicated people working for our club.

"We are a club that aims to teach players to enjoy this great game and to play it in a positive, fair and honest way".

Gordon Scott
President

2003/2004 Annual Report

Download full report here (pdf - 2.2 Meg, 60 pages).

Presidents Report (excerpt)

The 2003/2004 season was another successful year for the club finishing fifth in the junior club championship. We had two junior teams (16A & 12A) and two senior teams (B5 & B7) participating in the finals series with both the senior sides being Minor Premiers.

Congratulations to the 16A, B5 and B7 teams on winning their finals and being Premiers with commiserations to the 12A’s who just missed out on winning their final by just a handful of runs. Look out next year - the Dragons will fire.

The other big news is our club will shortly have a place to call “home”. The ANZAC Oval 527 Committee agreed to provide floor space above the soccer club meeting rooms to the cricket club.

I said this last year and the same still applies - "We are a club that aims to teach players to enjoy this great game and to play it in a positive, f air and honest way".

Gordon Scott
President

2002/2003 Annual Report

Download full report here (pdf - 3.8 Meg, 67 pages).

Presidents Report (excerpt)

The 2002/2003 season was another successful year for the club finishing third in the junior club championship. In the final’s series we had four junior and two senior teams participating. Congratulations to the Premiers, the 16A, 12A and 10B sides and commiserations to the runners up 16B, B8 and B9.

I must give a real big “thank you” to members of the Management Committee who continue with their efforts to make this club a truly great community based cricket club which provides cricket for players of all ages, sex, skill levels and aspirations. We are very fortunate to have parents come forward and provide their time whether as coaches, scorers, managers or members of the committee. It is also very pleasing to see the large numbers of parents and grand parents who go along to the games each week to support our teams.

Finally, thank you to all the players, parents, grand parents and friends associated with this great club. We are a club that aims to teach players to enjoy this great game and to play it in a positive, fair and honest way.

Gordon Scott
President

2001/2002 Annual Report

Download full report here (pdf - 2.1 Meg, 55 pages).

Presidents Report (excerpt)

This has been a year of mixed fortunes. We have been competitive, from our 10Es through to our senior A1s, and on balance it cannot be said that we have had a bad year. The A3 senior team made the final and though not winning can at least claim the title of “Runners-up”. Of our junior teams the 16A, 14E and 10A made it through to the final and the first two achieved premiership status. To all teams, not only those I have mentioned but also to all others, I say “well done”. Cricket is not just a matter of winning there’s more to it than that. It is a team sport where success can be measured by effort, comradeship, sportsmanship, commitment and, fair play. It is far, far better to have tried and failed than never to have tried at all. Old words but true. Although we slipped from first to fifth in the SSJCA Junior Championship we are one of the larger clubs and sometimes fortune does not always favour us in gradings. Those are the times when we need to try harder.

This is my last report. I am retiring from all cricket activities. Since I first joined the Dragons in 1983 I have seen a lot of cricket. I am pleased to be able to say that in this period I have always played with a straight bat and expected others to do likewise. Apart from my long involvement with the Club, I have had the privilege of serving three years on the executive of the Sutherland Shire Cricket Umpires Association and five years on the executive of the Sutherland Shire Junior Cricket Association. In all I have had many enjoyable experiences. It has been a great 18 years but the time has come to say "Enough!" It is time for a younger person to take over.

As an Engadine Dragons Cricket Club Life Member, an honour of which I am quite proud, I will continue to be around and if I can assist gladly give my help. Cricket is a great sport. I believe passionately that for little kids it is a great character builder and it teaches values of teamwork, commitment, honesty, and sportsmanship.

A great poet once wrote, "and it’s not for the sake of a ribboned coat, Or the selfish hope of a season's fame, but the Captain' hand on his shoulder – Play up! Play up! And play the game! "Though those words were written some hundred years ago the spirit of the game lives on and still today we can give the game no greater effort than to play it honourably and hard. Devoid of language, sledging and selfishness, we can lift the Club to greater heights if we all, from the youngest under ten player to our oldest Senior A1 player, "Play up! Play up and play the game!"

Good Luck to all future generations of Engadine Dragon cricketers.

Russ Waddell
President

2000/2001 Annual Report

Download full report here (pdf - 1.9 Meg, 48 pages).

Presidents Report (excerpt)

Last year when writing my report I said, "Hard work brings its own rewards and no more is this so than in cricket. I am confident that we can improve, that next year we shall do better..." Well we did! After a long drought of twenty-one years we have won the SSJCA Club Championship, the "Bertshell Trophy".

On top of that a team effort in the Senior Division saw the A1 team win back to back premierships, in itself a great success. The 10A and 14D teams achieved premierships in thrilling hard fought final matches. The 10A overcame the minor premiers Illawong whilst the 14Ds overcame a shaky start to defeat a keen Bosco side. The 14A and 16A teams were also premiership contenders and tried hard but on the day were beaten by better teams. But surely this is what it is all about, - playing and committing and giving it your best effort.

Three premierships this year are the icing on the cake. With junior teams I have always maintained that the measure of success is how well every boy and girl enjoys the season and what they gain in quality of life through playing a healthy and challenging team sport. Everyone is a winner and everyone is successful if at the end of it all they can say, “ I enjoyed playing cricket and I will do better next year".

The Club can bask in its moment of glory and do so honourably and deservedly. The success of our premiership teams and the success of the club overall did not happen by luck alone. Senior captains, coaches, managers, scorers all played a part that allowed us as a club to build a pathway to success. It was a team effort in which the players led the way but were backed by the effort of not only the fore mentioned but by parents and supporters.

It was an effort guided by the commitment of a management team for whom I have the highest respect. Led by Ian Latham that team has worked hard to provide a strong financial and support base that has over a number of years led to better facilities, equipment, and coaching standards. Our juniors are the backbone of our club and nowhere is this more demonstrated than in the success of our senior A1 team. The team that took the field this year to contest the final consisted of twelve players all being former Dragons juniors.

I will leave it to others to report on our financial situation and other relevant matters. I am more than happy to think that the efforts of every player in our club have been rewarded this year. In our participation in the Sutherland Shire Junior Cricket Association competition we achieved the highest level of success through the efforts of all teams, not just those who won the title “Premier". From our Under 10 introductory teams, of which we had two, up through the age groups irrespective of grade, every team and every player made us, the club, a winner.

In winning the SSJCA Club Junior Championship Engadine Dragons Cricket Club our players have demonstrated the value of teamwork, fair play and club spirit. Through these efforts we have set a standard that will demand a big effort next year in order to repeat it. We can do it! All it needs is for every one of us to remember the values of the game, - a commitment to sportsmanship, a commitment to fair play, a commitment to giving of our best at all times. With these ethics to guide us we will succeed. Thank you to a very hard working and committed committee. Thank you to all the players, and those who volunteer their time to make things happen.

Thank you to those who support the club in a variety of ways. It has been a very good year!

Russ Waddell
President

1999/2000 Annual Report

Download full report here (pdf - 1.9 Meg, 48 pages).

Presidents Report (excerpt)

The year 2000 is, in the Chinese calendar, the year of the dragon. How apt! With five premiership teams it has certainly been our year. My congratulations not only to those teams but to all those who took part in what was a very successful season. From our highly competitive “non-competitive” under 8 team right through to our senior A1 premiership team.

For the first time since 1981/82 we have achieved 5 premierships, the A1, B2, 16C, 14A, and 12E teams all being successful. I feel for the 12F team. They played well all season to be minor premiers, but in the final perhaps nerves got the better of them. After being down 5-13 they fought back and only lost by 17 runs. Unlucky, but gutsy runners-up! They did well! What I like about the year in review is that it is full of positives. One or two minor concerns perhaps but nothing major.

We have had an outstandingly successful year and for that thanks must go to all our volunteer coaches, managers and scorers who provide the support and guidance to all our young players. On the subject of scorers I take this opportunity to encourage anyone interested in cricket to contemplate being a scorer for a senior team. Judy Lofthouse and Bob Priceare our only senior team scorers and do a great job but they are alone.

The club history written by Harry Robbins has proved itself a significant work. A copy now rests within the Shire Library and there has been nothing but praise for it from all round the Shire and beyond as people have recognised the quality and significance of Harry’s work. Well done, Harry! For those who haven’t seen it there are still copies for sale. While self-praise is no recommendation, we do have a lot to be thankful for.

Nevertheless, we cannot sit back and rest on our laurels. Hard work brings its own rewards and no more is this so than in cricket. I am confident that we can improve, that next year we shall do better and more players will enjoy the satisfaction that winning a premiership brings. But even if that is not to occur for all, what is important for players young and old is to get out there and be in it, and for parents and friends to be supporters. Let’s not keep up our standards, let’s work together to improve them. While it is good that the Dragons club is the friendly club let’s see to it that it is also the best club.

Russ Waddell
President

ANNUAL TEAM DETAILS AND PERFORMANCES 1959-60 T0 1998-99

Download full report here (doc - 0.8 Meg, 75 pages).