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last year



2021/22 marked the 75th Season of our great club. The Club celebrated the milestone with an anniversary event that saw the 1981/82 and 2011/12 1st Grade Premiership sides reuniting after 40 and 10 years respectively. Former Australian Cricket Captain, Steve Waugh, was a very special guest in an evening that will be remembered by many.

Rich in history and achievement, the Plovers are fortunate to have a strong foundation that will ensure success of our great Club for many years to come.

1947-1948: Western Suburbs Cricket Club is Born

Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour in December 1941, local cricket competitions in the Maitland area were indefinitely suspended as the threat of World War II loomed ever closer to Australia. The local competitions would remain in recess until the end of the war years – not returning until the summer of 1947-48. However, with the Newcastle competition still running, Maitland would enter a combined team in the Newcastle competition for the remainder of the war years.

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last year



My best grade team - Paul Stenhouse 1986 to 2000

Here's my go of the best players I've been in the sheds with at Easts/Easts-Redlands from 1986 to 2000.

In batting order:

1. Jimmy Maher
2. Shane Watson
3. Stuart Law
4. Dirk Wellham (Captain)
5. Greg Ritchie
6. Mal Freeman
7. Steve Storey
8. Peter Anderson (Wicket Keeper)
9. Paul Hutchison
10. Craig Jesberg
11. Damien MacKenzie

Daniel Paine (12th) (batsman)

Standby Players:
Stephen Hood (bowler)
Michael Warden (bowler)
Ben Edmondson (bowler)
Michael Hayward (batsman)
Ian Stenhouse (batsman)

Team Manager - Room Assistance

Evan Bancroft - unlucky not to be considered higher, if only he had an outswinger.

Some controversy over my selection of Captain I'd say, given the abundance of choices. I think all of the top six were outstanding options.
I found Dirk to be the smartest cricketer I have played with. Not a lot said, but wow, when he did, it was worth listening too. Others may have been stronger leaders, but tactically, I think he was the best student of the game whilst I played.
The batsman nearly picked themselves, Ando with the gloves is still the best I've ever played with or against, bar none.
Would love to take that bowling attack onto the Gabba or Peter Burge when it's hard and fast.
11 of the 12 played First Class cricket, and Mal Freeman certainly didn't give anything away to the other blokes. Tough as nails too.
Lots of great memories looking back at the names listed, and many more great fellas who were members of the legendary Crab Pot or the brilliant Redlands club house.
Enjoy.

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last year



Peter Buchanan started his career playing in the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association for Mornington Cricket Club. He’s a local junior who has made a tremendous impact on the teams and clubs he’s played and coached.

From Mornington to District Premier Cricket at St Kilda Cricket Club and a first grade premiership. Premierships at Mornington and Frankston Peninsula CC along with many years playing for Victoria Country Peter Buchanan has carved out a celebrated career in the game.

Let’s find out more about his journey in the game.

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last year



Whales take the points in local derby - Mosman Cricket Club 7 January 2022

The Mosman first grade team celebrated the New Year with a convincing victory in a one-day match against local rivals Manly Warringah.

The victory ensured Mosman’s position in the finals of the one-day competition, and also consolidated the team’s position at the top of the overall table.
The star of the day was Brett Erickson, who has just returned from a successful stint with the NSW Under 19 team.
Brett picked up three wickets with his leg spinners and compiled a handy 60 runs with the bat.
Mosman skipper Martin Haywood was full of praise for his young charge.
“Brett has come on in leaps and bounds over the last few months,

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last year



Episode 6: Wickets with Stuart MacGill and Jack Sharp: Ireland calling, South Africa Series Ins and outs, Ponting 127

Stuey “Magical” was left in the studio alone, danger, but opts to phone a friend. Sharpy calls in from Ireland, ahead of a family test, and the Ireland and India series.

A quick update on the world game, and games around the world. The ins and outs for the South Africa series, Stokes and Paine, me me me.

Nothing to whine about Ponting’s wine. Quality just like his career and commentary.

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last year



Bill Woodfull - Champion of Carlton Cricket Club

Born- 22.8.1897
Died - 11.8.1965
Played 51 1XI games 1924/5 - 1935/6
Carlton Cap No. 319
Victorian Cap No. 371
Australian Cap No. 123
1927 - Wisden Cricketer of the Year
Elected Life Member 1941

In 1924/25 he joined the Carlton CC as Captain, but his services were often required at State level where he scored so heavily that he ultimately gained selection in Herbie Collins’s 1926 Australian team for England. Starting that tour with a score of 201 against Essex, followed by 118 against Surrey, Woodfull continued in such fine form that he headed the Australian first-class batting figures with 1672 runs at an average of 57.65 (eight centuries) and was named one of Wisden’s five cricketers of the year. No Australian had previously averaged 50 on his first tour of England. Upon returning to Carlton, Woodfull was given a complimentary smoke night to celebrate his great deeds in England.

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last year
Cricket NSW
Cricket NSW
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102 Followers



A brand new cricket competition for women will take off this summer with the launch of the inaugural Cricket NSW Twilight Women’s Cricket League.

The fun, eight-a-side competition will feature 90 minute matches, starting at 6pm on weekday evenings, and has been designed to cater for women who can’t commit to a full day’s cricket on the weekend and associated training sessions.

Teams can be made up of players of all standards, from those wanting a mid-week hit, to those wishing to return to the game after some time away, and those with no previous cricket experience.

The competitions, which will be run on smaller suburban grounds with synthetic pitches, will be operated by Cricket NSW, with all equipment, ground set up, umpires and scoring provided, meaning teams just need to turn up and play.

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last year

If I look back on my captaincy journey I would say that I am proud of what I achieved but also make some changes with hindsight and experience on my side.
I was made vice-captain of Tasmania in the 92/93 season until 95/96. David Boon was captain and he was away the majority of the time so I was captain for 80-90% of the games. I had Greg Shipperd as coach and a very young team that included Jamie Cox, Dene Hills, Ricky Ponting, Michael Divenuto, Chris Matthews, Danny Buckingham,Mark Atkinson. Over the next few years Colin Miller, Shaun Young and Mark Ridgway became permanent members of the side also. In those days Bellerive was a pretty flat wicket that was hard work for the bowlers. Greg Shipperd and I devised a plan that we would bowl first the majority of times and then try and chase down a total to win the game. This plan got us into the shield final against NSW in 93/94. So I would say my greatest captaincy achievement was to be the first Tasmanian captain in a shield final. Unfortunately, we were beaten soundly.
Looking back I think my captaincy was a little defensive and I let the coach influence my decisions too much at times. Having said that I was inexperienced and learning my trade. At the time we were being more successful than Tasmanian teams of the past so it's hard to argue against our tactics.
I have watched Ben Stokes with interest and at times with admiration. Being his own man and following his instincts. It just shows how much a captain's attitude can influence a team. Would he be the same captain without Brendon McCullum ? Would another coach give him as much freedom. Captains and coaches need to work closely together but it’s the captain that should have the final say.
Captaining a team can be a difficult job but also a rewarding one. I think at times I took myself too seriously and forgot about the fun side of the game. I have seen others do the same thing. The greatest example of this was Ross Taylor from NZ. A great player and a really good bloke. When he took on the captaincy it changed him completely. Luckily I think for him he was not in the job very long and went back to being a very good player for a long time for NZ.
So for me, the most important thing I learned was to be your own man and follow your instincts as much as possible. Remember when making important behaviour and cultural decisions ask yourself “What does the game expect? It helped me a lot when playing and also now when umpiring.
Good Luck to all.

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last year



The Evolution of Branding in Sports Clubs: Adjusting to Today's Demographics

In the world of sports, branding is far more than just a logo or a catchy slogan; it's an intricate tapestry that tells a story about a club, its values, its history, and its vision for the future. When we speak of branding within sports clubs, we refer to the overall image and identity a club projects to its supporters, sponsors, and the wider community. This image is crafted through various elements such as club colours, logos, mascots, and even the style of play. These components collectively form a brand identity that influences how the club is perceived within the community.

Branding in sports clubs is not a static concept; rather, it's dynamic and continuously evolving. It's about creating emotional connections with fans, fostering a sense of belonging, and building loyalty that spans generations. A strong brand identity can turn casual spectators into passionate supporters, creating a vibrant community around the club. The importance of a club's brand identity should never be underestimated. In many ways, it's the heartbeat of the club, influencing almost every aspect of its operations. From public relations and marketing to community engagement, a robust brand identity serves as a potent tool in driving a club's success.

From a public relations perspective, a well-defined brand identity helps shape the narrative around a club. It gives the club a distinct voice, enabling it to communicate effectively with various stakeholders such as fans, media, and sponsors. In essence, it helps set the tone for all the club's interactions and relationships. In terms of marketing, a compelling brand identity can significantly enhance the club's promotional efforts. It provides a clear framework for crafting engaging marketing campaigns that resonate with fans and attract potential sponsors. Furthermore, a strong brand identity can differentiate a club from its competitors, giving it a unique selling proposition.

When it comes to community engagement, a club's brand identity plays a central role in connecting with local communities. A club with a strong brand identity that aligns with community values can foster deep-rooted connections, encouraging community members to support the club in various ways. This in turn, creates a proposition for new players and members to join the club. This is is a small reason PLAI Sport exists. To help grassroots sports.

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