ILLAWARRA CRICKET ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED
ANNUAL REPORT 1998-99 SEASON
Patrons:Cr. David Campbell, Hon Stephen Martin MHR, Ron Ring
Life Members:Messrs. H. Mills*, W.V. Mintorn*, W. Gray*, C. Bayly*, R.G. Morley*, J.0. Nicholson, A. Cram*, G.C. Rodwell*, A.H. Hayes, A.H Delavere*, I.H. Ewin (OAM), R.H. Ring, E.A. Walters*, J. Treanor*, D. J. Gunn, R. Dallas, J.B. Waldock*, W.R. Smith & W.N. Warren. (* deceased)
OFFICE BEARERS AND OFFICIALS
President:Ian Hogg
Vice President:Peter Shephard
Secretary:Vic Cuoco
Treasurer:Denis Veronese
Administrative OfficerJohn Pemberton
Management CommitteeRicky Adams, Mark Evans, David Fryer, Morgan Prosser, Paul Sunshine
Regional DirectorBarry Mayne
of Coaching:
RegistrarDavid Fryer
Junior Association:President: Kim McConnochie
Secretary: Dennis Felgate
Umpires Association:President: Chris Adams
Secretary: Ron O'Brien
Delegate to the NSW Ivor Ewin (OAM)
Country Cricket
Association
Honorary Auditor:Ross Tarrant
SUB-COMMITTEES
Business Plan Peter Shephard (chair), Vic Cuoco, Barry Mayne, Kim McConnochie, Les Turner & John Pemberton
Coaching DevelopmentIan Hogg, Barry Mayne & Peter Shephard
Finance Ian Hogg & Denis Veronese
Judiciary Committee:Don Geary (Chairman), Barry Bates, Ian Lewis, Phil Marvell, Alan Washbourne
MatchDavid Fryer, Morgan Prosser & Paul Sunshine
Match ReportsDavid Fryer
Re-grades David Fryer, Morgan Prosser & Paul Sunshine
Selection Committee:Russell Hickson, Ian Hogg, Barry Mayne
Umpire AppointmentsMorgan Prosser & Paul Sunshine
Delegate to the IJCAMark Evans
MEMBER CLUBSDelegates
Balgownie Cricket Club Kevin Smede, Mark Phillips
Corrimal Cricket Club Troy Henderson, Dave Heyman
Dapto Cricket Club Paul Sunshine, David Fryer
Helensburgh Cricket Club Jim Chaplin, Richard Paine
Keira Cricket Club Dick Dallas, Ron Johnston
Northern Districts Cricket Club Mick Allen, Ean Martin
Port Kembla Cricket Club Dave Jackson, Bruno Ladic
University of Wollongong Cricket ClubMichael McDougall, Steve Coleman
Western Suburbs Cricket Club Neale Benson, Peter Murphy
Wollongong District Cricket Club Mick Kent, Jason Welsh
Illawarra Junior Cricket Association Les Turner, Mark Evans
Illawarra Cricket Umpires AssociationMorgan Prosser
Presidents Report
It is my pleasure to deliver my second Annual Report as President of the Illawarra Cricket Association. It has been a significant year in the history of the game in the Illawarra. As you all know at the beginning of the season, we embarked on the revolutionary policy of employing a paid administrator. As I am sure everyone would agree that this was a success. John Pemberton brought a level of professionalism to our administration that had not been achieved before. He performed all tasks expected of him with enthusiasm and efficiency.
At a playing level, we had our best ever season in Country Cricket. We won our first Fosters LightIce Limited Overs Country Championship. All those associated with this win should be congratulated. It shows that we are able to compete with the best teams in Country NSW – all that is required is dedication. We now look forward to retaining the title.
We were also successful in the Southern Zone Colts Carnival (Brian Hughes Shield) at Wagga. This team displayed great team spirit to win two very close games when it looked as though they would be defeated. As a reward for their efforts six players were selected to represent the Combined Colts team in Armidale. Unfortunately our Under 17’s and 19’s were not as successful as we had hoped; however, we were able to detect enough potential in the ranks to indicate that our representative cricket in future seasons will be in good hands.
In January, the NSWCA granted Illawarra a game in the Fosters LightIce Country Challenge. It had been some years since we had been given the opportunity to hold such a fixture. These matches are usually played between Councils and as such the match was organised between Wollongong and Shellharbour Councils. One of the great features of these games is the inclusion of guest players. We were indeed fortunate to have Stuart MacGill, Stuart Clark and Corey Richards represent Wollongong and Shane and Brett Lee and Graeme Rummans play for Shellharbour. We were also able to get former Illawarra player Trent Johnston to play for Wollongong. Soon after Trent was selected for the NSW Shield team. For the record Wollongong won. But that is not important. More important is that it was a great promotion for cricket. Unfortunately the game was not publicised well enough by the NSWCA and we did not do as well financially as expected. However, it was a great promotion for the game. It must be remembered that such matches do not proceed without an enormous amount of work by volunteers, therefore I must record my appreciation for all those who helped especially Ricky Adams and John Pemberton.
It is impossible for me not to remark on the extraordinary performance of Western Suburbs. Early in the season, they celebrated their 50th Anniversary with a splendid function at Western Suburbs Leagues Club. They followed this up with remarkable performances on the field. Premierships in the first three grades and wins in the first and second grade One Day competitions topped off a fine season. Of course they also won the Club Championship. Congratulations.
On behalf of the ICA I would like to congratulate the following players for their achievements in representative cricket during the season. Glen Prouten NSW Country, Tim Richardson NSW Country Colts and NSW Colts, Craig Jones NSW Country Colts, Wes Croese NSW Country Colts, Adrian Ezquerro NSW U19 and Robert Andonovski NSW U17. Congratulations – you all represented Illawarra with distinction.
During the season, we had a number of meetings with Wollongong City Council regarding the state of the grounds and wickets. These meetings were most cordial and progress is being made. Throughout the season, most clubs reported that wickets were improving. Our major problem at the moment is the length of the outfields. I can assure you that Council has been made aware of this and has promised that they are investigating methods to ensure that the situation will be rectified.
The Annual Presentation Dinner was held at the Steelers Club following sponsorship from the club. I am sure that all that attended had a good night. The disappointing aspect of the night was the lack of support the Association received from most clubs. We all need to recognise that such an evening is essential and that it also needs to be successful. I can assure you that the Committee will be looking at ways of improving the patronage on such nights. If anyone has any ideas, please don’t hesitate to make a suggestion.
The 1998/99 season also featured the first ICA Golf Day. Again Ricky and John did the bulk of the organisation and running of the event. The day turned out to be a great success with a substantial sum being raised. From all reports all those who participated had a wonderful day. Look forward to another golf day next year – I’m sure we can do even better with the benefit of experience.
One of the negatives to come out of the season was the situation at North Dalton Park. In a year when we should have played a lot of cricket on the ground, we were constantly disappointed to find the ground out of use due to a wet outfield. May I assure all clubs that the situation is being addressed by the NDP Board and with the co-operation of Council we expect to have the situation rectified for the 1999/2000 season. On a brighter note, I am pleased to report that turf practice wickets were completed and were used later in the season. I realise the progress on the development of the ground is slow but I’m sure with patience we will get the ground we have always hoped for. It should be noted that the NSWCA has placed NDP on a short list of grounds suitable for major fixtures outside the Metropolitan area. I would also like to remind clubs that although they are required to make a contribution to the NDP development we have not required them to do so over the past two seasons. This situation may be hard to repeat in 1999/2000.
The Association is indeed fortunate in gaining sponsorship from the Steelers Club for the Super 8’s competition. Despite NDP being unplayable due to the wet outfield the day went ahead and was a reasonable success. The Committee thought that with such a large sponsorship clubs would have made a greater effort to get first graders involved. It is hoped that with advance notice of the prizemoney, this will happen next season. Thanks should go to Peter Shephard, Denis Veronese, Vic and Cynthia Cuoco and Ricky Adams for organising the canteen and drinks sales.
During the season, we had too many players appearing before the Judiciary Committee. Let it be known to all that sub-standard behaviour will be dealt with harshly by the Association. We owe it to the game that standards of behaviour are of the highest standard.
It was disappointing that the standard of play by some clubs has got to the stage that their position in first grade is under question. Both Port Kembla and Helensburgh struggled to field teams of first grade standard. This was not due to a lack of effort from their hard working officials but more to a lack of talent within their club. Port Kembla also had to drop out of the third grade competition. Both clubs are taking steps to remedy the situation during the off season; however, they need to know that if they are unsuccessful they will not be part of the first grade competition in 1999/2000.
Peter Shephard again chaired the Business Plan Committee which came up with a revised Plan that was presented to club Secretary’s and Presidents in March. The Association needs the support of clubs in the implementation of the recommendations in the Plan so that we can maintain and improve our standards both on and off the field. This is necessary if we are going to maintain our independent status within the Country Cricket Association.
Once again Cricket in the Illawarra received good media coverage. The Illawarra Mercury, Sunday Telegraph, PRIME and WIN Television, 2VOX FM and Wave FM all played their part in giving the game publicity.
As you know the Association cannot function without money. It is therefor imperative that we have sponsorship. The Association is fortunate in this area. The Illawarra Credit Union had been our major sponsor for many years. This year they increased the level of sponsorship and this is greatly appreciated. May I suggest to you all that you take advantage of the services offered by the ICU. I have already referred to sponsorship from the Steelers Club and point out that this was valuable in the running of the Super 8’s. Combined Acceptance Financial and Insurance Consultants again sponsored the first grade Limited Overs competition and this is greatly appreciated. I would like to remind all clubs that without such sponsorships the burden of financial independence of the Association would fall much more on them.
Finally I would like to thank all those who have been of assistance to me during the season. All members of the Management Committee have played their role in this successful season. John Pemberton deserves special praise for easing the clerical load on the Committee thus allowing more time to direct to more important issues. I must also thank my family for their understanding. It is a long season for them with the number of meetings, representative matches and phone conversations that take me out of family life. Without their support I would be unable too carry out my duties properly.
Ian Hogg
President
Administrative Officers Report
“What was your first season as ICA Administrator like?”
It has been an interesting learning experience. Learning about ICA activities and politics; the machinations of the NSWCA and NSWCCA; dealing with the Council; the internal workings of the clubs and most importantly talking Cricket with a great variety of Club characters and supporters.
What I have learnt is that we need to break down the barriers that exist between clubs. I can assure you all that club officials at all of the clubs are the same – they have the good of the game at heart and in deed have a great passion for Cricket.
It’s time that all players got together to meet one another to chat about Cricket and work towards strengthening Illawarra Cricket. Believe me that an insular view of “My Club” will not see Illawarra Cricket in a position of strength in the future. I know we all strive to keep our club strong but we must also see the bigger picture of keeping Illawarra Cricket strong.
ICA meetings (Management and General Committee) were well attended and the business completed effectively and efficiently. Work commitments forced Neil Coad to resign and Ricky Adams volunteered his services to the Management Committee. Ross Tarrant generously donated his services as Honorary Auditor after the long serving Jim Hyslop was unable to continue. Many thanks, Ross.
There are many people to thank for their help in administering the Cricket Association. Cricket is a great game for team spirit and co-operation and so it must be in the administration of Cricket. It is so important to work together as a team off the field. To all those I have worked with over the season and have given their help and support – thanks to you all.
Certainly Ian Hogg is a real character of local Cricket. Nobody should doubt his knowledge, commitment and passion for Cricket in the Illawarra. Thanks to Ivor Ewin for educating me in the ways of the NSWCA and NSWCCA as well as the importance of continuing Illawarra’s autonomy within Country Cricket. I’ve enjoyed many a friendly chat with Barry Mayne who I assure you is dedicated to improving the cricket techniques (both physically and mentally) of both our junior and senior players.
Special thanks to David Fryer. David has retired from the Management of Illawarra Cricket after long service as Chair of the Match and Re-grade Committees as well as Registrar and Management Committee member. In addition, David was manager of most representative teams. It will be difficult to find a replacement with David’s commitment.
Sponsors
The Illawarra Credit Union were once again the Major Sponsors of the ICA competition. We are in debited to the ICU for their continued support for Cricket in the Illawarra. Combined Acceptance Finance and Insurance Consultants again sponsored the first grade One Day competition and special thanks to Noel Pratt for his ongoing support. The Illawarra Steelers Club were sponsors of the Super 8’s competition and generously donated use of their premises for all of our meetings.
Wollongong Toyota Parts Division (through their Manager, Ray Gargett) provided clothing for the participants of the Level 1 Coaching Course and generously contributed to the Country Challenge and Golf Days.
The financial support of these sponsors is very much appreciated and in deed their continuing support, together with support from additional potential sponsors, is essential for the ICA competitions to function in the future.
Thanks also to all of the companies who donated their merchandise and support for the ICA special events such as the Golf Day, Country Challenge and Country Cup Final. Without their support we would not have been able to provide the professional presentation that we in deed gave.
Wollongong City Council
Officials from the ICA (IH & JP), IJCA and WCC have met on two occasions (10th March & 28th April) as part of regular two monthly meetings to discuss Crickets requirements in the Illawarra. Discussion items so far have included: communication levels between the bodies (regarded as vastly improved this season); future ground fee agreements; current ICA Ground & Wicket forms and feedback; Helensburgh Turf wicket project & a turf wicket renovation priority list; IJCA Sports Liaison Committee grants to upgrade concrete and synthetic wickets; WCC Cricket facilities assets register. In addition, the ICA signed an inaugural Terms & Conditions contract with the WCC at the start of the season.
The ICA Ground & Wicket Report form was implemented in November. Some Clubs regularly completed their forms whereas other Clubs failed to complete any forms. It is essential that the ICA make weekly completion of the Report Forms compulsory to enable regular feedback to the WCC and their groundstaff.
The following is a part of a summary from the Report forms presented to Council. “In general, comments on the turf wickets were very positive with special mention for wicket improvements at North Dalton Park, Dalton Park West, Hollymount Park and Reed Park South. Major criticism was leveled at the excessive length of the outfield at most grounds and in particular at Keira Oval & Figtree Oval.