Presidents Report 2005/06
| by Dave Lang |
Firstly, may I again welcome the new players who joined our ranks this season. I hope you had an enjoyable time with us, both on and off the field and certainly look forward to seeing you back for 2006-07.
No doubt many of us can recall some memorable moments, whether it be congratulating a team-mate after taking a screamer of a catch, or just sharing a joke around the table over a beer back at the “Brookie.”
Whilst I’m unable to report any of our teams making the finals this season, captains Rob Lavery (B3’s) and Mark Hill (C1’s) once again did a great job organising their teams to ensure a full compliment was available each week. This season was somewhat frustrating for the C1 players (average of 7 games per player) was shortened by some 4 matches with the withdrawal of another team - a forfeit, a washout and two byes. A great effort though by two players in particular, albeit with a shortened season managed to come first and second in the club’s Cricketer of the Year points! Well done guys.
After six seasons and ten teams entered in the Manly-Warringah Cricket Association, we have reached one preliminary semi-final. Over these years we have had and still do have a wealth of talent and enthusiasm, however it’s now time to build on these attributes and move forward to make our club a serious contender for premiership honours.
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
Several social activities were arranged for the enjoyment of our members and their guests this year. Two such activities I can report on were our Annual Lawn Bowls Day and our Trivia Night.
Our Annual Lawn Bowls Day (Rock ‘n’ Bowl) was again held at Diggers on the Park (Manly Bowling Club) in March. Numbers were down a little from last season however those of us who attended certainly had a great afternoon entertainment of lawn bowls accompanied by rock and roll music played over the public address system at the club.
Players were grouped in team colours of Gold, Silver, Orange and Pink (!). Winners of the day though were the (dare I say) pink team of Doug Ally, Richard Smith & Wayne Gormley who received a “Winners Cup” trophy – albeit 6-inches in height. Other trophy winners on the day who received the Consolation Final “Horse’s Arse” trophy were Roger Moore and Ian North. In addition, Doug Alley and Jimmy Johnston were each the lucky recipients of a 700ml bottle of Cougar bourbon in our raffle of the day.
Well done to all winners.
Although numbers were down on last year, we had thirty-seven starters for our 2nd annual Trivia Night that was again hosted by Fame Trivia who did a great job in entertaining us with a multitude of questions, complimented by a range of giveaways and a raffle prizes.
Five teams contested for a chance to win the $150 first prize up for grabs. Eventual winners on the night were the “Shinboners” (C1’s table of eight) who collected on the night.
Special thanks to the Brookvale Hotel, Wayne Gormley and Matt Fisher for donating prizes for the night.
Congratulations and best wishes to :
Chris Kettlewell for taking out this year’s Cricketer of the Year.
Ian North on being voted “Clubperson of the Year” for 2005-06.
Oliver Thomas winning our “Rookie of the Year” for 2005-06
Other award recipients too numerous to mention here (see further).
Phil & Kylie Sweet on the birth of their son, David.
Justin and Tina Barbaroux on the birth of their son, Corey.
Thanks and Appreciation to...
Mark Hill for his dedication and work around the club this season arranging our club merchandise and ensuring the Manly Breakers players and supporters are yet again professionally attired both on and off the field. Thanks Mark.
Roger Moore, who once again proved invaluable, doing a great job of publicity through maintaining our “manlybreakers.org” web site during the season. Thanks Rog.
Our Gold Sponsor, The Brookvale Hotel was once again behind us this season. Without the support of Michael Paterson and the Kelly Group our club would not have functioned as successfully as it had.
Matt Fisher and Wayne Gormley who arranged mid-week training in North Sydney and Penshurst (southern suburbs) for players unable to attend regular training sessions at Balgowlah.
Those players & supporters who helped out the Club with our chocolate drives. Your assistance is much appreciated by your Committee and peers.
Family & friends (including associate members) who were able to come along to our matches during the season to support the players of the B3’s and C1’s.
And finally, our members – the players.
Wishing everyone all the best for 2006.
Yours in cricket......
David Lang
President, Manly Breakers Cricket Club
“Cricket is always the memory of cricket.”
-- Brian Jones : 'Cricket for Christmas'.
Return to Summer 2005/06 Results