The summer game
Cricket has been played at Assumption College Kilmore, ACK, for more than 125 years.
From modern beginnings when only house games were played, college teams were then able to play in the local cricket association.
This tenure extended until 1958, then the Assumption teams entered the prestigious Associated Grammar Schools Victoria, AGSV, competition.
In the local area cricket competition, ACK played against Kilmore, Broadford, Wallan, Darraweit, Wallan East, Wandong and CYMS. The latter was the St Patrick’s parish team.
ACK sides were coached by legendary Marist brothers who were themselves fine all-round sportsman.
Brothers Oswald, Romulus, and Celsus were among the list – all very fine cricketers. Assumption XI’s competed really well in the district competition winning some 25 premierships.
Some legendary area names were in opposing XI’s such as Kilmore’s Eric Wynd, Basil Coff, Jack Hiscock, Colin McNab, Arthur Harris, Len Bardella, etc. Names from other teams prominent included Stockdale, Davern, Cleve, Purdon, Smith, Stewart, Breen, Hammond, Carboon, Skehan, Coustley, etc.
Assumption’s last double-century maker was Nildo Munari who hit 201 versus Kilmore in a 1957 final.
Run machine
Assumption First XI defeated Ivanhoe at the weekend to continue its fine start to the season. ACK with 6/213 to Ivanhoe’s 8/212.
Cavigan scored 114 not out to follow his 180 in the opening game.
The Romsey lad has been a run machine for Assumption.
Watts made 36 to add to his tally for the season.
Assumption will host the 2023 Marist Cricket Carnival in early December. It won the shield in 2009 and 2010.
The trophy is named after legendary batsman Stan McCabe who attended St Josephs College in Sydney.
McCabe played three of the greatest innings ever for Australia with the standout his 187 in the ‘Bodyline series’ in 1932.
A six over long on.
Varia
Great to catch up a few days ago with Wallan’s Chelsea and Bailey Fowler.
Both ex-ACK – Chelsea was college captain – they completed two seasons at Camp America in the USA where they had leadership roles. Large numbers from many countries attend the camps, which teach comprehensive life skills.
Chelsea and Bailey visited iconic parts of the USA plus were able to attend college football, which is huge in America, and watch the Atlanta Braves in a world series baseball game.
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The 2024 incoming principal of Assumption Paul Finneran will see a vastly different establishment than the original one as pictured in 1913.
Built by the Sisters of Mercy in the late 1800s, the building once again forms the central administration of the college.
Today’s college is a fine panorama of modern facilities, splendid gardens and avenues and a fine vista of playing fields.
Modern era
ACK joined the AGSV college competition in 1959 and across the 65 years since, its cricketers have enjoyed success and has the best record of any school in that time – even though its last title was in 2009.
Many fine teams and players have represented the Dark Blues such as the one pictured – the 1980 XI captained by Simon O’Donnell who went on to play for Australia.
Assumption has produced players who have played at Test, state and premier level also in county and league cricket in the United Kingdom.
In the past three seasons there has been a return to the peak.
Coach Luke Hamilton has played a big part in the resurgence: the past two summers have seen ACK close to title success and the current season is shaping well with big wins in opening games.
Lucas Cavigan, a Romsey lad, has hit a record equaling 188, while Hanging Rock’s Ollie Watts has scored 140 and 70.
Oscar Terry, from Bendigo, took 5/20 versus PEGS.
Cavigan is as fine a prospect as seen in the college colours for many years.
