LAND OF OUR FATHERS
The population of Wales is just above three million. It is a proud little nation famed for its hardy people, rugby, and singing. For generations a stronghold of Rugby Union, times have not been so prosperous in recent years.
But no, there is a greater life beyond this one of that I am certain”.
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A FINE HISTORY
Lancefield Football Club has a long proud history dating back to 1873. Last year the club launched a superb book, richly illustrated to mark the century and a half milestone. It is a wonderful chronicle with fascinating stories, recollections and tributes to their “legends”. The first edition print sold out and now a reprint is available. To purchase the volume, go to the email address thus: lancfieldfnc@gmail.com or Post Box 110, Lancefield 3433.
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The chief contributors to the book are Denis Graham, John Chisholm and Shirley Kishere, editor is Fay Woodhouse. It is a colourful volume of 250 pages with hundreds of photos and illustrations.
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It was good to catch up with Denis Graham. He and his brother Michael were fine cricketers for ACK. They and their two sisters had wonderful parents of fond memory. One sister, Andrea is owner-editor of the Colac Herald which publishes three times weekly. Denis and Michael were in the famous Lords longroom in 2023 when the Australian players copped a barrage of abuse from the members for the controversial run-out of England’s Jonny Bairstow. Denis filmed the outburst and provided authorities with the footage. Two Lords members were banned from the iconic club.
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GIRLS BAT ON
Women’s cricket has made great strides over the past few years and more and more girls are taking up the summer game year upon year. It is now a great sport for females and at the elite level pay is very good and there is the chance to represent your country.
SAD DECLINE
Legendary ACK cricket star Peter Ryan is battling Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia. He boarded at college from 1962-69. Peter made the first XI in year 7, aged 13 and went on to lead Assumption to premierships in 1968 and 1969. In the AGSV competition he twice did the “double” of 500 runs and 50 wickets in a season. A brilliant bat and fast medium bowler, Peter went on to play for Hampshire (UK) and Queensland. He is part of ACK’s team of the century along with the likes of Simon O’Donnell and Neale Daniher.
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GOOD START
Assumption 1st XI commenced the new season with a good win at Mentone. The Blues scored 8/195 and restricted their opponents to 7/175. New captain Mullavey-Clark top scored with 71. He had previously hit a fine half century against the Victoria Police XI in the annual clash.
