A FAMOUS VICTORY
It was a memorable A.C.K title just almost half a century ago. The captain Adrian Mitchell-Hill (above) led Assumption to the 1979 A.G.S.V premiership in front of a packed crowd at Ivanhoe. A hard-fought tussle saw the dark and light blues come from behind late in the game to triumph. In the winning side that day were several lads who went on to play at elite levels- Simon O’Donnell (footy for St. Kilda, cricket for Australia), Michael O’Sullivan, Dale Dickson and John Tossol (football for Melbourne). The season before nearly half the ’79 team played in Neale Daniher’s ’78 premier side. The 1979 captain, Adrian an Albury lad, had his footy cut short by a debilitating injury. He also knew tragedy. Younger brother Tim, who also played for Assumption lost his life in his early twenties from a severe asthmas attack while training with his club side on a frosty evening just outside Albury.
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There was another highlight-or lowlight to the 1979 final at Ivanhoe. When the final siren sounded a keen college fan, publican Bernie Smith rushed on to the oval with several bottles of champagne but before he reached the players victory huddle the then principal Brother Columbanus reached Bernie and confiscated the champers.
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AN EVENING WITH WALLAN CC
It was nice to be invited to speak at Wallan Cricket Clubs prefinals dinner. Over the decade I’ve addressed the Wallan clubs cricket and football probably a dozen or more times and the hospitality has always been appreciated. It was a keen gathering with the clubs 1stXI and 2nd XI about to contest Johnstone Shield finals in the strong Gisborne and District Association (29 clubs and at least 150 teams). It was good to hear President Robbie Fowler and coach Steve Bell address the assembled players and supporters. A hardworking committee and generous sponsors (headed by hogans Hotel) have ensured the club is in good shape on and off the field of play. During the evening it was good to speak to a variety of people including 1stXI skipper Brian Vance, key players such as Nathan Fowler and rising star Hamish Mullavey-Clark. The latter led Assumption First XI during the summer and also fitted in some games with premier club Greenvale Kangaroos. It was also good to chat to young “gun” Jack Mifsud and his mum. The 16-year-old plays cricket for Wallan and footy for Heathcote. Peter Cleve was another I was happy to meet again. A fine allrounder for Assumption in the mid seventies Peter played premier cricket for North Melbourne and is another of his hometown’s winter and summer legends.
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DOUBLE SUCCESS
It turned out to be a great finals weekend for Wallan with the Firsts triumphing over Seymour’s Eastern Hill and the seconds defeating one of the Melton sides. Teenager Beau Fowler starred in the latter win taking out the “player of the match” award with a strong batting and bowling display.
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Very good crowds watched both days of the First XI final at Greenhill Reserve. The field was in immaculate condition, and it was good to see the picturesque venue well populated.
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Meanwhile Tallarook continued its dominance in the Seymour and District Association defeating Yea in the final-its third successive title. The village club is always well supported by the local and area folk. It has a fine oval and pavilion which after summer serves as a meeting place for young and old alike.
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VALE BILL DALY
Bill Daly was a popular figure at ACK for some twenty years served as bursaw and later dormitory supervisor with his wife Val. Both were very dedicated members of the Assumption community. Their daughter Marrisa and son Andrew were students of note at the college. Marrisa was a fine girls’ head of school. Bill was a keen and talented sportsman in his early years. His devoted wife Val came from London to Australia. She had been a journalist on Fleet Street. The couple became well known and very popular in Berrigan and surrounds. Bill was farewelled by a very large crowd at mass in the local town hall.
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KILMORE U17’S WIN
Kilmore Under 17’s XI won the GDCA title-a pleasing result for the club. This section of the competition was played on Tuesday evenings in late afternoon and twilight conditions which involved a lot of travel for players and families.
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SMELLING THE ROSES
The young lady pictured is doing one of the things that is a metaphor for “looking on the bright side”. It is one of the only pleasures left to us in today’s world that isn’t taxed; but that could soon change as people are penalised more and more for government failings on both sides of politics.
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