EVERY cricket club has its star talents, but it is the club stalwarts who truly embody the spirit of the game.
Those ever-present figures, season after season, whose commitment, consistency and stellar leadership earn them the respect of their club mates and leave an enduring mark on the club’s history.
Ray Cowell and Lawrie Boyd are two such examples for the Kilmore Cricket Club (KCC).
For a combined 100 years, Ray and Lawrie have guided the Blues through stand out on-field success and definitive challenges.
They have ensured the Kilmore Cricket Club’s legacy as the most successful club in the Seymour District Cricket Association (SDCA) in its 55-year term in the league. The club has won 12 A grade premierships and many B and C grade flags.
Ray joined Kilmore from Broadford Cricket Club in 1981 and by 1985 was president.
He has captained 11 premierships, four B-grade and seven C-grade, was named Cricketer of the Year in 1985-86, awarded the Fred Baines Clubman Award three times and is a Life Member.
Most outstanding is his tenure as president which has seen him at the helm for a total of 35 years, with breaks in 1991-92 and from season 2020-21 to 2023-24. His dedication and commitment to the club is shown in his years of service.
Ray is also President of the Kilmore Cricket and Recreation Reserve committee of management, the oldest Crown land committee of management in Victoria. This committee overseas and manages the reserve, solely through the work and fundraising of its volunteers.
Lawrie Boyd joined the KCC in 1959 at aged 15.
Lawrie became captain of the KCC side at 19 years of age and as captain/coach led the side to eight of the nine A-Grade premierships he was part of – five in a row, eight in 11 years and nine in 14 years.
He also holds the title of the player with the highest aggregate of runs in KCC’s history, approximately 10,000 runs including eight centuries and represented the SDCA for 15 years at Bendigo Country Week before coaching upon his retirement.
He has served as secretary, but his tenure as treasurer, from 1961-2025, is the standout example of his commitment to the club, both on and off the field.
Lawrie is also the longstanding secretary/treasurer of the Kilmore Cricket and Recreation Reserve committee of management and is the long serving head curator for the pitch and grounds at KCC, which with a turf wicket involves almost daily maintenance year-round.
He has been awarded top honours as Cricketer of the Year six times and the Fred Baines Club Person of the Year on 11 occasions, is a life member of the KCC and a life member of the SDCA.
Both of these humble men are quick to pass off any accolades for their years of service.
They highlight the friendships they have formed with pride and are keen to acknowledge the contributions of others such as the great cricketing Hanson brothers (Merv, Phil, Greg, Chris and Gerard) and the contributions of long-time members and friends Phil McIntyre, Brett Buttler, Brian Tant and Ray Carroll.
Ray and Lawrie recently passed on the baton of responsibility for their KCC committee roles, retiring as President and Treasurer.
“Their years of tireless work and dedication will forever be woven into the fabric of the club,” newly appointed President Brent Proctor said.
“All at KCC wish both men all the best and thank them for all their hard work and dedication and look forward to seeing them at the ground on a Saturday afternoon watching them enjoy what they made possible over a quiet one or two.”
“This is literally the end of an era. As a club and on behalf of all its members, I want to thank both Ray and Lawrie for everything they have done and continue to do for the KCC and the game itself,” club secretary, Cath Mogridge said.
“We as a committee have been blessed with the knowledge and experience they have brought to their roles, and we have a job ahead of us to uphold the standards they have set and ensure their legacy is maintained and celebrated.
“I would also like to thank their partners, Jenny Cowell and Lyn Boyd. We all know that volunteers of the calibre of Ray and Lawrie can only do what they do because of the support they are shown at home. Thank you to Jenny, Lyn and their families for allowing the KCC to be such a huge part of your lives and supporting the dedication Ray and Lawrie have shown.”
