NOTICE OF THE SYDNEY UNIVERSITY CRICKET CLUB ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
28TH June 2023
Dear Members, Players and Supporters
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Sydney University Cricket Club will be held on Thursday 3rd August 2023 commencing at 6:30pm.
Venue: Tag Family Foundation Grandstand
Oval No.2 (SUFG)
Function Room No.1 Level 2
Regimental Drive
University of Sydney
2050
This meeting will also be available via the zoom link below.
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___________________________________________________________________________
AGENDA
Apologies
Chairman’s welcome
Approval of the previous minutes
Business arising from the previous minutes.
Adoption of the One Hundred and Fifty Eighth (159th) Annual Report, and Financial Accounts
CNSW/SCA updates:
· Representatives to be confirmed
Board Reports
I. VP Finance
II. Foundation Chair
III. General Manager
IV. Director of Cricket (presented to the Board during the end of May Meeting on completion of his contract).
Election of Office Bearers
· Patron (by invitation)
· President (by invitation)
· Chairman (by nomination)
· Senior Vice Presidents (by nomination)
Ø Operations
Ø Finance & Administration
Ø Marketing & Membership
· Honorary Secretary (by nomination)
· Honorary Treasurer/Undergraduate Member (by nomination)
· Foundation Chair (ex officio)
· Alumni Engagement (by nomination)
· Two Delegates to the SCA and one Delegate to NSWCA (by invitation)
· Club Captain (by nomination)
· Director of Cricket (ex officio)
· Executive Officer (ex officio)
· Indigenous Youth Academy and Chairman of Selectors (by invitation)
Vice President Invitations
Special Resolution on Incorporation: see attached document
General Business
Any Other Business
By order of the Board of Management
Colin Robertson
General Manager
Sydney University Cricket Club
_____________________________________________________________________________________Minutes of the 2022 Sydney University Cricket Club Annual General Meeting
Date 28th July 2022
Venue: via Zoom
Time: 6:30pm
Attendees: Adam Theobald (Chairman), Bruce Collins QC (President), Colin Robertson (General Manager), Murray Creed (Director of Cricket), James Rodgers, Hartley Anderson, Tom Kierath, Liam Robertson, Dave Miller, Phil Logan, Mark Faraday, Oliver Zannino, Ryan McElduff, Russell Cowell, Anand Karuppiah, Rex Greaves, Ed Cowan (CNSW), Greg Mail (CNSW), Graham Gorrie (SCA), John Kilford, Ash Cowan, Alasdair Grant, Greg Cade, Ron Alexander
Apologies: Tim Cummins, Andrew Ridley.
AGENDA
Chairman’s Welcome
Approval of the Previous Minutes and Business Arising
Adoption of the One Hundred and Fifty Eighth (158th) Annual Report, and Financial Accounts
CNSW/SCA Updates
Board Reports
Election of Office Bearers
Vice President Invitations
BUSINESS OF THE MEETING
CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME
The Chairman of SUCC, Adam Theobald, welcomed all attendees to the meeting, with a special welcome to Cricket NSW board member, Ed Cowan, Cricket NSW General Manager Cricket, Greg Mail and SCA Delegate, Graham Gorrie. The year in focus was again impacted in its early stages by COVID, and throughout by inclement and ongoing weather. The Chairman thanked everyone involved for their efforts in ensuring the season ran as smoothly as it did. It was noted that the season carried mixed results for the Club with First Grade falling short in the Kingsgrove Twenty 20 Cup final, First and Fifth Grade missing out on finals, Second Grade knocked out in the quarter final, Third, Fourth and Metropolitan Cup Grades knocked out in the semi-finals. The Chairman emphasised that given the trying circumstances, Director of Cricket, Murray Creed, in his first year performed admirably and was well received by the club’s members.
APPROVAL OF THE PREVIOUS MINUTES AND BUSINESS ARISING
The Chairman, Adam Theobald, moved that the minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting be passed as a true and correct record.
IT WAS RESOLVED:
The movement was ratified by Bruce Collins, seconded by Tom Kierath, and it was passed that the previous meeting’s minutes were a true and correct record. With no other business arising from the previous minutes the meeting progressed.
ADOPTION OF THE ONE-HUNDRED AND FIFTY EIGHTH (158th) ANNUAL REPORT
The Chairman, Adam Theobald, presented the 158th Annual Report and Financial Statements to the meeting. The Chairman cast special thanks to General Manager, Colin Robertson, Club Patron, James Rodgers, Honorary Secretary, Hartley Anderson and Max Bonnell for their significant and meaningful contributions to the development of the document. The Chairman moved that the 158th Annual Report be adopted as SUCC’s Annual Report.
IT WAS RESOLVED:
The movement was ratified by Bruce Collins, seconded by Colin Robertson, and the 158th Annual Report was adopted as the club’s Annual Report.
CNSW / SCA UPDATES
I. GRAHAM GORRIE – SCA CHAIRMAN The SCA Chairman, Graham Gorrie, addressed the general meeting, thanking the Board for the invitation to attend the meeting. The SCA Chairman noted that one-hundred and fifty-eight years was truly a remarkable achievement for SUCC. It was highlighted that there were many distractions and obstacles in the year in focus but expressed thanks towards SUCC for their ongoing efforts and presence within the SCA as well as commending SUCC on their performances throughout the year. The SCA Chairman spoke to the increase in livestreaming throughout the year in focus, emphasising that the Women’s game was having an increasing presence online and that Kayo was becoming a more regular streaming platform for the competition. It was also noted that the number of reportable offences across competitions reduced drastically, with only 23 events, none of which went to the judiciary with all individuals involved accepting the initial punishments handed down. The SCA Chairman added that a premier cricket survey was conducted in early June, with the feedback resulting in a return to a more conventional season in the upcoming year with more two-day cricket and additional Sunday free weekends included. The SCA Chairman confirmed that grants would be maintained in line with prior seasons, with ACA grants also being made available with similar criteria to previous years. Finally, it was noted that many clubs would be experiencing ground issues, and the SCA would thank all clubs for their collective efforts in assisting where possible.
II. ED COWAN – CNSW BOARD MEMBER CNSW Delegate, Ed Cowan, addressed the general meeting and spoke with particular regard to CNSW’ focus on prioritising grassroots and club cricket in order to ensure the long-term stability of the sport in New South Wales. It was noted that CNSW had set a bullish goal of doubling participants aged 5-12 in the game by 2025. As a result, funding to clubs has increased by 3% this year despite CNSW operating at a loss of $650k (budgeted to break-even) and Cricket Australia cutting funding to the states by 7.5% YOY over the last few years. It was also highlighted that playing participants across the game had reduced by 3% in the year in focus.
III. GREG MAIL – CNSW GENERAL MANAGER CRICKET CNSW General Manager Cricket, Greg Mail, addressed the general meeting and spoke to CNSW’ focus on connecting with regional NSW and their desire to draw from the extraordinary talent pool available. CNSW General Manager Cricket emphasised that SUCC was well placed to benefit from this talent pool given the University relationship which exists. It was noted that SUCC should be extremely proud of Hayden Kerr’s career development in the last few seasons, and in particular the last twelve months. This was identified as a clear example of how players from this region can reach the professional arena. There was discussion around the arrangement existing between CNSW and Cricket ACT which had tied ACT/NSW Country together in recent years. It was noted that this relationship would not be renewed moving forward and that the underage NSW teams would no longer include the ACT, whilst for 2022/23 the 2nd XI team would remain as a combined ACT/NSW Country team.
BOARD REPORTS
a) LIAM ROBERTSON – VP FINANCE
Vice-President Finance, Liam Robertson, addressed the general meeting and highlighted that SUCC operated at an $8k deficit in FY21, with income $50k lower than budget largely due to a strategic decision to hold off on receiving the foundation allotment the club was eligible to receive. It was noted that registration numbers have increased whilst registration fees have reduced by 30% in order to ease the financial burden on the playing group. The subsequent increase in registration numbers has eased cost pressures for the club.
b) OLIVER ZANNINO – CLUB CAPTAIN:
Season 2021/22 would be described as a decently successful season from the players perspective with 3 grade and 1 Metro Cup teams making it to finals. There were some really strong performances from younger players which augers well for the future.
Training facilities were outstanding due to the fact that we were always able to train in around wet weather/COVID indoor restrictions. Ranging from St Paul’s, Drews Centre wickets, indoor and outdoor and the University No.1 Oval meant we were very lucky. Practice wickets were quite good throughout a wet season so the ground-staff did a pretty decent job in preparing these when they could – Alex Gill was a pleasure to work with.
Grant Lambert and Murray Creed’s Wednesday morning sessions were really beneficial to all those who attended. The fact we had access to the upstairs cardio gym throughout all training sessions meant there was always opportunity to get some fitness in alongside your cricket related training which I thought was excellent.
Attendance at Club Events, particularly the 1st Grade T20 Final at Blackburn Oval was good and there was general good feeling around the group at training and on game day. Some events were Covid impacted and given the constraints the club did a very good job of improvising where necessary, highlighted by the virtual Trivia Night. All the while when regulations permitted the Tox were able to host us and looked after us very well. A big thank you to Robyn and Hal who were super accommodating.
The Christmas Party down at No.1 Oval was very well attended and our thanks go out to Surjit’s c\Catering for putting on a fantastic meal. This is fast becoming a tradition at the Club.
Viki Stanton once again was the most wonderful host and provider of fantastic food from the canteen. We are privileged to have someone of Viki’s calibre working in our club.
The Presentation Evening at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron once again proved a huge success together with the Annual Golf Challenge at the St. Michaels Golf Course. What I thought was good about these events is that there was always a purpose behind them. They weren’t just a random date set to bring the players together. I think this worked really well as it gave the players that extra incentive to attend and socialise together.
Finally, I would like to thank the board for giving me the chance to be Club Captain. It has been an honour and a great responsibility Thank you to Col for all his help along the way.
c) MURRAY CREED – DIRECTOR OF CRICKET:
Most people in Sydney Grade Cricket would agree that due to the impacts of covid and wet weather,
2021/22 was one of the most challenging and disruptive seasons one can remember. Behind the
scenes the ground staff, coaches, captains, and Colin went above and beyond to make training,
fielding teams and playing fixtures possible.
Highlights of the season were 1st grade winning the T20 Thunder competition and making the
Kingsgrove Sports T20 final. Our 2nd grade made the quarter finals. The 3rd and 4th grade teams had
strong years and had weather impacted semi-finals preventing an equitable contest. The SUCC
Metro Gold team under Henry Cain played very well this year finishing top of the ladder in the
regular season. Finishing fifth in the Club Championship and eighth in 1st grade are things to improve.
Whilst SUCC does not have the number of current first class and 2nd XI cricketers it has enjoyed in
previous years, we still have very strong squads. We will need to get more results from a couple of key players and obtain recruits particularly in the fast-bowling department for 1st grade and young
batters for the lower teams.
Most players have indicated training and coaching was effective considering the challenging
situation. We need to be mindful of offering good sessions and value for players who arrive late to
training. Further, we need to make sure that resources are well distributed throughout the group.
Selections this season were particularly tough with many late withdrawals and at time differing
philosophies between coaches and captains. Phil has been fantastic in his role and deserves a huge thanks.
Clarity from the board on selections particularly with regards to picking young vs old players would
be welcome.
Nick will not be continuing in his role as 1st team coach. Next season he will assist the coaching team
more on a targeted small group and individual level. As we know Rhys is leaving. Bringing on two
new assistant coaches is a high priority. I will assist 1st grade players slightly more than last year
whilst still devoting time to all the teams.
The elite athlete program is adding value in particular to the new members of that group who are
benefitting from the personalised skill sessions. Work can still be done on utilising time and session
focus more efficiently, ie. strength sessions vs mental, fielding or cardio work.
We are all looking forward to building on this season in 2022/23.
d) COLIN ROBERTSON – GENERAL MANAGER
The delayed start was always going to be a challenge and Colin Robertson thanked CNSW, the SCA and Murray Creed (Director of Cricket) for their planning and communication to assist with the navigation of these unusual challenges. He also thanked the playing members, Phil Logan and his selection committee including Rhys Williams, the Captains and Murray Creed for the unbelievable amount of time spent in selection meetings due to the entire season being one day matches. Through the board, we reduced our membership fees to the players and this was extremely well received. I thank the board and all the members for their initiative with this and for their guidance and assistance throughout the year.
Colin also mentioned that whilst the season did not yield the trophies we expect of our club, it did highlight the changing of the guard with excellent opportunities for younger players to prove themselves and progress through the grades.
Anand Karuppiah and his team worked tirelessly during the Green Shield season and this showed with competitive on field performances. These individuals along with all the volunteers are what keeps the club going through difficult times. Colin thanked the entire team involved.
The reduced number of social events due to Covid were very successful with the Christmas Party catered by Surjit himself, the Awards Evening at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron and the very well attended golf day being the highlights of the social calendar.
Colin also noted the picket fence is a project being worked on to have it replaced this year and more drainage will be installed on No.1 Oval prior to season 2022-23.
All the valued sponsors FDC, HWL, The Toxteth and Surjit’s Indian Restaurant together with SUSF, the SCA, CNSW and CA were acknowledged by Colin, for their continued support of Premier Grade Cricket in Sydney and in particular SUCC.
Colin lastly thanked Adam Theobald for his patience and direction in helping him settle into the role and acknowledged that he leaves the Board and Club in a position of strength.
ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS
a) Patron – James Rodgers, continuing by invitation
b) President – Bruce Collins, continuing by invitation
c) Foundation Chair – Dave Miller, invitation
d) General Manager – Colin Robertson
e) Director of Cricket – Murray Creed
f) Chairman of Selectors – Phil Logan, continuing by invitation
g) Chairman – Mark Faraday, nominated by Bruce Collins, seconded by Tom Kierath
h) Club
i) VP Operations – Tom Kierath, nominated by Liam Robertson, seconded by Adam Theobald
j) VP Finance – Liam Robertson, nominated by Dave Miller, seconded by Bruce Collins
k) VP Memberships – elected not to fill this role, TBA following the incorporation of SUCC
l) Honorary Secretary and Alumni Engagement – Hartley Anderson, nominated by Colin Robertson, seconded by Bruce Collins
m) Honorary Treasurer – Ryan McElduff, nominated by Colin Robertson, seconded by Bruce Collins
n) Club Captain – Rex Greaves, nominated by Adam Theobald, seconded by Colin Robertson
o) SCA Delegates – Colin Robertson and Murray Creed, both continuing
p) NSWCA Delegate – Colin Robertson (Hartley Anderson as proxy), both continuing
VICE PRESIDENT INVITATIONS
Club Patron, James Rodgers, moved that Russell Cowell be nominated as Vice-President of SUCC for his ongoing support and work for the club.
IT WAS RESOLVED:
·Russell Cowell was appointed Vice-President of SUCC, with all in attendance in favour of the nomination.
There being no further business arising, Adam Theobald closed the meeting at 8:00pm after thanking all in attendance.