BRUCE WILCOCK (1956-2024) died 12 August 2024.
SUCC 1st Grade cap #520
SUCC 1st Grade 1978-80: 20-1-59-233-12.3 (59 v Manly in 1978-79. 1st wkt stand of 143 with Jim L'Estrange)
Penrith 1st Grade 1976-78: 11-1-50no-95-9.5
17 games in 1st Grade for SUCC
9 games in 1st Grade for Penrith
SUCC All grades: 1978-84: 50-2-93-972-20.3
But, as Chris McRae remembers, "His stats don't do him justice."
Tributes from some of those who played with or against Bruce follow.
GEOFF COOPER: "...a real character and sad to hear [of his death]. He still lives on in all our memories."
CHRIS ELDER: "I certainly remember his pull shot which struck short leg Frank Cicutto in the head at Bankstown Oval. Frank recovered sufficiently to become CEO of NAB. Off the field, Bruce was in his own orbit...A good man to have in your team."
ROWAN McGREGOR (Nth District and Gordon) quotes Steve Frances (Nepean/Penrith, SUCC) who played with Bruce at Nepean/Penrith: "He made his debut for Penrith in 1st Grade in 1976-77. Both he and I scored ducks against the eventual Premiers, Mosman." (Mosman had two former Test fast bowlers, David Colley and Barry Knight, as well as Alan Border and John Skilbeck.) "He was a robust fellow...sad to hear of his passing."
ALEX PITTY (son of Keith and Lynda Pitty, who was a student at Gosford High School when Bruce taught there): "Bruce was an inspiring teacher. He coached the Gosford High School's cricket team all the way to third in NSW in 2005-06. He commanded respect, instilled pride in the whole team and made every achievement feel special."
CHRIS McRAE: "The long blond hair and athleticism live in our memory."
DAMON RIDLEY: "The only folks I ever wanted to play sport with were those who were committed to the team and Bruce was one of the finest examples...In 1979-80, I knew he wanted to be in 1sts but he put personal ambitions aside and he became an integral part of the SUCC 2nd XI Premiership team. I still remember his flamboyant style. I enjoyed watching him immensely."
JIM ROBSON (UNSW): "...very friendly guy. He may have been SU's most 'colourful' cricketer."
MARK SEWELL: "Above all, Bruce was a real team man, on and off the field. We hold great memories from the seasons he played with us."
STEVE WARD: "I certainly enjoyed his ability and his company in that 2nd Grade Premiership team."
James Rodgers