Today is 30 August.
On 30 August 1937, 87 years ago today, one of the Club’s most prolific and distinguished players died.
John Bayley (known as ‘Paddy’) Lane was aged only 51.
Paddy Lane played 1st Grade for SUCC from 1904 to 1913 as a batsman/ wicket keeper; captained 1st Grade; captained two premiership sides; represented NSW; then served for five years in The Great War, having been one of the first to enlist in August 1914. He served in Rabaul, Egypt, Gallipoli and France and was eventually promoted to Captain, was twice wounded, was Mentioned in Despatches and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.
He graduated in Law and practised as a lawyer after the war. He played Grade cricket for Wests into his forties and captained Wests’ 1st Grade. He was President of SUCC from 1921 to 1926.
Today, 87 years after his death, we remember one of our finest, JB (Paddy) Lane.
James Rodgers