Geoff Maddocks (SUCC 1974-1984) 1st Grade cap no. 506 has recently died. He was the uncle of Jack Maddocks SUCC 1st Grade cap no. 747.
A more comprehensive obituary will follow shortly.
James Rodgers
John Lamble AO
The club acknowledges the passing of John Lamble, at the age of 92, on 19 February 2023.
Mr Lamble attended Trinity Grammar School, where he played in the 1947 1st XI alongside another future University cricketer, Don Scott-Orr. He joined SUCC in the 1950-51 season, and played for the club until 1957-58. An energetic medium-pacer, he took 183 wickets at an average of 17.37. Some early promise with the bat failed to reach fruition, and he finished his Grade career with 480 runs at 5.85, with a highest score of 31. He played his entire career in Fourth Grade (where he was captain from 1953-54 to 1957-58), except for his last seven matches, in 1957-58, when he was promoted to captain Third Grade. His best effort with the ball was 7-42 against Waverley in 1954-55, and he also grabbed 6-11 in a memorable outright victory over Glebe in 1956-57. The club consistently struggled in the lower grades during his playing career, and he provided a very welcome degree of leadership, stability and competitiveness to the teams in which he appeared.
Mr Lamble subsequently enjoyed a highly successful business career, especially in the insurance industry. He was the General Manager of NRMA Insurance from 1968 to 1987 and CEO of the NRMA Group from 1987 to 1992. He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1993 for service to the insurance industry. In 1996 he became the first chairman of Suncorp Metway, formed through a merger of three organisations to create Australia’s then fifth-largest listed financial services group. He retired from the role in 2003. The Australia and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to Mr Lamble in 2017.
He also supported a number of charities, and served as Chairman of the Sydney Eisteddfod. At the time of his death he was the club’s longest-serving Vice-President, having first been appointed in 1957, and he was a Trustee of the SUCC Foundation. Since 1999, the club’s trophy for the season’s most outstanding captain has been known as the “John Lamble Award” in his honour.
The club extends its sympathies to Mr Lamble’s family, especially his partner, Suzanne, his children Mark and Tania, and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Max Bonnell
JOHN HENRY EVERETT AM
His father, Samuel Charles Everett (1901-1970), a left hand batsman and right arm fast bowler, graduated from Newington College in 1918 and then played 1st Grade for Petersham, Marrickville and Gordon until 1936. For his three clubs, he scored 2003 runs in 1st Grade and took 308 wickets. He also represented NSW and played 45 1st class games (617 runs and 134 wickets). He toured England with the Australian side in 1926 but did not play in a Test Match.
Jack graduated from Newington in 1953 and enrolled in Economics at Sydney University in 1954.
He was a right hand all rounder who bowled fast in swingers. He made his 1st Grade debut for SUCC on 24 September 1955 and played 1st Grade in every season until 1961-62 when he took 30 wickets @15.3. He was awarded a Blue for Cricket in 1958 and a Blue for Baseball in the same year. In 1960, he married Sonya Freedman.
After graduation, Jack continued to play as the graduate captain of 2nd Grade who were Premiers under Ivor McCristal in 1962-63 and again in 1963-64 and 1964-65 under Jack Everett's captaincy. He scored heavily in 2nds especially in 1964-65 with 554 runs and in 1965-66 when he scored 650 runs. He continued to play with the Sydney University Veterans at a time when the side was particularly strong with many former 1st Graders. In 1972-73, he was dismissed only twice while accumulating 480 runs.
In 1966-67, he made an unlikely return to 1st Grade as captain and he retained his form with 340 runs and 25 wickets.
Jack was a member of the Australian Old Collegians who toured India in 1965 and who embarked on 'world tours' in 1972 and 1974. In 1978-79, he managed the AOC touring side.
Jack continued to hold the club in great affection and he contributed significantly to SUCC long after his playing days. He was a much valued Vice President of the Club, a Patron of the SUCC Foundation and Treasurer of the SU Blues Association.
SUCC 1st grade: 101-9-98-1749-19.0. 75 wkts @23.5
SUCC all grades: 193-19-147no-4416-25.4
The following eulogy was written by Jack's life-long colleague, Angus Talbot, who also represented SUCC.
JOHN (Jack) SAM EVERITT
John was always telling everyone willing to listen that we started off together at Miss Anderson’s kindergarten in the old scout hall in Roseville Avenue Roseville in or about 1940.
However, John’s life began to really shine during his time at Roseville Public School.
The school motto was Facta Non Verba, and that is exactly how he lived his life.
Deeds not words.
Roger Gyles has reminded me that the name John Everett during the 1940’s was synonymous with sporting achievements, as his fingerprints were on most of trophies awarded and records set at the annual combined Primary Schools of the Upper north Shore Athletic Carnival held at Waitara oval. He was primarily a sprinter in that era.
That was not the only point of his domination. John showed very early signs for what was in store on the cracked half-length concrete cricket pitch in the school yard positioned amongst the remnants of air raid shelter and trenches from the war years. The only way he ever got out was when he hit one onto the roof of the girl’s lavatory-the local rule- was 6 and out.
He also showed potential as a quick bowler following his father’s footsteps, he being a first class player for NSW and Australia teams.
During 1948 it was suggested John and I should sit for the Newington College Entrance Scholarship.
That we did.
Lo and behold we tied in that examination. In their wisdom the powers that be at Newington College decided to award us a full scholarship each.
There were only about 6 Newington boys who travelled over the Harbour Bridge to school in those days. Younger brother Tony [Skeeter] joined the group in due course
John maintained his position as a cricket all-rounder in the A teams in his respective age grade as well as in rugby at Newington.
He also had success running over 880 yards, shotput and boxing.
In 1952 he made the 1st XI and also in 1953.
In 1953 he was in the 2nd XV at a time when Newington was doing well at Rugby. The 1st XV won the GPS Premiership for the first time in over 40 years.
Academically he maintained a position in the in the top 10 in most subjects, except scripture.
On to University and studying Economics at night with the likes of Phillip Harry.
Phillip became his companion in crime during National Service, where I understand they were in the same company. Sonya says she believes they spent most of their time on detention cleaning the latrines rather than learning to save the country.
However things were a bit more serious at SUCC.
John quickly made his way into the first-grade side in 1955 as an all-rounder batting in the middle order and bowling medium pace swing He took his share of wickets.
John played many games in first grade but it was subsequently in the second grade where he terrorised and annihilated opening bowlers with his powerful driving on both sides of the wicket as well as the straight drive.
He had a very good eye.
After graduation, he became the graduate captain of the second grade. Under his captaincy the second grade were Premiers in 1963/64 and 1964/65. He scored 650 runs in the 1965/66 season and 554 runs in season 1964/65. Overall he played 193 innings for University scoring an aggregate over all grades of 4416 runs with highest score of 147.
John continued playing for Sydney University Vets for a number of years when the team enjoyed considerable success.
He was Patron of the Sydney University Cricket Club Foundation.
He was awarded a cricket blue in 1958 and for a number of years was treasurer of the Sydney University Blues Assosciation having also been awarded a blue for baseball as an outfielder in 1958, having played in first and second grade. He was a right-hand batter.
In early 1965 John toured India with the first Australian Old Colleagian Team helping to establish a relationship with the Cricket Club of India.
Sydney University Cricket Club first entertained the Cricket Club of India in 1962.
That was the commencement of a relationship that lasted fifty years.
John also joined the highly successful AOC World Tours in 1972 and 1978. He was manager of the 1978/79 tours of India, Sri Lanka and Singapore.
The Everetts (that is John and Sonya) were exceptionally involved in the arrangements for visiting Indian teams, hosting functions and generally supporting and billeting players over many years.
Sonya and the children also went on the 1977/78 AOC World Tour.
John was an original member of the Primary Club when first established by Jon Erby and Pete Howarth and played a supporting role over the years not only as a player. He never missed the annual breakfast on the first day of the Sydney Test.
MOVING ON.
John Everett was a successful business man starting with the family business of Nields Transport which he developed and expanded, to be followed after that by becoming Managing Director of the company. Whites Wires Australia, as well as Osborne Blinds P/L and Undercover Wear Lingerie Pty Ltd,,Whatever the latter involved I do not know.
I am requested not to mention the chocolate venture in Sri Lanka.
Nor am I to concentrate on his investments in racehorses which drew all too many disappointing results.
He gave generously of his time and money to a number of major charitable institutions.
I will not mention these all.
I have already made reference to the Primary Club.
It is pertinent to note his work and support for medical research. He became a director of the Prince of Wales Medical Research Foundation in 1993 and he was deeply involved with the Variety Club efforts to raise mney to benefit underprivileged children particularly through the development of the idea of Sunshine Buses which was one of his pet projects.
He took an intense interest in the Variety Club Bash Series and marked his success, with some help again from Phillip Harry, by restoring a 1936 Oldsmobile to the extent of actually winning the Bourke to Barrier Reef Bash.
His business achievements and charitable activities were recognised when he was awarded an AM in the New Years Honours List. A very proud moment of worthy recognition.
On a lighter note, on one famous occasion the family was delighted when in his role as a regular helicopter parent at his children’s sporting fixtures John enquired from the referee, , what was the problem and why had he stopped the game. The referee clearly identified the problem when he remonstrated with John informing him in no uncertain terms that he was the problem and that he was being sent off----blew the whistle and pointed
John went.
He could be a stubborn bugger- a characteristic emphasised in the last few years when things were not going so well with his health, yet he continued playing a reasonable game of tennis despite severe restriction on his ability to ambulate around the court. Relying on that uncanny eye I referred to earlier.
He also managed, until recently, to get in 9 holes of golf on most Fridays albeit with some difficulty with concentration.
Nevertheless he did it, notwithstanding a stubborn refusal to pay any regard to the rule about keeping up with the group in front.
He was gregarious but nevertheless steadfast in his opinions which he never hesitated to express.
John Everett has made a wonderful partnership with the lovely Sonya and their 4 wonderful kids. There are many milestones and achievements that unfortunately must go unannounced due to time constraints, but, nevertheless will be honoured by the recollection and memory of the so many people whose lives have been touched and enhanced by the Everett stamp.
We celebrate his life. Our condolences go out to the whole family.
Angus Talbot
We hope you can join us for this year’s Annual Awards Evening!
Here are the details:
Date: Friday, 21 April 2023
Venue: Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, 33 Peel St Kirribilli
Time: 6:30pm for 7:00pm seating
Dress: Cocktail
Tickets are available in the website shop. Click the link below to be taken there:
“The following tribute, in Geoff Pike’s memory, was written by Peter James, Geoff’s opening bowling partner in 1st Grade in the 1970s. Between them, they took 786 wickets in all grades (Peter James 356 from 1967 until 1977. Geoff Pike 430 from 1969 until 1984) for the Club. In 1st grade, Peter took 320 wickets and Geoff took 242. “
Geoff Pike, Vale
The SCG members long bar and the adjacent dining area were full to overflowing to witness Geoff Pike’s final innings, to hear heartfelt tributes from Sue and his family, a glowing eulogy from his solicitor colleague/ friend John Coorey, each introduced by fellow SUCC bowler and pal Chris Elder, plus to share memories of his life and friendship among us all.
These encapsulated the key important factors in his life – family, the legal profession, and cricket (or more specifically the Sydney University Cricket Club). They also referred to his courage and stoicism with which he faced numerous serious medical challenges over the past decade, and especially over a ravaging final 12 months. Almost 72 years was far too short, but it was a lifetime of great achievement and success at the personal, sporting and professional level.
Professionally, after graduation in arts law at Sydney University in 1974, he was admitted to be a solicitor, did articles at Stephen Jacques & Stephen, joined Dawson Waldron, then became a partner at Westgarth Baldick in the mid-1980s, before joining Sparke Helmore, where he remained until retirement from practice in 2012, including a period as Chairman of Partners. Along the way, he developed a fine reputation for litigation cases, a team man working with barristers, juniors and clients. Geoff’s collaborative team approach was also clear through descriptions of his support for junior solicitors and staff in the office, as well as his collusive approach to the role of Chairman in navigating the issues big and small for the firm in modern society.
In cricket, Sydney Grammar had a formidable bowling attack of Geoff Pike, Rick Allsop, Alan Manzie and Ross/”Gus” Kelly, three of whom went on to play at SUCC. Geoff also played cricket for Manly DCC from age 14 until he went to uni. In 1966 and 1967, he played in the Combined Green Shield team against the Country Coaching Class. I was in the country team in 1966, so we first met on the SCG, as opponents, and my only wicket was the no 5 batsman… G Pike for 3. Incidentally other bowlers in the city side were Thompson, Rhodes, Palmer and O’Keefe, yet country won 238 to 221. Thanks to Cricket NSW for locating the scoresheet. (Bizarrely for many hours during the game, a top pop band rehearsed at full volume next door at the Showground, just behind the old scoreboard and the Hill; exactly a year earlier it would have been the Rolling Stones).
Geoff joined SUCC in 1969, playing 15 seasons, in which he captured 430 wickets, putting him in the top 10 of all time. 242 of these were in first grade spanning 1971-1980, at an average of 20.8. This included in 1972 a remarkable 8-42 against Northern Districts, with victims including 4 NSW batsmen: Ian Davis (who opened for Australia the following year), Barry Rothwell, Kerry Mackay, Lyn Marks. Complementing me bowling right arm opening at the other end for five seasons, Geoff was medium pace left arm, always operating over the wicket, but had unusual ability to swing both ways. His normal trajectory was inswing to a right-hand bat, so many wickets were bowled or lbw, but the ball he pushed across or outswung got him many edges to the keeper or 1st slip (where I was a grateful recipient and admirer). It was before the term “reverse swing” was used or known, but perhaps some of these were that. Suffice it to say that Geoff’s batting performances are not easily found among the club’s records. Later in his career he continued in lower grades, including as a member of the 2nd grade premiership winning team in 1979/80. He was awarded a Blue in 1972.
Geoff also took an active role in the club’s administration on the committee, including a stint as Hon Treasurer. In 1975, he was appointed a Vice President and remained an active supporter thereafter. He was one of 7 Patrons of the SUCC Foundation, and was appointed a Life Member in 2014. A true team player, always friendly, always ready to help and encourage others.
An especially notable recent achievement was as Chair of the Sesquicentennial Committee, which coordinated the organisation of the brilliant event at the SCG. It was indeed fitting that his final innings was at the SCG.
PJ 15/3/23. For those wishing to read John Coorey’s eulogy to see more detail on Geoff’s life, contact Peter James at pjames@a1.com.au
This Sunday our First Grade side are taking on Northern Districts in the big dance!
Clear your schedule and get down to Cricket Central Oval as they play for the Limited Overs Cup title!
Opponent: Northern Districts
Venue: Cricket Central Oval, Silverwater
Date: Sunday 26 February
First Ball: 10:00am
The match will also be livestreamed via Frogbox through the following link:
I had the privilege of knowing Geoff very well, initially professionally and then through the Wombats (dropping three catches in an over off Geoff or Hungerford, as we also called him) and then through a preposterous early morning exercise group for a number of years.
He was great company, always thoughtful and modest, and had a very strong legal career. He was also so stoic and courageous during the last few years.
He was the driving organising force behind the Cricket Club’s 150th anniversary celebrations a few years ago, both at McLaurin Hall and later in the year at the SCG.
May he rest in peace.
ASB
The Honourable A. S. Bell
Chief Justice of New South Wales
This is desperately sad news that we have lost Geoff.
I was fortunate enough to travel on two social cricket tours to England with him with in the Wentworth Wombats team in the 2000’s and whilst he was the best cricketer in the group by far, he was always modest and so happy to be a team member of a motley crew of cricketers, described by some as the worst cricket team to ever leave Australian shores!! I recall in 2005, his luggage went missing and stayed missing for a few days after our arrival and in our first match against Oxford (whilst still without any luggage ) he pulled a calf or hamstring muscle running between he wickets when we batted first, which prevented him from bowling and participating in much of the tour. He never however complained, was a great tourist and his support for the team was unwavering. As another member of the team shared his surname, namely Ian Pike, Geoff was referred to as Pike Major and Ian as Pike I shall never forget his kindness to me at this time.
He was a wonderful cricketer and I believe his name deserves to be alongside all of those Sydney University cricketing greats! More significantly though, he was an even more wonderful man and he will be greatly missed by all those who had the privilege of playing cricket with him and those whose lives he touched.
Warm regards to you all
Thos Hodgson
Barrister
Edmund Barton Chambers