JB (PADDY) LANE

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

THE SPIRIT OF CRICKET

                            The Spirit of Cricket

I'd like to make special mention of one significant achievement during last season in the men's club.

For the seventh time in the past 12 seasons, the Club has been awarded the SCA's 'Spirit of Cricket' award.

This prestigious award means a great deal to those of us whose playing days are long finished.

It means a great deal because it's clear proof that the University cricketers of 2024 still play the game according to cricket's deeply held values and traditions.

It's proof that in 2024, we continue to do more than just to play within the laws and codes of the game. We even do more than just to play within the spirit of the game. We do more than that. We uphold the traditions and values of the game and we actually lead all others to aspire to these great heights.

And we do that because we continue to be linked to all those who have ever worn our colours, representing the enduring values of this club, of this University.

And those values have been ingrained from team to team, from decade to decade, from generation to generation, as we carry the torch of the spirit of cricket from player to player.

By winning the spirit of cricket award so many times, we are building on a firm foundation of the humanity and artistry of the game for all who follow.

In April 1854, a 16 year old named Rodney Riddell opened the batting in University's first ever match against the soldiers of the Garrison. He was said to have been a player who played the game in the right spirit.

In February 2024, 170 years later, another 16 year old, Hayden McCarthy, made his 1st Grade debut against Hawkesbury. Hayden is said to be a fine young man, a player of great potential.

Now the two 16 year olds are linked by a golden thread to a club that continues to uphold the spirit of cricket through the decades, from player to player.

As co-Patron of this great Club, I could not be more proud of what you have once more achieved, by winning once again, the award for upholding the spirit of cricket.

JAMES RODGERS

Congratulations Phoebe Litchfield

CONGRATULATIONS pHOEBE

                                                        Phoebe Litchfield

Australia have revealed a talent-packed 15-player squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE, on their hunt for a record fourth successive T20 World Cup trophy. Every match will be shown live, exclusively on Prime Video from 3 October.

But before that, the Aussie Women are set for an epic showdown against their trans-Tasman rivals for the opening series of the summer, with the CommBank Women's T20I Series against New Zealand starting in three weeks’ time. Watch this summer live on The Seven Network, FOX SPORTS, available on Kayo Sports.

The Sydney University Cricket Club sends Phoebe congratulations and wishes her all the best for this summer’s cricket.

Click here to SEE FULL SQUAD

Bruce Wilcock OBituary

                   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

Lieutenant Alan Russell Blacket

Alan Russell Blacket

"Today is the 108th anniversary of the death of Lieutenant Alan Russell Blacket who played 1st Grade for SUCC in 1914-15 and who was a dedicated Law III student when he enlisted in the 1st AIF in 1915, aged 21.

 On 28 July 1916, in a dug out at Pozieres, he was severely wounded by a shell or by gunshot (the accounts differ) to his chest and lungs and evacuated to Boulogne Hospital. He hung on. But on 13 August, he lapsed into a coma, tetanus having set in. He was unconscious for three days until death took him at 6.30pm, 108 years ago. He was buried two days later and he now lies at rest in the cemetery near the hospital.

He had first played for SUCC in 1913-14, mainly in 3rd Grade where he appears to have been under-graded. He scored 107 not out against Wests in February 1914 and followed this with a commanding 145 not out against Glebe in April. He was immensely popular with his teammates

2nd grade selection followed in 1914-15 until the unavailability of some regular 1st graders during the  University vacation gave him his first opportunity in 1st Grade. On 8 February 1915, the day before his 21st birthday, Blacket strode out to bat at Parramatta Oval. He made only 6, batting at number 4, as SUCC scraped to a slender victory. He retained his place and scored a match-winning 37 not out in the next game against Glebe. His next four innings, however, produced scores of 6, 1 not out, 6 and 6. This was the end of his cricket career and he never got to take his place in Law IV. He was leading his men at Armentieres and Pozieres.

Until, on this day 108 years ago, he met his death in a hospital thousands of kilometres from University life, legal studies and the cricket fields that he had so enriched."

 LEST WE FORGET.

 James Rodgers

Obituary - David Morrow

DAVID MORROW died on 17 July 2024 aged 71 after a long battle with brain cancer. 

Mr Morrow played just one season, 1973-74, for SUCC when he was an undergraduate. He was then widely regarded as a sports broadcaster and commentator for over 50 years, firstly with the ABC and then with radio station 2GB. He covered eight Olympic Games and six Commonwealth Games in a distinguished and versatile career. But it was his calling rugby league games where he was best known. ARLC Chairman Peter Vlandys commented: “David has been one of the great voices of the game, recognized around the country for his wit, insight and knowledge.”

Just a week before he died, David was told that he would be inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame. He followed Rugby League with a passion especially the St George Illawarra Dragons. 

He was a longtime delegate from Eastern Suburbs CC to the Sydney Cricket Association. 

The Club’s sympathy is extended to all of Mr Morrow’s family. 

JFR 

Obituary - Edward 'Ted' Le Couteur

Edward Bean ‘Ted’ Le Couteur

Ted Le Couteur died in Sydney on 6th June, two days before his 83rd birthday.

Ted came to the University from Gordon DCC and North Sydney High in 1959. He had represented Combined High Schools in his final year at School.

He went into St Paul’s College and became part of the SUCC, never really leaving.

He was Club Hon Secretary for two years in the early 1960’s, including the Centenary Season, and became a 1st and Second Grade player for us.

He also played Inter College, Inter Faculty, Intervarsity and all sorts of other social fixtures.

He graduated in Arts Law.

At the Club he has been a Vice President since 1965, a Life Member since 1996, a University Gold Awardee, and was a driving force behind the establishment and running of the SUCC Foundation from 1989. After his grade cricket finished he became an active member of the University Vets.

In some respects no individual has ever done more for our Club.

A more complete obituary will will appear in the SUCC Annual Report but we extend our sympathy to his children John, Catherine and Michael and his sister Anne.