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

Geoff Pike -RIP