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Fulham CC current Life Members profiles

December 5, 2008 | Filed Under History, Latest News, Statistics

To mark the occasion of the upcoming Life Members and Past Players Day on 14 December [at 11.30 am], the club has drafted profiles of our life members to record their achievements and their significant contribution to our club. For further details on our life members please click above. For further details of the Life Members and Past Players Day on 14 December please contact Club Secretary, Dave McLeod on 0409 530 889. Click above to read the in-depth profiles

A

Jamie Andrews (1999)
Jamie ‘Boog’ Andrews was a very talented junior cricketer for the club who went on to have a fine senior career with Fulham as a stylish right-hand batsman and an outstanding fieldsman. A local Fulham Gardens’ lad, after playing in the junior premiership sides of 1981-82 [under 14s] and 1983-84 [under 16s]; Jamie made his senior debut in 1984-85 and his A grade debut the following season at the age of 17. He was thereafter through until his retirement in 1999 a very capable A grade player. Jamie was also a member of the club’s 1989-90 premiership side. On the relatively exceptional occasions when he was not playing A grade he was a dominant performer at B grade level scoring 4 centuries and winning the team batting trophy on 2 occasions – not bad for someone who mainly played A grade! He was also a very good fieldsman and a useful part time bowler [ask him – he will tell you!]. He also loved a ‘good-natured’ chat with his opponents. Off the field, punting and footy were his true loves and it was a sad day as, although popular, when Jamie retired as a player in 1999 he has rarely been seen since at Fulham. He was awarded life membership in 1999.

Robert Ashby
A very significant figure in the history of the Fulham Cricket Club. Rob was President of the club for 20 years from 1980 until 2000, a period of extreme growth, development and challenges for the club. Most significantly, it was Rob’s efforts as an organiser, leader and negotiator for the club that saw it attain its home ground and clubrooms at Collins Reserve in 1981. He was also a very good and stylish batsman who, after joining the club from Mt Gambier in 1973, played in the A grade premiership side of 1973-74 and, after returning from a back injury in the late 1970s, remained a prolific lower grade batsman. His 174 for the D grade in 1985 stood as the club’s highest individual innings score until Kristian Rawlings surpassed it in 2005. Aside from his enormous off-field contribution as club President, Rob is also best known for his highly respected work as Junior Coach of the club between 1978 and 1992 where he produced many fine cricketers for the club. Equally significant is the fact that 12 of his young prodigies went on to become Life Members of the club! Rob is the current patron of the club’s Senior Cricketer of the Year Award.

B

Craig Bignell (1992)
Craig is best known for his off-field endeavours for the club; principally in the capacity of Secretary during much of the 1990s. His reign as Secretary covered two distinct eras in the club’s history: the relatively buoyant years of 1991-94; and the difficult challenges of 1997-2000, when the club’s existence was under threat. He also served as club Treasurer from 1989-92. Craig also co-authored the Club History book [in 1998-99] and was heavily involved in the organisation of the Club’s Centenary Dinner in 2005. He was also a handy cricketer as evidenced by his winning of both the Club’s Senior [1993-94] and Junior [1979-80] Cricketer of the Year Awards; and an ATCA batting award. Principally a solid right-hand top-order batsman, a generally reliable fielder and useful part-time off-break bowler, Craig was a stalwart in Fulham’s B and C grades from his debut in 1977 until his retirement in 2003. Craig was awarded Life Membership in 1992 – at the age of 28; the youngest of the modern era [post 1990] players to be so honoured.

Mike Blackwell
A hard working Secretary and Committee member for the club during the 1970s, Mike was also a more than handy cricketer, making his name as a solid opening batsman and reliable slips fieldsman for the A and B grades through until the mid 1980s. Along with Roger Dugan, Bruce Gepp and Scott Allen, Mike was a product of the fine Fulham junior teams of the late 1960s. He made his A grade debut in 1972-73 and continued to represent the club at that level through until 1982-83. He was runner-up to the club batting award in 1980-81. Mike continued to represent the club at lower grade levels through until he retired in 1987-88 [he was 12th man for the D grade’s premiership win that season]. Mike also served on the Fulham Gardens Sports & Social Club Committee [that administered Collins Reserve] for several years after its inception. After 20 years away from the game Mike has recently returned – as an umpire for the SACA.

Neville Bottger
Just like Dean Scott, Neville was a fine administrator and Committee member for the club for many years. Joining Fulham in the early 1960s through his involvement with the Lockleys Football Club, Neville was a consistent opening batsman and wicketkeeper for the club’s B grade during the 1960s. He retired from playing in the early 1970s [excepting a comeback in 1981-82 for Fulham at the ‘new’ Collins Reserve], but continued to serve the club manfully as joint curator [with his good friend, IJ Ralph] at Lockleys Oval. Neville also served on the Fulham Gardens Sports & Social Club Committee [that administered Collins Reserve] for several years after its inception.

Geoff Brown (2003)
One of the club’s most popular personalities of recent times, Geoffrey Malcolm Brown, or ‘Brownman’ proved to be much more than that. A tireless servant of the club, a hard-hitting middle-order batsman for the A grade and a fine fieldsman [even in his final years he still fielded in the covers; as fellow life member John Villis described him, “the oldest cover fieldsman in Adelaide Turf”], Geoff joined Fulham from West Torrens CC in 1987-88 together with fellow life members, Hortop and Kenelley through their friendship with newly appointed coach Daryl Marshall. Although he made his [fairly forgettable, I might add!!] A grade debut in round one of that season, it was not 7 years subsequent when he finally made his mark as an A grade player in 1994-95. A significant mark it was too; he did sufficiently well with the bat and in the field [together with his off-field work as social secretary] to be awarded the club’s Senior Cricketer of the Year Award. Aside from a three-year stint in Alice Springs, and the occasional game in his latter years in the B grade, he was largely a permanent member of the A grade batting line-up until his retirement from the club in 2006-07. His retirement, it should be added, only came about due to his relocation to Greenock in the Barossa Valley. Otherwise, he would still be playing! He was a member of the management committee from the early 1990s through until his retirement serving long and hard working stints as social secretary and club treasurer respectively. Geoff was awarded life membership in 2003.

C

Milton Curnow
Despite retiring in the mid 1970s, Milton remains the club’s best ever spin bowler. He joined the club in 1957 [with his brother, Tom, who was also a fine cricketer for Fulham] and was a mainstay of the A grade through until his retirement, including captaining the club for several seasons. His flighty leg breaks deceived many an opposition batsman and led to him winning numerous club bowling trophies and an Adelaide & Suburban Cricket Association Award. A very popular personality, Milton still takes an interest in the club’s fortunes and has attended most recent life member functions. Milton was named as a member of the Fulham Cricket Club ‘Team of the Century’ in 2005.

D

Anthony Dignan (2000)
Arguably Fulham’s most consistent batsman of the 1980s and 1990s, Anthony ‘Spider’ Dignan was another to come through the Rob Ashby junior ‘academy’ of the late 1970s. Graduating to seniors in 1981-82, Spider made his A grade debut in 1982-83 and was Fulham’s most consistent batsman through until 1986-87. Through his contact with ex-Fulham coach Gerry O’Dea, Spider moved to Woodville District Club [and played several A grade games] in 1987-88 before spending several years in Berri and Naracoorte due to a work transfer. He returned to Fulham in 1991-92 and maintained his consistency of performance for the A grade [scoring approximately 300 runs each season] through until his ‘official’ retirement in 1997 by which time he had already achieved the milestone of 100 A grade games. Spider was more than just a reliable and determined right-hand batsman, he was also a fine fieldsman [a wonderful catch] and, although many may dispute it, a useful slow bowler [I cannot really call him a spinner!]. Despite his reserved and casual demeanour off the field, on the field he was a tough and aggressive competitor. Spider also served on the management committee and as Treasurer for several seasons and continued to play on an occasional basis through until the early 2000s. Spider was awarded life membership in 2000 and was named as a member of Fulham’s team of the century in 2005.

Dino Dimonte (1993)
Dino gave his all as a player for Fulham’s lower grade sides from 1977-78 through until the mid 1990s. He originally joined Fulham due to the club’s then connection with Lockleys Football Club in February 1978. A number of other Lockleys players such as Geoff Lively, Andy Colsey, Peter Moore and Lyle Stubing were already at Fulham at that time and the two club’s were co-tenants of Lockleys Oval. Dino retired from cricket initially in 1996, before returning again in 1998 and playing one-day cricket for several more seasons. Dino was awarded Life Membership in 1993 of both Fulham and ATCA.

E

Tony Ey (1988)
Another Mt Gambier product, Tony joined the club in 1973 along with his good friend from the ‘Mount’, Rob Ashby. He was a regular A grade batsman and fine fieldsman through until the early 1980s. Thereafter, he had great success as captain of the C grade leading the team to victory in 1983-84 [against Flinders Park] and to a further grand final appearance in 1984-85. Although Tony made some appearances in 1988-89, effectively he ended his career on a high note with a match-winning 64 in the D grade grand final victory of 1987-88. Off the field, he was a Committee member for 15 seasons and Treasurer for 4 seasons; and he is unquestionably the best MC the club has ever had! Tony remains involved in cricket as an umpire with the ATCA. He achieved Life Membership of the club and ATCA in 1988.

F

Family Connections
Fulham’s history features strong contributions by a number of families: the Webb, Tucker, Stanford and Hank families all underpinned the club’s existence up to the 1950s. In more recent history, the Ralph, Rawlings, McAvaney and the Roberts families have been integral contributors to Fulham.

G

William Gardner-Fluck
A mysterious and enigmatic character, Bill joined Fulham at a mature age during the early 1970s and was a useful all-rounder who captained the club’s C grade sides for several seasons. Off the field he joined the Committee and progressed to the position of President prior to Rob Ashby’s ascent to the ‘throne’. Bill was a member of the 1980-81 C grade premiership side and remarkably in 1982-83 at the age of 60, scored a century for the D grade!! Bill retired from playing for the club in 1984 and sadly, has not returned to the club since that time.

Daniel Gates (2007)
Daniel Gates has been Fulham’s A grade wicketkeeper since 1996-97, playing over 100 A grade games and improving with each season he has played. His career with Fulham can be seen as 2 distinct phases; the period prior to 1996 and the period after. Dan was a Fulham junior who progressed to seniors in 1988-89, impressing mainly as an aggressive, but inconsistent, right-hand batsman and useful wicket-keeper. Dan played mainly lower grades through until 1996, winning the occasional team batting trophy along the way and while his keeping was useful for lower grades did not suggest he would make it to A level in that capacity. [He also bowled some medium pacers occasionally – he took a C grade hat-trick; believe it or not!!!] In season 1996-97, with the unavailability of regular keepers Steve ‘Snakes’ Moore, Geoffrey Malcolm Brown and Andrew ‘Darth’ Brader, new coach John Foley took a punt on Dan and promoted him to the A grade. Aside from part of season 1998-99 [when Paul Petherbridge took the gloves], he has never looked back and has been Fulham’s A grade keeper for over 10 seasons. In 2006-07, Dan won an ATCA wicket-keeping trophy to re-affirm his proficiency with the gloves. In true Lee Harradine style, Dan has perfected the ‘standing up to the stumps’ keeping to the pace bowlers - pulling off many exceptionally good leg-side stumpings. Dan remains A grade keeper and was awarded life membership in 2007.

Bruce Gepp (1990)
Arguably the fastest bowler in the club’s history, Bruce terrorised opposing batsman for Fulham from his debut in the early 1970s through until his retirement in the late 1980s. After taking 17 wickets in his A grade debut season of 1974-75, he then followed with 31 wickets in 1975-76, including a 10-wicket match haul against SPOC and thereafter, he was one of the club’s most consistent wicket takers. He won 4 A grade bowling awards and 2 B grade bowling awards [and if he did not win them there is every likelihood he was runner-up] during this period and was a mainstay of the Fulham attack. As a batsman – he made a very good bowler! He rarely batted anywhere other than position 11 - for good reason. Off the field, he was a committee member and social secretary for the club and, it is fair to say, his ‘humorous’ off field ‘antics’ amused most of his team mates during that era. Bruce was awarded Life Membership in 1990.

H

David Hamdorf (1995)
David Hamdorf represented Fulham off and on for almost 30 years as a determined right-hand batsman and wrist-spinner or in latter years, wicket-keeper. Dave initially joined Fulham in 1976 through a teaching connection with another Life Member, Ian Hodder and for his first 10 or so seasons was a spin-bowling all-rounder for the B grade. Thereafter, excepting a brief stint with Para Hills Cricket Club, Dave was a wicket-keeper batsman for the Bs and Cs through until the mid 2000s. While his keeping was also solid, his team mates could always count on the fact that with the bat Dave would not give up his wicket without a fight! In 1994-95, Dave was awarded a Life Members’ Special Achievement to acknowledge an innings where as opener he batted through an entire innings to guide his team to victory. Dave retired in 2005. He was awarded Life Membership in 1994.

Lee Harradine
The most significant figure in the history of the Fulham Cricket Club. Lee joined Fulham in 1963 and after a debut season in the B grade progressed to A grade as wicket-keeper and batsman and stayed there for a phenomenal 18 seasons. He continued to represent the club at A or B grade levels through until the early 1990s [his last A Grade game was in 1994!]. Lee also represented with the Adelaide & Suburban Cricket Association prior to Fulham’s move to ATCA in the early 1970s. Aside from being the best wicket-keeper the club has ever had, Lee was also an excellent captain and a successful coach of the club, leading it to its last A grade Premiership in 1989-90. Off the field, he was a consistent member of the Club’s management committee and held the offices of both Chairman and President. Lee was named as Coach and wicket-keeper for the Fulham Cricket Club ‘Team of the Century’ in 2005. He was the first ‘Fulhamite’ to be awarded a 25-year certificate from ATCA and in 2008 he was awarded a Cricket Australia 50-year service award for his contribution to the game. Lee retired ‘officially’ from playing in 1996 [but he still made the occasional appearance thereafter] and he remains involved with the club in the position of Club Patron. Lee is also a life member of West Adelaide Football Club demonstrating the devoted service he has given to both clubs.

Ian Hodder (2008)
Ian Hodder was a mainstay of Fulham’s A grade bowling attack from the mid 1970s through until the early 1980s. A fine medium-fast bowler and a more than capable lower order batsman, Ian is also recognised as one of the finest fieldsman to ever represent the club. Hailing originally from Ballarat in Victoria, Ian joined Fulham upon the dissolution of the former Henley Cricket Club in 1976. Ian was a consistent wicket-taker for the A grade taking 164 wickets in 64 games at an average of 14 runs per wicket with a best season tally of 37 wickets in his Senior Cricketer of the Year season of 1978-89. It was fitting that Ian’s career at Fulham ended with a ‘man of the match’ performance [he took 7/25] for the C grade in their 1983-84 premiership victory over Flinders Park. Ian played lower grades occasionally thereafter in the seasons that followed but remains a strong supporter of the club through to the present day. Ian was awarded life membership in 2008.

Darren Hortop (2001)
In many ways the career of Darren ‘Beeper’ Hortop at the Fulham Cricket Club mirrors that of his good friend Rob Lukosius in that both started around the same time [1987-88 for Hortop; 1986-87 for Lukosius]; both spent several years between A and B grades before finally realising their potential in 1991-92 [neither has played in any other grade really since]; both have played almost 200 A grade games and both are still playing. The important distinction is that while Rob is probably the club’s best bowler of the modern era, Darren is most likely the best batsman. Darren originally arrived at Fulham from Port Adelaide CC with new coach Daryl Marshall in 1987-88 and impressed as a stylish left-hand opening batsman and reliable fieldsman. Although a regular member of the A grade from the outset, he emerged in 1991-92 to win his first A grade batting trophy. This was followed by wins in 1992-93 [769 runs!] and 1993-94 [576 runs!] and he continued to be a steadily accumulator in the years that followed. He has won the Cricketer of the Year Award on several occasions. In recognition of his fine form in the early 1990s, Darren became just the 2nd Fulham player [after Paul Roberts] to earn ATCA senior selection in 1994-95. Darren is a popular figure and has been A grade captain for several seasons over his career and is the current captain of the club. Off the field, Darren has been a regular member of management committee and his work with the juniors [together with J Villis] was crucial in the resurrection of the club in the 2000s. Beeper was awarded life membership in 2001 and was named a member of Fulham’s team of the century in 2005.

K

Scott Kenelley (2001)
Scott ‘Coco’ Kenelley was another of Daryl Marshall’s 1987-88 recruits who went on to become a fine servant of the Fulham Cricket Club and a life member [together with D J Hortop and G M Brown – see separate entries for both players]. Scott was recruited from Glenelg Cricket Club and he made an early mark at Fulham as a steady right-arm pace bowler and [extraordinarily] stylish lower batsman. He was a regular member of the A grade side for 10 seasons through until 1996-97, including being a member of the 1989-90 premiership and 1992-93 grand final sides. From 1997-98 onwards he became a stalwart member of the B grade winning several bowling awards, including being captain from 2001-2004. In one spectacular 8 day period in 2003, he took 9 wickets in an innings on one Saturday and then made a century the following week! Not surprisingly, he was Senior Cricketer of the Year that season. Coco, a very reserved character but a popular member of the club, also assisted heavily with pitch preparation in the early 2000s. He was awarded life membership in 2001 and yes, he still plays.

L

Peter Lewis (2003)
Peter Lewis’ playing career at Fulham was cut terribly short due to a back injury in the late 1970s that saw him never ‘don the whites’ for the club again. Despite his brief playing career he went on to become a strong off-field worker and supporter of the club through to this present day and his short playing career was so significant he is rated as one of the best pace bowlers the club ever had. ‘Chesty’ was a former West Torrens and Port Adelaide cricketer who joined Fulham in 1975-76 and in his debut season took a club record 55 wickets and led the club to a grand final appearance. Injury and illness saw him relinquish the captaincy after just 2 seasons and thereafter he played on a sporadic basis until he left Adelaide to run a motel in Victor Harbor in 1982. His off-field contribution as a member of the Committee over this 7 year period was significant however and his fund-raising prowess for the club was unmatched. Following his move to ‘Victor’ he remains a sponsor, patron and strong supporter of the club to this day. Peter was awarded life membership in 2003.

Stuart Long (2005)
A dashing right hand batsman and agile fieldsman, Stu [or ‘Schlongy’] represented Fulham and ATCA at junior levels before progressing to seniors in 1989-90. He made his A grade debut in 1993-94 and he has represented the club regularly over the years at that level [particularly between 1997-2001] playing some important innings. However, it is mainly at B grade level that he has had his greatest impact. He has been a dominant and consistent batsman at B grade level for the club for many years winning numerous team batting trophies [particularly in the post Stavrides era from 2001 onwards] and an ATCA B2 batting award in 1994-95. To this day, after almost 20 seasons at senior level for the club he remains a key member of the club’s senior sides. Off the field, he is the current club treasurer and a committee member. He is also the best dancer among the recent era of Fulham players!! Stuart was awarded life membership in 2005.

Rob Lukosius (2000)
Arguably Fulham’s best bowler of the modern era, Rob Lukosius was a gifted junior sportsman whose main sporting love was football. A local product from Fulham [suburb], Rob joined as junior in 1982-83 and progressed to senior ranks with the club in 1986-87, showing real potential as a fast bowler and aggressive lower order batsman. He made his A grade debut the following season and from 1991-92 onwards has not played in any other grade for the club – a remarkable achievement. For much of his early career it should be noted that he was combining a football career with SANFL club, West Torrens Woodville Eagles [and then Henley Football Club] with cricket during the summer. Season 1997-98 saw Rob ‘step up’ as both a player and off-field leader for the club. The popular Luko dominated the A grade awards that season and for the seasons that followed winning numerous bowling, all-rounder and the prestigious Rob Ashby ‘Senior Cricketer of the Year’ awards. While the sharp pace may have been lost from his bowling he has maintained his remarkable consistency and his unquestioned stamina and determination. For several seasons his much talked about batting abilities [mainly by him!!] finally came to the fore! He even managed to make an A grade century along the way! Off the field, his physical contribution to the club has been enormous as pitch-maker; handyman; bar manager and management committee member. The club could easily have disappeared if it was not for Luko’s efforts. And, although he retired in 2007, he is still playing A grade for the club and is closing in on 200 A grade games. Luko was awarded life membership in 2000 and was named a member of Fulham’s team of the century in 2005.

M

Owen Martin (2005)
Fulham lost its last link with its pre-1950s history when Owen Martin sadly passed away in early 2008. Owen had not had contact with the Fulham Cricket Club for almost 60 years when, in early 2005, he responded to an advertisement or announcement concerning the club’s upcoming Centenary Dinner. Owen was a fine footballer for North Adelaide and SA [he captained SA; his tribute in the Advertiser at the time of his passing was given by Barrie Robran suggesting Owen was a more than useful footballer!!!] in the 1930s and 1940s. Through a work contact he ended up playing cricket for Fulham during the mid 1930s and early 1940s where he was a pace bowler and an aggressive late order batsman. In 2005, prior to the February Centenary Dinner, the club awarded Owen life membership of the Club.

Peter May (1994)
Peter ‘Zulu’ May came to Fulham as part of the 1978-79 resurrection of junior cricket along with Mark Stavrides, Eddie Collins, David Morrison, Andrew ‘Jock’ Philcox and a whole bunch of other Kidman Park High School students who formed the basis of the side under skipper Michael Morgan [ironically, Peter at that time attended St Michaels College]. An aggressive top-order batsman and fine fieldsman, Peter played in the C’s 1980-81 premiership side and progressed to A grade in 1981-82 and stayed there for most of the 1980s. During the 1990s, he played sporadically due to a combination of Saturday work and injury problems. Despite the decline in his playing opportunities, Peter was a member of the club’s management committee for many years and in 1994-95 was club secretary. Peter made some occasional performances again as a player in the late 1990s. Peter was awarded Life Membership in 1994.

David McLeod
Former Grange player, Andrew Pierson coached Fulham in 1982-83. Whilst the year did not produce memorable results, one tangible legacy from Pierson’s year remains with Fulham to this day. One of Pierson’s recruits – a keen young local lad who played cricket in the neighbourhood - remains with Fulham after 25 years service: David McLeod. In his own words, ”he has been one of the greatest cricketers ever to don the whites at Fulham” and do you know what – he is probably right. Dave has lasted for 25 years with the club, the vast majority of which as an A or B grader and has done well over that period as both a pace bowler [ATCA B2 bowling award] and as a batsman [scoring centuries in both 2006-07 and 2007-08.] Following his vital contribution as a deft pace bowler to the C grade premiership in 1983-84, Dave made his A grade debut the following season and stayed there until 1989. In 1989-90 he led the B grade and had a tremendous season winning the ATCA bowling award with 40 wickets. Over the next 17 or so seasons his career has swung between A and B grades – principally as a batsman. His longevity of service, together with the consistency of his performance, warrants his mention as one of our best ever players. Dave was a member of the management committee for many seasons and this season took the plunge into the position of club secretary. He was awarded life membership in 1999. He still plays…

O

Grant Ogden (2002)
Grant ‘Oggy’ Ogden came to Fulham following the demise of the Post-Tel Cricket Club in 1986-87. A popular personality and an adventurous [to say the least] right-hand opening batsman, Oggy, after a fairly mediocre debut season, rose through the ranks in his second season [1987-88] from the club’s lower grades to being a member of the B grade semi-final side, scoring over 400 runs for the season and being awarded the Club’s Senior Cricketer of the Year Award. His consistent, albeit unorthodox, run-making continued through 1988-89 [where he made his A grade debut] and into 1989-90 where he was a member of the club’s 1989-90 A grade premiership side. A regular member of the A and B grades thereafter, he also won the B grade batting award in 1992-93 and scored over 400 runs for the Bs in their minor premiership year of 1993-94. After a break of several seasons in the mid 1990s, Oggy returned as player for the club in 1998 and played for several seasons further, including winning another B grade batting trophy in 2000-01. Grant was awarded Life Membership in 2002.

P

Paul Petherbridge (2006)
A former Woodville Rechabites’ junior, Paul ‘Pethers’ Petherbridge came to Fulham in 1991-92 through his Torrens Island work association with Paul Roberts and 18 seasons later he remains with the club. A tenacious and determined wicket-keeper and solid [although occasionally he can be very entertaining!] right hand batsman, Paul was a regular member of the club’s lower grade teams through until the mid 1990s where thereafter he was the club’s B grade keeper for the better part of the next 10 seasons [sharing the job in latter years with fellow life member Dave Hamdorf]. His best season came in 1998-99, when after a pre-Christmas ‘purple patch of form’ with the bat for the B grade he was promoted to the A grade. Paul played as keeper for the A grade in the second half of the season including a [drawn] semi-final with Modbury. He played a further 4 A grade games in 1999-2000 and a final sole A grade appearance in 2000-01. [That sole appearance was memorable though; he took 3/20 bowling spinners!!] A popular but reserved figure, in more recent seasons ‘Pethers’ has continued to represent the club at B and C grade levels as a specialist batsman and remains a key part of the social scene of the club. Paul was awarded life membership in 2006.

R

Ian Ralph
The greatest wicket taker in the club’s history, ‘IJ’ was a clever and incredibly consistent medium pacer [and then in latter years, slow bowler] for the club from his debut in 1963 until his retirement in 1990. He took 200 A grade wickets; over 300 B grade wickets and a significant number of lower grade wickets beyond that! He was a key member of the club’s first ATCA A grade premiership team in 1973-74 and won numerous bowling awards for the club. While he is best known as a bowler for the club, one of his favourite games for the club would be the B grade game against Post-Tel in 1984 when he ‘belted’ a century [he is not shy on reminding his youngest son, Glen – a useful cricketer, but one who has yet to make a century in his career at Fulham or now in Darwin - of this fact either!!] Ian’s sterling off field contribution matches or even surpasses his on-field efforts. He worked tirelessly for the club as Committee member, curator, social secretary, fundraiser and handyman. Aside from Glen, Ian’s eldest son Brett also represented the club during the 1970s and 80s.

Greg Ranger (1993)
A tough competitor, Greg made his name as a dour opening batsman for the A grade from 1979 through until 1991. A former Brighton and Glenelg player, Greg initially joined the club in 1978-79 through his contact with fellow SAPOL colleague and Fulham player, Kevin Hunt. Renowned for his dogged determination, Greg won A grade batting awards in 1981-82 and 1983-84 and was a permanent member of the A grade prior to suffering a knee injury as a result of a motorcycle crash in 1987. Greg continued to represent the club with distinction through until his retirement in 1993-94. In his younger days, prior to his knee injury, he was also a lively pace bowler. Greg was awarded Life Membership in 1993 of both Fulham and ATCA.

Kristian Rawlings (2004)
After a highly decorated junior cricket career with Fulham under coach Rob Ashby, Kristian progressed to seniors in 1991-92 and debuted directly in the A grade; such was the extent of his talent. Effectively, he stayed there for the remainder of his senior career at Fulham [excepting his most recent years where he captained the B grade and played with the Cs]. A gifted right handed batsman and left arm bowler [either spin or pace] he was also one of the club’s best fieldsman of the modern era. While he may not have been the most consistent of batsman, he was spectacularly good when ‘on song’ and won the numerous awards including the A grade batting award in 1998-99; scoring several A grade centuries; he holds the record for highest innings score [184] and represented ATCA at under 23s and junior levels. From 1997-2001, Kristian captained the club through an era that was to prove to be one of the more difficult in the club’s history [he was 21 when he was first appointed captain]. Due to physical concerns, he stepped back from A grade in 2004 and captained the B grade to a grand final. In 2007-08, his batting led Fulham’s C grade to a premiership victory in a tight grand final win over Grange. Kristian is currently non-playing coach of the Club and was for several seasons, Club Chairman. In addition to Kristian, the Rawlings family have been big supporters of the club with father, Peter, a club patron, and brother, Damien, a popular figure and player for club in the mid 1990s [and occasionally thereafter when back from the UK]. Kris was awarded life membership in 2004.

Wayne Riches (1994)
A local product from Underdale High School and West Torrens Cricket Club, Wayne originally joined Fulham in 1975-76 through his friendship with the Waller brothers [Trevor and Brendan] and immediately made an impact at higher grades as a hard-hitting right hand batsman and clever medium pace bowler. Excepting a short stint away from the club in the early 1980s, Wayne continued to serve the club well through until his retirement in 1989. His latter years were unfortunately impaired by health considerations which affected his athleticism and resulted in him reverting to being a full-time spin bowler; something he continued to do with the same genuine deftness that had been demonstrated in his other cricketing abilities. Wayne was a consistent member of the management committee of the club during his playing days and was awarded Life Membership in 1994.

Alan Roberts (2004)
The father of Paul and grandfather of William, Alan [or ‘Al’ or ‘Doc’] first became involved with the club in 1978-79 when he was team manager for the club’s newly formed Under 14s side [captained by Paul]. When Paul returned to the club in 1986, Fulham did not just acquire a fantastically talented cricketer – they also were extremely fortunate to acquire the services of very hard-working and loyal worker in Alan. He filled many roles around the club – pitch maker; maintenance man; oval curator; bar manager; mower and roller mechanic and patron. The contribution and support of the club by the Roberts family – Paul and Alan; Paul’s wife Jane [a committee member in the mid 1990s and secretary in 1995-96]; Alan’s wife Pat and the Roberts children, including William who now plays seniors for Fulham, has been enormous. Al was awarded life membership in 2004. [By the way, Alan did play for Fulham. In the late 1970s, the junior manager was allowed to bat. Alan did so and hit one poor youngster for a six over square leg!!!]

Paul Roberts (1998)
Most likely the best player in the club’s history, Paul ‘Polly’ Roberts has won every award the Fulham Cricket Club offers; he also is the only Fulham player to have won ATCA ‘cricketer of the year’ awards and, along with good friend, Darren ‘Beeper’ Hortop, is the only Fulham player to have represented the ATCA senior side. Paul was originally a Fulham junior, captaining the club’s Under 14 side in 1978-79. After a further year at junior level, Paul left Fulham and, after stints at West Torrens and then Alberton United, did not return to the club until 1986-87. The powerful right-hand batsman and extremely quick pace bowler who in late 1986 ventured out shyly for a game at the insistence of fellow Lockleys Hotel patron, Fulham player and friend Neil ‘Lippy’ Lyon was unrecognisable to the stocky young teenager who had left the club years 7 earlier!!! From this time through until his [first] ‘retirement’ in 1996-97 [he resumed in 1998-99], Paul was a dominant figure in the club’s playing fortunes winning numerous Cricketer of the Year; batting; bowling and club all-rounder awards and a key member of the club’s 1989-90 premiership side. He represented the ATCA in both 1990-91 and 1992-93; also captaining the side in this latter occasion. He was also captain-coach and captain of the club at various times. Paul also played a season of SACA district cricket with Port Adelaide CC in 1993-94 – where he was also captain. In among his many achievements, along with ‘Spider’ Dignan, he is one of the very few Fulham players to have progressed to SACA District cricket at A grade. Paul has been a member of management committee for many years and is currently President of the club. His family have also been heavily involved with Fulham over the years and strong supporters including his wife, ‘Miss’ Jane [also being club secretary in 1995-96], his parents Pat and Alan [his father being also a life member] and his children, including son William who now plays seniors for the club. Paul’s name is synonymous with the Fulham Cricket Club. He was awarded Life Membership in 1998 and a member of the Club’s Team of the Century in 2005.

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Dean Scott
Hard working and long serving Secretary of the club for over 15 years from the early 1960s. Dean was also a more than handy cricketer who, aside from being a useful medium pacer [with a somewhat round-arm action], was also a hard-hitting batsman who represented the club at A and B grade levels through from 1961 until the early 1970s. He captained the B grade for several seasons and was integral to the formation of junior teams at Fulham in the late 1960s. Aside from his service to the Fulham Cricket Club, Dean was a long serving member of the Lockleys Oval Trust overseeing the development of Lockleys Oval.

Martin Skully (2006)
A capable batsman and safe fielder, Martin ‘Skulls’ Skully is as loyal a clubman as Fulham has ever produced. ‘Skulls’ commenced with Fulham in Under 14s in 1986-87 and, aside from a stint in the UK between 1998 and 2000, has represented the club since. A member of the club’s 1989-90 under 16s premiership side, Skulls progressed to seniors in 1990-91 and performed well at lower grade levels as a medium pace bowler [hard to believe these days] and an adventurous and aggressive batsman [easy to believe!] ‘Skulls’ made his A grade debut for the club in 1993-94 and played mainly at B grade level through until 1997-98, where, with the advent of one-day cricket, he formed a Fulham side comprised principally of Entech work-mates and Henley footballers. [The club has continued to field one-day sides to this day.] After this season Skulls worked and lived in the UK for several years. Skulls returned from overseas in 2000 and after some more seasons at one-day level, he resumed with the B grade in 2001-02 and has played regularly at that level since [including being a member of the 2004-05 grand final side]. In 2008-09, after some good early season form with the bat, Skulls has returned to A grade level. Skulls has served the club as social secretary on occasion and similar to Petherbridge [above] is a key part of the social fabric of the club. Fulham would not be the same without him. Martin was awarded life membership of the club in 2006.

Mark Stavrides (1998)
Mark ‘Stav’ Stavrides was a talented junior footballer with West Adelaide Football Club when he first arrived at Fulham as a junior in 1978 – and cricket was definitely his second sporting love. A severe knee injury several years’ subsequent changed all that and Stav ended up representing the Fulham Cricket Club with distinction as a hard-hitting batsman, medium pace bowler and outstanding fieldsman for the next twenty years. From the mid 1980s through until the mid 1990s Stav was a regular member of the A grade [excepting when overseas on holiday], playing in both the club’s winning [1989-90] and losing grand finals [1992-93] during that period. In his latter years he was a popular captain of the B grade and excelled personally with both bat [winning team and ATCA batting awards] and ball [team bowling trophy winner, 1996-97] before retiring in 1999. During all this period, Stav was a keen and hard-working member of the management committee; often filling the difficult social secretary role. Although he retired initially in 1999, Stav resumed in 2004-05 to play in the club’s centenary season. He was awarded Life Membership in 1998.

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Cliff Theiley OAM
Cliff, who served in the RAAF in the Second World War, was a fine player and life member of the Commonwealth Bank CC before joining Fulham when he fortuitously moved into the local area in 1961. he joined Fulham in the same season and the following year was appointed Chairman – a role he filled with distinction for the next 16 seasons during a period when the club prospered. Cliff was also a coach and manager of the Club’s junior teams in the late 1960s and despite Fulham’s shift from Adelaide & Suburban Cricket Association to ATCA in the early 1970s, Cliff remained a Vice-president, Patron and Committee member of A&SCA until the late 1990s. He was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 1999.

Keith Tilley
Arguably one of the greatest players in the club’s history, Keith dominated the club’s batting performances [and awards] for the period from 1954 [when he joined from East Torrens CC] through until the early 1970s. What he lacked in batting technique or style he made up for in consistent run accumulation through his aggressive approach and over his career he made more than 7000 A grades runs for the club – several thousand more than any other Fulham player. He was also an excellent captain, a 6-time premiership player, a fine fieldsman and a handy part-time bowler who picked up over 100 A grade wickets. Beyond his playing contribution he was also a regular member of the Committee and a key organiser of fund raising. It is fair to say Keith made an enormous contribution to the club. He retired as a player in 1982. In 2005, he was named in the Fulham Cricket Club ‘Team of the Century’.

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John Villis (2002)
John Villis was a fine left arm pace bowler for the club through from the late 1980s until 2002. The Fulham Cricket Club has been fortunate to have had the services of a number of fine secretaries over its recent history: Keith Webb, Dean Scott, Mike Blackwell, Ian Ralph, Trevor Waller and Craig Bignell [among many others] all served the club well in this role. John ‘Sif’ Villis ranks up there among the best of them. He has served the club in this capacity from 2000 to 2008 and he has done an excellent job to revive the club’s fortunes through the return of junior cricket. A popular figure, he was also a very good cricketer for the club. Coming through from Fulham’s juniors in 1987-88, he made his A grade debut in 1988-89 and immediately made an impact as a left-arm pace bowler and lower order left-hand batsman. He suffered a back injury in 1989-90 that meant he missed playing in the club’s A grade premiership, but fortunately he returned the following season [1990-91] showing arguably his best form. Following several seasons with Woodville Cricket Club, John returned to Fulham in 1993-94 and was a consistent performer for the A and B grade sides through until the early 2000s winning an A grade bowling award and Senior Cricketer of the Year award. Off the field, aside from being club secretary, John was treasurer from 1995-2000. He still plays occasionally. John was awarded life membership in 2002.

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Trevor Waller (1990)
A naturally talented batsman and wicketkeeper, Trevor made his debut for the A grade in 1973-74, but it is fair to say that despite his obvious ability it was not until the late 1970s when his cricketing career blossomed. He won the first of his 3 Senior Cricketer of the Year Awards in 1979-80 – followed by wins in 1985-86 and 1989-90 [more on that one in a moment]. He also won club batting trophies in those 3 seasons plus 1987-88. The highlight of his career would be his wonderful performances in 1989-90 when he scored 686 runs, including 3 centuries [all after Christmas] and playing a crucial role in the club’s premiership victory. Off the field, Trevor was a fine Secretary for the club for 6 seasons; and additionally was Treasurer for 4 years. In addition he his strong contribution it is worth recording that his wife Linda was team scorer for the A grade for 8 seasons. Trevor was award Life Membership in 1990. He retired from playing in 1990-91.

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Syd Yates
A fine all-round cricketer during the 1960s for the club, Syd originally worked and played cricket for Actil before moving into the Lockleys area and joining Fulham in 1962. In the early 1960s, such was his ability, Syd opened the batting and bowling on occasions for our A grade. He made regular A grade appearances for the club until the early 1970s, but continued to play at lower grade level through until retiring in the late 1970s. After retiring he maintained a close interest in the club.

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