(By Kevin Darcy)
This writer was chatting to a well respected older chap in the Donald sporting scene over a beer, when he showed me a photo of the 1951 Donald and  District Cricket Association team that played the Bendigo Country Week. Of this team he was the only person still with us. 

In researching this column’s content, I had the pleasure of chatting with well known cricket identities in the Letts, Bayles, Griffiths, Wright, Guthrie, Brown, Dunstan, Burton, and McEwen clans. Every club had a story to tell, mostly funny, some a tad blue, but all very honest and from the hearts, supported by their love of cricket in the Donald district.

Cricket was never this writer’s favourite sport, being  scarred during my school days, being bowled by a Jim Jess searing yorker, and dodging Sarteschi beanballs (he had a run up longer than the  North Melbourne full-forward’s).

Then it was being demoted to squatting behind holding up a very dodgy tin sheet wicket, dodging many full tosses and with bean balls whistling over my head. 

Finally spitting the dummy, Michael Sheridan and I adjourned to the tank stand to play marbles, cursing everyone. 

Mother Paul then dished out four cuts on each hand for abusing Jess and Sarteschi. What a mug’s game!

Moving On
Quickly moving on, watching this great game on the ABC with Norman May, Jim Maxwell and Frank “Typhoon” Tyson became a summer habit. No DRS then. Watching cricket live whether it be local, national or international, at such venues as the Donald oval, Jeffcott oval, Rich Avon, Litchfield, MCG, Punt Road, SCG and Adelaide Oval every January long weekend.

Donald Cricket Association’s teams in the 1950/’60s consisted of Rich Avon, Litchfield, Cope Cope, Watchem Corack, Granite Flat, Jeffcott, RSL. and ANA., with such names as Dunstan, Burchell, Adams, Brennan, Slater, Bish, McEwen, Burton, Onley, Alan Osmond, Brown, Wells, McConville and Green.

This era was very competitive, played on dust bowls, matting and other various pitches.

It was truly a great time for locals, farmers, sometimes out of towners to  put on their whites, drive, walk, ride to the respective venues, play cricket at  around 2 p.m., enjoy sandwiches, cakes, and a cuppa, then complete the game usually finishing around 6 p.m. on late Saturday afternoon.

ANA cricketers would adjourn to the Grand Central  Hotel, where 11 to 15 beers were lined up for all of the players, and at the Jeffcott Hotel, players from other sides would meet,  laugh, wait for results of all games, then choof off home — but not all, of course.

This writer has clear memories of working at the Jeffcott. The top corner  of the bar would be taken up by the Davidson boys, Graeme, Davy, Les, Shorty and  Ray (“Shags”), just enjoying it all, and, of course, many animated chats on any subject.

Granite Flat
Sitting with Ian McEwen in his lounge room on a Friday afternoon, overlooking  the river, was a great place to chat about the history of Granite Flat Cricket Club.

The history of the Bish and McEwen families was involved with the same cricket club. (Apologies to “Snowy” Landwehr for scaring her while on the home saw building a bird cage. This writer wandering in the wrong back yard — we both survived, just!)

Today, Ian is well known as a lawn bowler. Before this, his family was the backbone of the Granite Flat cricket side. Granite Flat was formed in the 1920s, between the two World Wars. 

The team consisted of the Ower, Bish, McEwen and Pink families. The Patterson family, which also residing in the area, had five daughters, and they all married fellas from the cricket team, so lots of relations.

The first Granite Flat games were played on McKenna’s land near Chirrup Swamp, with a matting pitch and a huge tree on the field. Mystery surrounds how holes were dug in the pitch — the venue was then moved to property owned by the Mulquiny family, near the pine forrest, and not far from the local church.

The pitch was matting and was kept in an old shearer’s box. Every  Saturday, while the men played cricket, the ladies enjoyed tennis on two clay courts, a shared shed supplied afternoon tea for all during the day.

Granite Flat won the “B grade” competition in the 1940/’50s, but was unable to  achieve great success in the “A” grade competition.

The best Granite Flat cricketer to come from this era was Robert Ower. Other greats were Bill Ower, John Ower, Bill McEwen, Howard and Gordon Bish.

In the ’70s, Granite first amalgamated with Jeffcott then Charlton.

Ian also rated Terry Green as the best batsman he had bowled to. In three innings at Granite Flat, Terry made a century, a double century and a 250.

In one of these innings, Terry took 37 off one of Ian’s  overs — he clarified that it was then an eight ball over. Yes, Terry could play!

Jeffcott
Jeffcott Cricket Club history prior to 2000 was by far the hardest to delve into, simply because most of the conspirators are no longer with us.

Needless to say that Jeffcott first played near the mount, then at the venue near the Jeffcott Hall, till finally moving to its current facility, which had originally had been described as a “clay pan”, was levelled out each match day by a  tractor dragging wire over the pitch.

Jeffcott was certainly a social club more than a competitive club in the early days.

In the 1960s, the godfather of Jeffcott, Frank Brennan, headed a committee to move  the Jeffcott  pitch from the hall venue into Donald – this decision saved the club.

By doing this, Jeffcott was able to recruit John Guild, Davy Davidson, and, with  astute administrators in place (Greg Goldsmith, Maurie Morgan, Paul “Spider” Mathers and Kelvin Clark), Jeffcott slowly became a power in the late ’80/’90s.

Five-a-Side
Without doubt one of Jeffcott’s greatest achievements was the establishment in the mid-1980s of the Five-a-Side knockout competition, held during the long week-end in  Janurary – up to 40 teams played in this successful tournament from all parts of regional Victoria. 

Today Jeffcott plays at a first class facility, across from the Donald Football Club  ground. Well done all — a just award for all the hard work over the years.

Great Jeffcott players from this era were Glenn “Penna” Wright, Davy Davidson, John Guild, Geoff “Little Cods” Whiting and Bobby Smith.

One story that should be shared is that, little be known, Godfather Brennan had a  somewhat short fuse when playing.

On one hot afternoon, Frank was bowling to John Hendry. First ball went over the fence. Frank kicks the dirt, voicing a few obsenities. Second ball, much the same, over the fence – Frank wasn’t happy. Third ball, again over the fence. Frank loses it, while someone close to the wicket says to Frank — “Is that your first “hat trick?” Needless to say, there was much swearing and then  laughter . . . possibly not.

Finally, Jeffcott’s proudest day has to be winning the 1993 premiership, defeating  Services, which made 321 and Jeffcott chased it down, “Penna” Wright top scoring with 87. Sources say that this was one of the greatest final games and run chase in Donald Association’s history, as this was a wonderful, red hot Services’ side.

Litchfield
One of the most difficult source of information to nail down was Andy (“Senator”) Griffiths. In between Andy roller blading on the Torquay paths along the beach, and then having a daily body surf, and finally teeing off at the exclusive golf club, it took 2 to 3 days to track the him down.

Litchfield Carron was formed in the 1960s, which then became Litchfield Watchem in the early ’70s, winning flags 1973, 1975 and 1985, then finishing up as a club  in 1989.

Litchfield’s first pitch was out the Warracknabeal Road, with a carpet and malthoid  pitch. Alongside the pitch were tennis courts, and again sheds for afternoon tea.

For a short time, Litchfield relocated into the Monty Burton Oval, playing on an artificial grass top, which proved to be a disaster, until finally moving to the Watchem ground, again with a malthoid pitch.

There were a couple of stories floating around regarding how the Monty Burton Oval was named. Legend has it that Cr. Russ Reseigh actually blindsided Cr. Allan (“Darky”) Dunstan to make this happen during a council meeting. Needless to say that  would have been very  difficult, trust me, this writer knows. I tried to obtain confirmation of this fact from, first of all, Ronald Dunstan in Queensland. All Ronald would waffle on about was how 2021 would be the year of the Lions. And after asking Robert “Ruby” Reseigh, well I just gave up, if you get the drift.

Litchfield/Carron/Watchem had many great local cricketers, mainly families, it must be said – Westerland, Loats, Green, John Arnel, and, of course, Bruce “Dunny  Brush” Dunn.

Yes, when it comes to sport, Litchfield has supplied so so so many great sportsman in football, cricket and tennis. Without a doubt the most recognised of all would be Jack Melican — a true local sporting legend!

Rich Avon
Chris Guthrie, now there is a hard-working man. Getting together over the phone  after a long day on the tractor, he was able to stay awake long enough to talk about his great club, Rich Avon. 

Chris, like his Dad, is a very passionate fellow, and has so much love for this cricket club.

Formed in the late 1920s, Rich Avon had one side till 1990, which then became two  sides, until finally, in 2003, it merged with Services.

All games were always played at Guthrie Park on either malthoid or carpet.

Questioned why Bob Grewar and David Morgan played for Services in their early  days, Chris pointed out that Bob and David were long term mates and used to drive every training night past Guthrie Park until it all became too hard, and they moved  to Rich Avon.

Highlights
Two highlights in Rich Avon’s great history are Bob Geddes making his last  century when he was 60-plus; and there was a T20 game held at the oval in the early 2000s  between Rich Avon/Marnoo playing a Vic Country Eleven, all funds going to a local farmer, Tim Crowe, who lost his eyesight. The game raised $30,000.

Again, like Litchfield, Rich Avon’s great players were families – Morgan, Guthrie, Flett, Boak, Geddes, Bibby, Hancock and, of course, the Burchells, the pick of them being John, who played for Vic Country, and against a team visiting from England.

A page of Rich Avon’s minutes appeared in front of me, the names of Wayne “Think  About It” Jones, Derek “Winds are Not Right” Bibby, John “Chainsaw” Adams and Robert “Tumbles” Adams did take my eye — fitting, I suspect.

Cope Cope
Having grown up with the Dunstan boys, John, David and Ronald, this writer would go out to Cope Cope during holidays and “help” on the farm, once being involved in an incident when Cr. Dunstan upended his truck full of wheat outside the Leeder farm, with the boys on board, then pinching lollies at the Dunstans’ Cope Cope general store.

Sitting with David and talking about his beloved Services Cricket Club was indeed a joy.

Services was formed after the Second World War, and when Cope Cope finished, the two clubs merged. 

In the early days, Services was not a successful club, and took a while to become a force to join Litchfield, Rich Avon and, of course, ANA.

Services first played on the Jeffcott “clay pan”, then re-located to the golf course, behind the current 9th. hole, then, finally, at the Donald oval, playing on matting, malthoid and on the disasterous turf wicket at Jeffcott.

David admits that Services  players did not always take their cricket seriously, until teacher, Allan Matheson, arrived in Donald and brought a sense of professionalism to the club, Services winning the first of consecutive flags in 1978/’79 seasons.

Great players from this Services era were David Dunstan, Geoff “Bomber” Brown, Jackie “Swashbuckling” Alexander, David Morgan, Bob Grewar, Timmy Doueal, the Davidson boys, Matheson, Tom Bowles, Edgar Tonkin (just to clarify, not “Scoot”), Graeme McGuiness, John Dowling, Pat and Leo Allen, and of course Cr. “Wily Fox” Dunstan.

Some memories of Services’ players mentioned were:

• Frank Harvey always played in  shorts.

• Edgar Tonkin was called “Iron Legs” because he did not bend over to pick up the ball, always using his shins to stop any ball coming towards him. 

• Finally one day at the Donald oval, “Wily Fox” Dunstan fielded a ball in the outer and threw back to the keeper hitting “Iron Legs” on the  back of  the head, knocking him out. Word is that once Edgar regained his senses, that is when  he started to stutter.

A.N.A.
Walking through his “Wall of Fame” passageway in Brian Bayles’s Mill Street home, again the love that this man has for the ANA Cricket Club is wonderful to take in.

ANA was known as Australian Native Association, and was formed in the 1930s. 

The first two centuries scored by ANA players were by Mrs Mabel Bayles’s two brothers, each receiving a new bat as a reward. Obviously the Bayles/ANA relationship was/is a long term one.

ANA was, without doubt, Donald’s most successful club in the late 20th. century, having played in ten consecutive grand finals in the 1960/’70s, it may not be well known that in the back end of the 19th. century, the club fell on hard times financially. 

It was “rumoured” that a certain red headed loud local identity met all outstanding monies. Brian and “Father” Dean’s hit squad delved into this matter, and quickly organised the funds back to our red headed friend, in doing so, setting up the ANA social club.

If any travelling person remembers, the Grand Central had accommodation behind the bar. 

Once a travelling person checked in and went to the bar for a beer or three, “Father” Dean, being an obliging hotel governor, the drinker paid a $1 for his beer he would receive 15c change when asked for an explanation, the governor would explain – 15c for the beer, 20c for the ANA chook raffle, 50c donation for the ANA social club – ANA’s finances were back on track!

ANA played also on the Jeffcott clay pan, and used a wagon wheel to flatten out  the pitch. The club then moved to the golf course, high school and then finally to the Donald football ground.

Great players for ANA were the Burton family — all of them — sorry Wayne, old Les and “Chilla” were far better cricketers. 

Wally, Robert and Leon also played for the club.

And Mrs Burton had the best afternoon tea.

Other good players included the Letts boys, O’Shea, O’Callaghan, Brian and Stephen Bayles, Owen Michael, Allan Evans (he was quick, so very quick, with his  long blonde curly hair, going on to success in Melbourne), Noel Kiley and finally the Guild  family – Alf and his boys John and Jeff.

One final player as previously stated, ANA did recruit was the greatest batsman in Donald District Cricket history, the “Bradman of Bendigo” – John Hendry.

This writer asked John what was his lasting memory during his three years at ANA – his reply, putting his ANA cap on the top of Noel Kiley’s coffin.

Good man, John Hendry, and will always be remembered in all cricketers’ minds.

One final piece of content to finish – in the late 1990s a monthly meeting of the  cricket association held at the VRI hall. After Alan “Juicy” Green gave his president’s report, he called on the secretary, Gus Edwards, to share his report. Gus had had, let’s say, a heavy night before, his tummy started to rumble badly, to the extent that when he stood, his stomach passed a lot of wind – needless to say, “Juicy” Green, the perfect gentlemen, adjourned the meeting.

Trivia
Two final pieces of trivia: John Hendry’s first two innings in the Donald Association produced a “pair of ducks”  — funny old world!

Finally, a story not involving cricket: When delving through history, up popped a column that would be of interest to Donald shooters in the late 1960s –  on the morning of duck opening there were reports of 10,000-12,000 shooters at various camps around Donald, Mick Tyson suggested 20,000 shooters, Mick was surely going for one of his drives surveying these locations. 

Over the weekend it was reported (unofficially) that the Westerland, Loats, Landwehr families secured a 212 bag, Big Gordon Giles and his sidekick, Barry Cockfield 70, Jim Brennan and sons 96, and Lindsay “Tom Cat” Young 19 ducks. Great day indeed, and great era for all Donald residents!

This writer would like to thank, “Penna” Wright, Kelvin Clark, David Dunstan, Brian Bayles, Andy Griffiths, Chris Guthrie and Ian McEwen for sharing such wonderful content and stories to share with the readers – lot of laughs! and Ev. Geddes for the Rich Avon photo.

Merry Christmas all, and here’s hoping for a safe, happy and cheerful 2021!

Let’s all move on from 2020.

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