Camrea Cricket Club
Our History
The Camrea Cricket Club was first formed in 1931. It is one of the NMCA's longest serving clubs. H.P. Zwar Park in Preston was our home base up until 2003.
The club's first taste of premiership success came in 1942/43, with our second premiership in 1965. Camrea had always been considered more a social club than a serious cricket club for most of its years. However the last 30 years has seen the club make every effort to eliminate that 'tag' by focusing heavily on making Camrea a more revered and respected cricket club.
Our 1st X1 side, which had been languishing between B & C Grades for many years broke through in 1991 to win the B Grade 'flag' and take the club into A Grade for only the second time in its history. This time however, unlike the failures of the past in A Grade, the club was determined to establish itself and succeed in the association's highest level.
It took only two seasons before the club was playing off for the A Grade Premiership, with what was the best side we had ever seen at Camrea. Unfortunately, it wasn't to be, and the club had to wait until 1997/98 to win its inaugural A Grade Premiership. It was undoubtedly the greatest
highlight in the club's history. Not only had we won the coveted prize, but in the
process had achieved our ultimate goal. The club had earned the respect and adulation
of many in the association.
Since that time the club has won 5 A Grade premierships (1997/98, 1999/2000 &
2001-2002, 2005/2005, & 2007/2008), a B Grade premiership (1st X1 1990/91), a
C Grade & B Grade Premiership (2nd X1 1999/2000 & 2000/2001) and a D Grade
Premiership (3rd X1 1996/97). Our individual champions have also been recognised.
Camrea has seen 6 NMCA medalists, Alex Jesensek (two times), Grant Turnbull (three times), Danny Pougios.
This in itself has been a reflection of the level of quality players Camrea has been able to attract over these years. As the club moves forward, there is one continued goal. To maintain our level of competitiveness on the field, as well as providing the atmosphere that will continue to attract the type of players and members that will see Camrea continue in it's role as one of the NMCA's leading clubs.
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HISTORY OF H.P. ZWAR PARK
Henry Peter (H.P.) Zwar was born on 2 December 1873 in Broadford, Victoria, to German immigrants Michael and Agnes Zwar. After attending Broadford State School and Melbourne Grammar, he returned to the family farm and tannery. In 1900, his brother William bought the Parkside Tannery in Preston, while Henry managed the family’s Beechworth tannery. Henry married Jane Freier Cunningham in 1899, and they moved to Preston in 1911 when he became the tannery manager.
Henry took sole control of the tannery in 1919, growing it to employ over 100 people. The tannery produced high-quality leather for various prestigious projects, including the Duke of Gloucester's rail car and the "Spirit of Progress." Henry was also involved in local politics, becoming a Preston councillor and mayor, and served as the Legislative Assembly Member for Heidelberg. He was deeply committed to community service, especially during the Great Depression, providing food and firewood to those in need.
Henry co-founded the Preston District Junior Football Association in 1944, which grew to be a significant junior sporting competition. He was involved in numerous sporting and community organisations, often serving as president. He received several honours, including an O.B.E. in 1950 for his community service. Henry died on 12 January 1959, leaving behind a legacy of civic and charitable contributions.
Jane Freier Cunningham, known as Jane, was also highly active in community service, particularly with hospital auxiliaries. She served with several hospitals and was president of various local organisations, including the Preston Red Cross and the Mayoress’s Guild. Jane received medals for her charitable work from His Majesty the King. She and Henry had three children and were both deeply involved in their community until their respective deaths. Jane passed away on 29 April 1952.
H.P. Zwar Park is a public park in Preston, named in honour of Henry Peter Zwar. It serves as a tribute to his significant contributions to the local community, both through his business endeavours and his extensive community service. The park provides recreational space for residents and stands as a lasting reminder of Zwar's impact on the area.
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THE CAPTAIN'S LOG
'On the first Saturday afternoon in October some 47 years ago, (i.e. 1957), in a tin shed located in. H.P. Zwar Park, a 13-year old boy witnessed the Captain of the Camrea Cricket Club 2nd XI step up onto an old tree stump in the middle of the shed, and then heard him mention his name as having been great in the field in the 2nd XI side that had played at home that day.
In the weeks that were to come he was mentioned often about his fielding efforts and also making the odd few runs here and there until the best he ever heard, 3 overs, no maidens, 4 for 6. As the years passed he even had his turn at standing up to give the Captains report to the members after the days play.
Thus a love of a cricket club was born and that love has never died. The memories of that day and the tree stump has stuck with the boy over all these years as one of the great things that make cricket and sport in general, and Camrea Cricket Club especially, the great enjoyment they have been.
One of the only regrets for him was that since the old tin shed was pulled down, the Captain of the day had to stand on the seats, the mats, or anything else he could get to give post-match summaries to the members.
So it is with this in mind that the stump before you is presented to the club as a gesture of thanks for all those years and memories. I hope that the current club members can create their own piece of history for a 13-year old currently at the club, or that just might happen to join the club in the future. Hopefully that boy, and others like him, will come to love the club as I have for so many years, and have as much enjoyment and pleasure as it gave to me.
I would hope that if the club accepts the ‘Captain’s Log’ and uses it for the above purpose, it will become a sacred symbol of sorts, in that it will be solely used for that purpose only, and any misuse by members be regarded as sacrilege'.
Yours, in the spirit of the Camrea Cricket Club.
Dave Stephenson, Life Member (Camrea Cricket Club)
"The Captains Log" was presented to Camrea CC by Dave Stephenson on 8th September 2004
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A NEW BEGINING - CAMREA TAIPANS CRICKET CLUB
On the 8th September 2004, the Camrea and Taipans (Thomastown) Cricket Clubs, at separate Special General Meetings, voted to become Camrea Taipans Cricket Club to be based out of Main Street Reserve, Thomastown.
In their first season in Jika Cricket Association, 2004.05, four senior sides, a one-day side and five junior sides were entered into the competition. These side were in Bill Burland Shield; Jack Quick Shield; D Grade - Les Horne Shield ; E Grade - Bob Herman; ODC- Casey Radcliffe Shield ; 2 x Under 15; 2 x Under 13- Heather Baillie Shield and Under 11.
The first game was played at home against Preston Druids on 2nd October 2004 and included four Jika Medalists, Alex Jesensek, Tony Fellows, Grant Turnbull and Danny Pougios.
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A new history is forged!
Almost eight months later Camrea Taipans had won two premierships, the Under 13 Junior premiership, & the Bill Burland Shield (A Grade) premiership in their first year of operation.
The following season (2005/06) saw the Club grow and add a Vets, Under 17's and Under 11's team and a Junior Development Committee. The Council undertook to do major upgrading and renovations to commence in August and be completed by December included new food facilities, new male/female toilets, window viewing of the grounds and a new roof. Work continued on the Rooms and the top ground and during this time our first ever Vets team made the Grand final but were beaten by Bundoora Park for the Flag. While the Under 13's were runners up and after a tough season the A Grade team lost the grand final to Rosebank in a game that will be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
The Club rooms were finally completed and officially opened on the 6th May 2006. The top ground would still not be available for Season 2006/07.
Season 2006/07 saw renewed vigor with the new club rooms and a great off-season recruiting program. John Bubis was signed up as Coach, Alex Jesensek Captain, and Grant Turnbull Junior Coordinator and Coach. A large number of new players were signed and the season shown great promise. The Vets won their first premiership and the under 13 boys picked up premiership number 2. Whilst the 3rd XI were runners-up in the One Day Shield as were our Under 17's in the Clarrie Baker Shield.
Drought conditions were of major concern as the grounds deteriorated to a stage where a many were declared 'unsafe'. The drought prevented the top oval being completed and there were grim prospects for the next season.
The highlight of the year saw the announcement of the 'Teams of the Century' for Thomastown and Camrea. The Camrea C.C were represented by:
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Season 2007/08
It started with the AGM being held on 22.4.07 and the sad news that the inaugural President of CTCC, in Chris Sismanes, was not standing due to work and family commitments - Pino Pulcino became the club's new leader. During the off season the news that Jason McGann was returning was a shot in the arm for the club, along with a couple of others. The 06/07 under 17's went on a camp with John Bubis and Grant Turnbull as their mentors. Alex Jesensek won his third Bill McFarlane Medal and Tony Fellows won the Bill Burland Bowling. Good rain fell during the winter months but was it going to be enough to allow a full season? By mid-September the council had take initiatives to plant 'drought resistant' grass and install water tanks but it meant that we could not play on the grounds until November thus losing some early home ground matches - the hope was for the October rains to come in a big way!
Grant Turnbull hung up his bat and ball after Round 1 due to a long term injury. Grant gave 11 years of outstanding service to the Club and will always be remembered as a CHAMPION!
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History is made as the club take eight out of their nine teams into the finals series. The Vets win their second and 'back to back' Premiership. The first XI win the One Day flag. While the 4 XI won the Sid Sault Premiership Shield. The 1sts ,2nds, and Under 13's were all runners up. Jika bestowed the honour of "Best Managed Club 2007/08" on the Club and the top Club Award - H P Zwar Champion Club 2007/08 - in all a very good year!
SEASON 2008.09
The AGM was held and the new committee was installed - In June the club took a new path in recruitment and created a first by signing up a player from Sri Lanka to add to the other overseas players from New Zealand, India, Turkey and many other nations. Stefan Barak also joined the Club from district cricket and John Bubis was appointed Captain/Coach as AJ stood down due to work commitments.
In November 08 the 'dodgie' turf on the main ground was removed to find 'globs' of glue the main cause - the rain came and it was some weeks before we could return to #1 so in the mean time we were granted the use of the top ground. Big rain came in December which gave the grounds a big boost and at the turn seven out of eight grades were in the four with the Firsts and Under 15 clear leaders.
AJ was honored by NMCA with a big write up deeming him a 'Legend" - well done AJ. Our first "Tied " result came in Round 10 v's Keon Park (164 ALL) and the use of the top ground was returned to us on 10/1/2009. Heat caused disruptions and on Saturday 6th February the 46.4 degrees (the three days before were all over 44 degrees) and tragic bush fires all over the state bought things to a halt. Our fist Vic School Boys Under 15 was announced and included M Di Basttia while a number of other senior and Junior players player rep Cricket as well.
As the season drew to a close the ultimate win for the 1st XI came (Minor, One Day, & Major Champions!). While the Thirds and Under 17 were 'runner ups' and the Vets went in with three in a row. The Club was once again awarded the H P Zwar Champion Club and Best Managed Club for the second year in a row. Pino announced he would be stepping down as "Pres" at the AGM! Stefan Berak and Chamil Perera were equal runner-up (14 Votes) in the McFarlane Medal.
SEASON 2009/10 - We move to the DVCA!
AGM was held on 24/5/2009 with Matthew Harrison being elected as President. A new look committee was elected with a good mix of new and past members. A lengthy discussion took place over the future of the club and the way forward. From this discussion the new committee was given a mandate to 'move forward in the best way possible'. On the 2nd June 2009 Mattie, Chris and Rob were invited to make a full presentation to the DVCA Executive. This was strongly recommended to all DVCA to accept CTCC after hearing a CTCC presentation on the 29/6/09. Disappointment came about the same time, when Alex Jesensek moved on to Coach Lalor Stars in DVCA. The season is to begin.... after a full blown presentation by Matt, Chris and Bomber to the Board of Diamond Valley Cricket Association in early June 09 a long wait until 29th June 2009 had to be endured before the Clubs of DVCA had the final say.
After 80 years of collective history with Jika/NMCA, CTCC were moving on and into a new and progressive sunrise of development. John Bubis was to lead the Club on the field. Gub Sebeh decided to coach and went to Kingsbury CC. Returning after the Christmas break saw one of the most bizarre days of cricket when the Firsts TIED and the 2nd XI won by 2 runs against South Morang and the fourths lost by 2 runs against Riverside - this was to be the second tied game in the 80 year history of Camrea, Thomastown and the Camrea Taipans... the first was in a one dayer v's Keon Park R9 season 2008/09. In Round 12 all senior grades were involved in out-rights - First, seconds and thirds all winning while the fourth lost....still a nice piece of history. Come the final round of our first DVCA season and both the 1st & 2nds had to win to go on to the finals while in this match Jason McGann clocked up 63 wickets for the H&A season. The 1st XI got another outright win and the 2nd XI won well chasing 285. The Vets won our first DVCA Flag after an undefeated season to make it their FOURTH flag in a row. The Firsts then progressed from the SF to GF and with the help of some great bowling won the Money Shield Premiership.
Year 1 DVCA certainly was a year of achievements for the Taipans. Jason McGann took 68 wickets but added to that with 12 in the GF - total 80! As one player said ...."We are now A Grade in the the best competition in Melbourne!" Jason McGann became the 6th player to win an Association Medal - John Gleeson Medal , while Colin Faragher became the first to win a DVCA Bowling award. All in all a good year.....
SEASON 2010/11
The 'honeymoon' for the new club and the new competition is now over and the serious participation by every member, player and committee person has began as we move into Barkley Shield (A Grade) in DVCA. The new committee, headed by Bobbie Nikolovski (Pres) has much in front of them but players and members must also put in 110%... John Bubis was to lead the Club again on the field. Wet weather delayed the season and R1 became a One Day match v's Lower Eltham that saw the Taipans notch up their first Barclay Shield win. New player Dhushanta Ranatunga from Sri Lanka played his first game in Round 2 while Luke Fellows set about following in his father Tony's footsteps with 1/12 and 14 in his second game and 'Bowled L Fellows Caught T Fellows' is now in the record books. Jason McGann continued his great form with 6/38 in R2 v's Plenty. Stefan Berak became our first A Grade DVCA representative while Mitch Smith was selected in their Under 21 squad. The Vets wrote a record that will be very hard to beat when they 'walked' into their sixth straight Grand Final - would they make it FIVE Flags in five seasons? On the 27th February 2010 the Vets played North Eltham Wanderers for the flag - the Vets wrote some history that will take a very long time to beat - they won their 5th straight Premiership. Semi finals saw the 1st XI knocked out by Lower Eltham after Danny Pougios 2/37 of 22 overs and Jason McGann 5/57 off 32 was not enough. Jason finished with 38 wickets for the season at 10.31. Stefan Berak won the Barclay Shield batting award, whilst Dean Bubis won the DVCA Under 14/1 batting. Jason McGann finished equal 4th in the medal count.
SEASON 2011/12
AGM saw the election of a new committee headed by John Deighton who were quickly into action and preparing for the new season. Anthony Volpe was appointed Captain/Coach and all the main Players from previous were retained. John Bubis moved on while we obtained the services of Chamindu Perera - opening bowler/batsman to support Jason McGann. The Council flew into action and in July 2011 called tenders for new state of the art training nets. A chance meeting with a past Camrea player, Dom Douglas, lead to a practice game being played on Sunday 25/9/2011 where old friends were reacquainted and new friends were made. Chamil and Rana rejoined the ranks in October and the outcome for the season was looking good. Round 1 was a bad start but history was written with Grant & Kyle Turnbull and Tony and Luke Fellows (Father & Son) playing in the 1st XI. On the 17th December 2011 it was a sad day for the Kingsbury Cricket Club as they closed their doors. Luck for CTCCC they approached us and wanted to integrate into CTCC as a whole and play out the rest of the season as CTCC. We are sad for Kingsbury but welcome their players as part our our Club. Our new ODC team hit the turf on 22/1/12 made up of 9 ex KCC players and bought home a resounding WIN in their first venture. Joy to the Taipans was shared on Sunday 12/2/2012 at Research, when Rana made 150 and the Team clocked up a record 371 runs. On Sunday 19th they finished Research off for 230 in 66 overs with Danny Pougios claiming 5/67.On 23rd February 2012 our new Practice Nets were commenced to be completed by 25/4/2012 and ready our pre-season of 2012-13! At last!
SEASON 2012/13
AGM saw the election of Shane Parsons to head the Club and a very strong new Committee: Gub Sebeh was appointed Coach while Stefan Berak was appointed Club Captain (A Fellows 2XI; D Bathman/P Howes3rdXI; G Sebeh ODC; N Amoddio VETS; U/16;) The coming and going , suspension , work commitment and lack of training caused many on field problems but it also allowed the "blooding" of a number of young players for A Grade cricket. In the end it came to the final game and the need to win to avoid relegation - unfortunately it did not fall CTCC's way and Money Shield is the play for 2013/14 and the chance for the Club to rebuild bigger and stronger than ever! New Shield were named in honour of past players and three new life members were anointed! The committee worked hard and re-established the financial situation of the Club to steady the base for the future!
SEASON 2013/14
AGM was held and names on trophies for 2nd XI down were removed with a working committee formed to create a criteria for naming in the future. Shane Parsons was re-elected President and a new season was on the way. Dhushanta Ranatunga (Rana) was appointed Captain/Coach for the season and players were sought to complete the quest back to Barclay! A tough season opened up with lack of player and player commitment made the job hard for Ranna who lead by example and performed well on & off the field. Malith Gunathilake joined the Club and bought with him the ability to spin the ball - Malith took 21 wickets for the season and was a great addition to the team and the Club. A first for CTCC was the Under 18 team who did well in their first year and showed promise for the Club's future supported by Under 16 and Under 12 teams. Unfortunately the 2nd XI (D Grade) were relegated yet again while with 70 played it was sad that the Thirds could not make the field for the last game - a tough season but one that has to be in the re-building of a great Club. A great and long time player in Danny Pougios hung up his boots after a long and distinguished career for Thomastown, Camrea and Camrea Taipans - Danny will be missed as a player and a leader! The boost at season's end was the winning of the DVCA John Gleeson Medal by Ranna along with his selection in the Team of the Year!
SEASON 2014/15
AGM was complete and Shane remained as the leader. It was announced that the Club had won the "Spirit of Cricket" Award for 2013/14 from DVCA - yet another feather in CTCC cap and a pat on Ranna's back for his leader-ship as this is an on-field award. New plans from the Council were revealed for the upgrading and extension of the Club rooms. The plan is under review and goes to budget in 2016/17. The season finished with the teams finishing mid-ladder and Shane announcing he would be stepping down along with Bev , from the committee next season. Young players came to the front during the season with Jamie Sinclair winning the DVCA U12 Bowling and Ajay Sood winning the Sismanes/Fellows Medal - this all goes well for the future!
SEASON 2015/16
AGM on 17/5/15 saw Jason Cope elected President with Bev and BA stepping down after a long and distinguished service. Jason set about developing a youth policy and it wasn't long before Mike Di Batista was appointed as the new Club Captain for 2015/16. Ranna stayed with the Club to play & Coach. This was to be done by Senior players , the Captain, and overseen by Tony Fellows & Jason Cope. The club fielded 3 Senior sides along with Under 10, 12, 14, 18 and Vets! Hard work pre-season was showing results with player numbers and Junior sign ups. Under 12's made it to the GF but could not go all the way while Joban Singh won U14 Batting for DVCA. The 1st XI could not hold on and will play in Mash Shield next season under the new re-vamped DVCA grading of 8 teams/grade (13 Grades)
SEASON 2016/17
The AGM was held in late may with Jason Cope being re-elected as President. Strong belief that U10, 12, 14, 16 & 18 along with 3 senior & Vets could be fielded in the coming season. Much discussion was had about a name change (Camrea Thomastown or Thomastown Camrea) with underlying ripples. A Special General Meeting was called for late June to resolve the issue! The meeting was held and 23 persons attended and voted to change the name to "Thomastown Camrea CC" The following day this was challenged and on 11/7/16 the Committee met with the Challenge Group. It was agreed that the Special General Meeting in June was invalid as per the constitution and that Camrea and Thomastown would form their own separate Clubs in Camrea CC (Stingrays) and Thomastown CC (Taipans).
WE'RE BACK - 2016/17
The new Camrea CC representatives (John & Chris) meet with NMCA on 20/7/16 and the hard work begins. Council were very helpful and on 25/7/16 CCC launched their new Web and Facebook sites for the future. The NEW Camrea CC was flying! A further meeting was held on 2/8/16 where John Deighton , President; Grant Turnbull, Vice President; Chris Sismanes Communications; Rahul Khurana, Treasurer; Pino Pulcino Junior Coordinator were appointed. Our new home was to be at John Hall Reserve in Dunne St. Kingsbury - (the old home of Kingsbury CC).
A 'call to arms' for assistance was responded to by many and much needed equipment was donated by dedicated members who loved their club and had a wish for it to be great again! People donated chairs, fridges, brooms, BBQ, kitchen gear etc. that really set the club up and those people will always be remembered for their support and generosity. The keys were collected on Tuesday 20/9/2016 and we were flying!
Dushantha Ranathunga (Rana) was appointed Club Captain for the new season. The first training took place on 24/8/16 at Northcote Indoor Sports (home of AJ) and the first major event was a Gala Reunion at John Hall Reserve on 24/9/16.
The Gala Night was attended by many past and present players, Life Members, partners and supporters while Ron and Mark Marsden along with Ramo's two sons, Christopher & Justin with their partners were most welcome.
Round 1 was not what we wanted but players had a smile on their face and the 'old boys' made the numbers in the 2nd XI but Round 2 and the Vets were a wash out! Our first 'win' can from a 'protest' after the opposition pulled up stumps at 2.40pm , contrary to the rules, and went home, when the Captains did not agree on ground conditions. The real great day was when two convincing victories in round 3 made the place hum! Round 6 saw the Vets first win, two first Centuries (Mark & Michael) and the Firsts & Seconds both just missing out on outright wins - 3/3 not bad! The first outright win came in round 7 and M Howes match figures of 27.2/8/12/58 and 59 with the bat in our Second XI.
Two wins against the top two sides ended the first half of the season capped off with Ranna with three centuries along with Mark Turnbull and Michael Howes both making their 'maiden' centuries. Michael Howes had three 5 for and a 12/ in a match while Chayse Turnbull and Daniel Sebeh both had 5 for in the 1st XI. The H&A season finished with two big wins and the Firsts 16pts ahead of Rosebank and the 2nd XI in second place 8 points to Rivergum. both teams got Home ground SF's. The 1st's made the GF's against old rivals Rosebank- ON 12/3/17 CAMREA HAD WON ANOTHER FLAG! Presentation was something special with the introduction of John Deighton President's Award, Chris Sismanes/Grant Turnbull Medal. L Jephcott/D Stephenson Award and the Colin Gaff/Ron Arnel "Esprit de Corp" Award. This was topped off with Ranna, Mark and Nick winning Association awards - what a season!
SEASON 2017/18
The new season started with the AGM - JD was re-elected as President and the Committee was expanded to 11. It was also decided to write history by adding a Woman's team for the first time. A new pitch was laid by 1/6/17 and the Committee were into action by 14/6/17. Mark Turnbull was appointed Coach with Rahul Khurana, and Daniel Tosevic as joint Club Captains with Greg Millin heading the 2nd XI. The first three women players were officially registered on 9/8/2017.Round 1 saw victory for both our men's teams in Kelly and on Sunday 8th October our first Ladies Team took the field (Vivian Boudoloh, Teresa Cassar, Kylie Dempster, Melanie Griffith, Brook Griffin-Millin, Sina Mason, Rebecca McGann, Janette Millin, Tania Radford (C), Pretti Saxena and Shae Turnbull) against Dennis and made it 3/3 with their first win in their first game. On Tuesday 17th October the Club played its first ever T20 game against Greensborough at John Hall and lost by 6 runs. Our first outright win for the season came in round 2 when the 2nd XI cleaned up Bellfield in one day and 58 overs while Leigh Howes claimed 5 in the first and Michael 7 (10 for the match) in the second innings. The 1st XI also claimed an outright against Bellfield in the same round. The double header (Women/Vets) on Sunday 29/10 saw two more wins to give the Club a record 12 wins in a row. After a delay of one week on 10/12/17 our Women's XI faced off with Dennis and won the Loren Smith Spring T20 Premiers rewriting history and the future of Camrea. Many times we have been part of many great achievements and great occasions - this Grand Final win would have to be one of the most historic and memorable in the history of the Club. CHRISTMAS BREAK saw all teams in the top ranking (1st #1; 2nds #2 & Vets #2) with promise after the New Year. 2010 saw the Ladies move into the top grade Loraine Ireland Shield - on 21/1/18 the Ladies played in the T10 Round Robin and made the Grannie as the only unbeaten team only to lose to Fairfield. On 17&18/2/18the Club ran it's first ever "Pink Stumps Days" raising $650 and had CC Susanne Newton present pink caps to the ladies. With an 88.5% win rate for the season, on Sunday 24/2/18 the Ladies wrote more history and rode into their third GF in the season against Holy Trinity on 4/3/18 . Work started on new practice wickets on 26/2/18 and was completed on 18/4/48.March 4th saw the Ladies win their second Flag, the T30 Lorraine Ireland Summer Shield - 18 games, lost only 3 (88.3% hit rate), made 3 GF and won two of them! The 1st & 2nds made the semis but on the day were beaten by better sides. Sina Mason went on to win Spring Bowling and Woman's Overall Champion Player Award at NMCA on April 13th 2018. On the 21/4/18 the 86th Presentation Night was held and President John Deighton announced the launch of "Camrea CC Building Fund" where $2300 (approx) was raised on the night.
SEASON 2018/19
AGM was held on 23/5/18 and JD took on the Presidents role for the 14th time and the season was in gear. Grant Turnbull was appointed Coach (Men & Woman) while Mushie and Tania took on the leadership duties .First training in the NEW nets took place on 12/8/2018. The 1st XI won their first game and the return of Ajay Sood to the Club, while the Ladies defended their Premiership win over Holy Trinity with a great win also.Our first fine came in Round four due to misunderstanding of the rain rule then again in Round 6 when we gave our first Walkover - sad! Three Club Legends in Grant (100), Nuccio 111* and Danny 117* Retired Hurt all made centuries for the 2nd XI. Sinna Mason became the first woman to play NMCA Woman's Rep for the Club in the historic first ever Inter-Association Woman's match (also under lights).
Pink Stumps Days were run 16&17/2/19 with Neil riley (NMCA) presenting the men's caps and Loraine Ireland presenting the Woman's. Once again $680 was raised for the Brest Cancer Nurses.
Our Woman won the Semi final with Tania Radford 50* and Brooke McKinley 52* leading but went down in the Grannie to Clifton Hill. Round 14 was historic in a record 182 run partnership by Blair Dawson (131 - first for the Club) and Leigh Howes 52* while Danny Pougios blasted 12 x6's abd 26 x4's to set a NEW Camrea Club Record of 193 - both records were against Strathewen. 11/3/19 was a sad day for the Club but we were through to the PF. On Saturday 23/3/2019 v's Old Ivanhoe in the Grand Final we were dismissed for 34 - lowest total in the history of the Club . This was a very sad day.. Sina Mason, Blair Dawson and Matthew Jacobs all won NMCA awards. The season closed with it's history recording 60 Association Batting & Bowling Awards, 11 Association Medals and 3 Association Club Awards over 88 years. (That we know of...)
SEASON 2019/20
AGM was held at Burland house on 15/5/2019 and JD was elected for his 14th term as President while a full 11 members filled the committee. During the same week Sina and Teresa were inducted into Carlton's VFL Woman's Team. On 27/6/19 the Club welcomed Club and NMCA legend Alex Jesensek back to the fold and new Captain/Coach Adam Hall into the Club. BA was appointed to coach the Ladies. On 6/7/19 we were advised by NMCA that we had been accepted into J Quick Shield (Bundoora Park had gone to DVCA) - yet another milestone for the Club. Training got on the go on the 3/8 at Yallambie under ARMY conditions - a lot of fun......! First game in jack Quick saw a victory to the 1st XI while the Ladies saw debutants Sara Khanal 35* and Brianna Difalco 3/15 lead the way. Alex Jesensek Captained the Indoor Australian World Cup Over 45's Team while Adam Hall played in the Indoor Australian World Cup Over 35 Team in October 2019. Mid season was a sad moment for the club when Nuccio resigned as Treasurer and JD stepped down as President. Adam Hall departed and BA stood down as Coach of the Ladies. Jemma Cox went on to co-Captain the NMCA rep team and Captain the NMCA All Stars Team while the 3rd XI in the ODC brightened the season with a Grand Final win over Cameron on 14/3/2020 for Camrea's 34th Premiership win. A big night was had by all after the win ...... Alex J was meanwhile in SA playing for Australian Over 50's OD One Day World Cup. Presentation night was postponed because of 'National Emergency' and the Covet virus -
SEASON 2020/21
The virus deepened and general elections were held via email. Danny Pougios (President) and an Executive Group were Elected along with a full committee. The question now was – when would we get to play? Matty Jacobs was appointed senior coach, Pino Pulcino Woman’s Coach while Aj Sood and Jemma Cox would be the on-field leaders. Game on from 14/11 with a 14 x One Day format. Working around Covet and only one match being abandoned all four teams finished in the finals after the women had won the Spring Shield. All four teams into the finals but the ODC and women were knocked out in the SF and the 1st got a second chance while the Twos went to the GF.20/3/21 in the J Quick GF we lost to Donath and our season closed unrewarded again. Ron Marsden, son of Harry (Henry), father of Ron and Mark, passed away on 13/4/21 ending a 55 year history of the Marsden family with the Club. Presentation night the RSL Club on 23/4 was a final bang while Chris Sismanes was honoured for 50 years’ service.
SEASON 2021/22
The AGM was held on 19/5/21 at Burland House (Jika) and Danny Pougios was re-elected President. Covit delayed the start again and ‘one day games’ was the play with ‘colour’ being introduced into the top three grades OD games. Play was schedules to start on 13/11/21. Covid struck in Round 3 and the Club had to miss all games in this round and members tested while the rooms had to be cleaned ready for Round 4. At the break we were sitting 3,3,5,1 and the Women were Runner-up in the Spring Shield. (A Sood & J Cox sadly left the club after the break and the pressure was on.) The Ladies found it hard to win matches after the break and finished last. Finishing 5th, 2nd, 5th and 2nd the Seconds made the GF but in an exciting finish were just beaten on the day.
S Mason won NMCA honours. After a tough year on and off the field for the Club, it celebrated with presentation night at Reservoir RSL and the season was closed.
SEASON 2022/23
C Williams was to be Coach and B Dawson Club Captain and the AGM was held on 17/5/22 seeing Danny Pougios re-elected as President, Marg Davidson as Women’s Rep and Rahual as Woman’s Coach with Bec McGann as Captain. For the first time a team played in the winter comp under the Club name and finished fifth. The new season Round 1 saw great wins but then the rain came and NMCA adjusted the fixture to ALL One dayers as from 12/11 starting from R2 again – season on the go again. The first ‘twilight’ match was played by the Women at JHR on 2/12/22 and new history was made. At Christmas all men’s teams we sitting #1.Bec McGann was selected for NMCAII Rep team and as Captain was named Player of the Match. During the season we saw the passing of Shawn Mallett and Arthur Dempster _ both long serving and Life Members of the Club. All M teams finished in the finals with the Firsts well clear on top. On 18/3/23 we faced of Lalor Warriors for a place in A Grade in 23.24. Fate was on our side in a low scoring game and after 7 years of hard work we went from D to A Grade .
Captains Log in use by Grant Turnbull Dave Stephenson - Life Member
2016
