the history of western suburbs district cricket club 1921-2002

-19-Rugby Union David Rathie QueenslandRussell ManningQueenslandAustralian Rules Norm Case QueenslandBilliards Alan Young QueenslandLawn BowlsBob BairdWESTS BASEBALL CLUBWhat did Wests’ cricketers do in the winter - they played baseball.In an endeavour to keep young cricketers fit as well as improve their fielding, Wests Baseball Club wasformed by Jack McLaughlin in 1954.Graceville No.1 oval was the home ground and matches were played on a Sunday in front of 200-300supporters. In 1956 the club won the A Grade premiership.Peter McDade represented Australia in the 1956 Olympic Games where baseball was a demonstrationsport.Apart from Peter McDade other Wests players who represented Queensland in the Claxton Shieldcompetition were Barry Arthy, Neville Brockie, Neville Draney, Jack McLaughlin, Pat McLaughlin andMichael McLaughlin.It was a sad day when baseball became a summer sport as many interstate and test cricketers benefitedgreatly by their involvement in the game.FUND RAISINGThe obtainment of funds for the club was always difficult but somehow or other we struggled througheach season to finish with a credit balance.A membership was charged each year. Failure to pay before the commencement of the first roundmeant non selection. First class players were non exempt. If they were unfinancial at the time ofselection of the first Shield team the QCA were notified and they were not considered.Revenue came from other sources viz. the canteen, raffles, associate members and a Lucky Numberstall operated in what is now known as the carpark at Graceville Fiveways. Later Chook Raffles wererun at the Highway Hotel, Rocklea with an incentive for players who assisted of reduction in fees.At the end of a season, ladies who assisted in the canteen were treated to a theatre evening by the clubin recognition of their efforts.Most of the money was spent on providing material for all the grades. Anything left over was then usedto upgrade the ground and its facilities.Funds required close monitoring and the club was fortunate to have astute and capable treasurers duringthose times.The efforts of Len Smelt, Stan Freemantle, Cyril Kricker, Doug Hogan, Dan Rowley and Bob Spence whocarried out their role so proficiently are acknowledged with appreciation.CLUB PERFORMANCES - SHIELD PLAYERSPlayer Seas M In no HS Agg Av Overs Mdn Runs Wkt AvC P Christ 18 - 149 44 85* 1816 16.30 2363 351 7738 588 13.16 LA swing bowlerLA spinnerG Cook 26 - 270 60 186 6392 50.37 3084 541 9679 626 15.46 RHOB RA swingbowlerJ Cooper 5 54 66 11 115 1832 33.31 RHBJ Ellis 11 742 134 2364 176 13.43 RAFBB Fisher 13 119 111 16 123 2839 29.88 1324 306 3765 301 12.51 RAFBJ Freeman 8 71 729 65 3197 164 19.49 RALSD Hughson 12 120 133 19 116* 3600 31.58 LHMOBJ Loxton 11 90 104 13 103* 2813 30.91 RHOBJ McLaughlin 16 126 141 16 172 4780 38.24 RHOBW Morris 10 - 87 8 158 2890 36.58 RH No.4 batK Perrins 4 35 506 107 12.98 119 10.91 RAFBR Reynolds 8 47 55 8 183 1625 34.57 RHOBS Trimble 18 135 169 36 188* 6699 50.37 RHOBG Warr 9 51 700 125 2208 143 15.44 RALSC Westaway 19 217 212 39 82 2643 15.28 2270 348 8099 414 19.56 RALSNote:Eight (8) ball overs: Batsmen who have scored 1000 runs:Bowlers who have taken 100 wicketsSource: Western Suburbs District Cricket Club Annual Report 1999-2000.