1995/96

The 41^st season commenced with three senior teams, an increase of one over the previous season, but still no junior teams despite an aggressive recruitment drive by President Quarford.

The additional side was led by Andrew Sewell who dropped down from the higher grades to groom this crack B1 “Grizzlies’ team. Names of note in this team appearing in the Club records for the first time were Dominic Tilden and Luke Arcus. Tilden’s debut season was good enough for 945 Bruce Shearer points and earn him the Club’s highest award.

John Jackson led the A2s into battle. Their mid table finish was a credit to the team after being promoted for finishing in the same position in A3 the year before. Doug Campbell topped the aggregate just as he’s done ten years on whilst Sharp and Smidt topped the bowling. The A1s were competitive but missed out on the finals. Minnett’s 122 v Manly Leagues at Griffith Park was the highlight whilst Al Richardson pipped GB by one wicket for the bowling aggregate.

Sadly the club lost one of its founding fathers during the season with the passing away of Vic Huxley. Milton’s Vale for Vic summed up the loss for the club, community, family and friends: “vic Huxley, great slow bowler, sportsman, friend of many, respected community elder, a gentle man, we are richer for having had you as a friend”.

The Golf day was won by Matt Kehoe who was hitting the ball very impressively at this stage. Despite Matt’s success, President Quarford put a question mark over the events future due to lack of numbers and financial loss made on the day. In other social news, a club institution faded into history. The ‘Hut’ no longer operated as the lure of sponsorship from the Time & Tide was too much. This move also brought the ‘rebel’ factions together who had been camped at the Timo for some seasons. The last custodian of ‘The Hut’, Graydon Conde, was awarded life membership. The Long Reef Chinese hosted another Xmas dinner however the writing was on the wall (joining the Lemon Chicken) for the establishment’s demise.

President Quarford was successful in obtaining funds from Coca Cola and the Council (especially the support of Cr Julie Sutton) to have the nets renovated at Plateau Park. The result, one of the best net facilities in the district. This remains a great legacy of Dave’s administration.