DESERVING: Glenn Midson (third from left), representing the Shoalhaven Junior Cricket Association, with Bob and Sandra Webster and Alan Clark.
THREE long-time servants of Shoalhaven cricket were honoured at a special celebratory function on Friday night.
Alan Clark and Bob and Sandra Webster racked up more than 130 volunteer years of service to the Shoalhaven Cricket Association.
A large crowd of cricket colleagues, family and friends was present at the Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemen’s Worrigee Sports Club to mark the trio’s retirement.
Shoalhaven president David Sloane said the area had been blessed with three superb volunteers.
“Alan, Bob and Sandra’s work is not just at club and association level but also at zone level,” he said.
“Shoalhaven cricket has been blessed to have had three wonderful volunteers who have given more than 130 years of combined service to the sport; it is just an amazing effort.”
Mr Webster played in the inaugural Shoalhaven Junior Cricket competition and later went on to become a coach and eventually competition secretary, a post he held for 37 years.
As well as working on club and association committees, Mrs Webster was the Shoalhaven junior cricket recorder for 33 years.
An award winning cricket writer with the South Coast Register, Mr Clark became the man behind the hugely popular Behind The Stumps section, was Shoalhaven cricket recorder for 36 years as well as undertaking a similar role with Southern Zone.
Country Cricket NSW was represented by chairman Ian Hogg, with Southern Zone administrator Graeme Creighton and former chairman and administrator and Southern Zone life member Barry Templeman also present.
Mr Hogg said no one had had more of an influence on Shoalhaven cricket than Alan Clark.
“His coverage of our sport was incredible,” he said.
“No one in NSW or Australia dedicates a full page to fourth-grade cricket, but Alan and the team at the Register did.
“That sort of coverage encourages people to play our game.
“I have known Bob and Sandra for years, having even toured with Bob – their contribution to Shoalhaven junior cricket is immeasurable.”
Representing Shoalhaven Junior Cricket Glenn Midson spoke of the contribution all three made to the local junior competition.
“From Bob running the competitions as secretary, Sandra as recorder doing the draws and ensuring points were up to date and trophy winners at the end of each year were correct, to Alan’s superb coverage of the game – they have been amazing,” he said.
“Their efforts and longevity need to be celebrated and recognised.”
Alan Clark responded on behalf of the honoured guests.
“Bob, Sandra and myself would like to thank Shoalhaven Cricket for this great evening,” he said.
“It is a great honour and one we appreciated.”
The trio was presented with special awards of recognition from Shoalhaven Junior Cricket and NSW Country Cricket.
More photos from this event appear on Page 74.