Graeme’s sudden death at the age of 63 had occurred while playing a round of golf at Shoalhaven Heads on August 27 – the anniversary of the birth of Sir Donald Bradman.

His started with games on the family property at Kangaroo Valley, but Graeme’s first premiership came in 1960-61 with Cambewarra under 15s, when he was just nine years of age.

He proved to be a notable player in juniors, and was almost certainly denied further premierships by Ian Davis, who was destined to become Shoalhaven’s first test player.

In 1963-64 Graeme was playing under 14s with the Valley, alongside his father Harry, who was the team’s custodian (adult player). Then followed three seasons in under 15s, where he emerged as a dominant player with bat and ball.

Around the time of his 13th birthday he had made his senior debut in 1964-65, with Kangaroo Valley Colts in second grade, and soon had a top score of 74.

His first senior premiership came in 1965-66 with that side, after his 5/70 in the semi-final against Warriors.

An unbeaten 46 on debut in first grade came against Cambewarra in 1966-67, and before the end of the season, he had shared an opening stand of 113 with captain Eddie Jarrett.

With Graeme (then aged 20) as an inspirational captain, Kangaroo Valley won its only first grade premiership in 1971-72.

In the grand final, he bowled throughout the Cambetross first innings for figures of 6/42 from 16 (eight-ball) overs, and his second innings 53 was the highest score of the match.

Still captain in 1975-76, Graeme top-scored in six innings, but that proved to be the Valley’s last season in the top division.

He enjoyed another premiership with Nowra in 1976-77, and after playing some matches with Bomaderry and Albatross, he ended his first grade career with Berry in 1984-85.

From 1963-64 until 1975-76, Graeme was a regular in Shoalhaven representative teams, starting in the under 13s and ending as captain of the seniors.

Among many junior highlights, his double of 55 retired and 5/25 was instrumental in Shoalhaven 16s defeating Canterbury-Bankstown in 1966-67.

He represented the Illawarra Cricket Council on various occasions, notably in 1972-73 when he led the senior team in a match against South Australia.

After seven years out of the game, Graeme returned to play third grade with Bomaderry in 1992-93 and he was in his element encouraging the next generation of young cricketers. Graeme was also active in the association, and in two stints, served nine years as treasurer.

As club secretary for more than a decade, Graeme was involved in coaching and team selection, and it was not by accident that Bomaderry enjoyed a successful era.

Representing Shoalhaven at Southern Zone for a decade, he had two terms as vice-president, and was often selector, coach and/or manager of its teams at NSW carnivals.

Graeme had been honoured with life membership by Kangaroo Valley where he started his senior career; and by Bomaderry where he ended his playing days but continued to guide the club in administrative roles.