The following can be downloaded here and the update (2006 to2008) here.  The newest update covering season 2008 2009 is now available here.

During the 1956 football season a small group of members of the Box Hill Adelphian Football Club decided to form a cricket club. The chief instigator was Ian Duncan who hadhhad the idea for some years but it was Ken Buckthorpe who showed the way.  It was known through close association that sufficient foorballers were interested for a team to be fielded.

It was arranged to hold a meeting and Mr Frank Deuchar was asked to take the chair. The idea very nearly did not get off the ground for it was discovered that, although plenty of people wished to play cricket no one would take the responsibility of office.  Fortunately though Don Garrett agreed to preside and Ken Buckthorpe took on the Secretary’s job. Ron Baker was elected Treasuruer. Ken also served as BHRDCA Treasurer and Assistant Secretary for a number of years in the 1960’s.

The club applied for and was granted the use of a small sloping ground in Barwon St Box Hill (later to become the Box Hill Athletic Track). The BHRDCA was approached and, under the rules of the competition that all new teams start in the lowest grade, a team was entered in D Grade. Captain for the first season was Ian Duncan. The grading was sadly astray and the team was premiers without having to take the game seriously. Promoted to C Grade the following season, the team, (at this stage it could hardly be classed a club being strictly a clique - a group of footballers playing cricket together in the summer and having a ball), was runners up. Ian Duncan had been relected captain Yearly subscriptions were lowered from £3/3/- to £2/2/- as the club had made a small profit in its first year but weekly subscriptions remained at 3/-.  Cricket gear was purchased from C. Hoaths Sports Store in Box Hill which remained the sole supplier to the club until the 1980s.  

By 1958-59 Annual Subscriptions had reduced to ₤2 ($4) with weekly subs of 4/- (40c) per week to cover umpires fees and ball.  Umpires were paid 27/- ($2.70) per Saturday or 32/- ($3.20) for doing both ends.  The BHRDCA consisted of 4 grades with 15 clubs and 31 teams, 3 grades of 8 teams and one of 7 with a bye.  Three of the clubs no longer play in the BHRDCA,  one folded and the other two play in other competitions.   Four clubs have changed their name since then.

After twice being runners up in C Grade, the team was promoted to the second grade of the BHRDCA (B Grade) where the competition was found to be considerably stronger. Due to work and new family commitments the team altered somewhat and only mixed success greeted the club that season.

The 1961/62 season saw an inevitable change. The Adelphians became a club. It was decided at the Annual General Meeting to field two teams. It was inevitable that for the club to prosper, survive and develop a second X1 would have to be formed and entered.  Preliminary discussions were held during the 1960-61 season and at a Committee meeting on 27/9/61 the decision was finally taken and a side entered in D Grade.   Players were sought from far and wide from work and other acquaintances to fill this second team which in its first season was based at the now non existent small front oval at East Burwood.   The player list totalled 36 with members residing as far a field as West Brunswick, Richmond, Oakleigh and Northcote.   It was the task of one of the players John Pagram to transport the mats and players from Box Hill to East Burwood.  The meeting point was Box Hill Railway Station and often 7 players were crammed into an FJ Holden together with the gear and mats on the roof. 

The 1^st XI in 1961/2, for the second time in the club's short history, lost the final in B Grade after leading by 58 runs on the first innings but nevertheless was promoted to A Grade on the basis of finishing clear ladder leaders after the home and away rounds.   The 1^st XI then spent two unsuccessful seasons in the top grade of the BHRDCA to which it was not to return for over 20 years.  

The early 1960s saw the club stabilise at around 40 members.   The clubs desire to integrate into the local community saw it offer its services to appeals such as those run by the Box Hill & District Hospital and a more active role was taken in the decision making process at Association level with Ken Buckthorpe taking on the task as Association Treasurer.  August 1964 saw Don Garrett become the first 'Past President' of the club, after declining nomination for a further term, being succeeded by Ian Duncan.

The mid 1960s saw the club investigate many fund raising avenues with the 1965-66 balance sheet showing a less than healthy $8.61 bank balance.   Members were urged to take a more active part and it was necessary to pay many accounts including Hoaths by instalment.  By the 1967 Annual meeting the club finances had recovered to the princely sum of $38.71. 

At the 1966 Annual Meeting Howard Wilson was elected to the position of Club Secretary, a role he was to perform for the next 20 years.  Howard has become one of the most important and influential members of the entire Association.  He holds many batting records at East Box Hill.   The minutes of a Committee meeting conducted 15/1/65 read: " The enthusiasm and initiative of Howard Wilson was pointed out to members of Committee".  These words are still accurate today.

On the field the 2^nd XI won its first premiership in 1966/67 reversing a trend by beating East Burwood at the Box Hill H.S. oval (Whitehorse Reserve now) after trailing by 14 runs on the first innings.   This match was characterised by a long and tedious innings by the Association auditor Ron Woollard in East Burwood's 2^nd innings. Ron carried his bat for 30 not out, having batted for over 45 eight ball overs, failing to save the match for his team. Victory was claimed by the 2nds by 7 wickets just on stumps after scoring at 7 runs an over.

A special general meeting to adopt a Club Constitution was held on 21/9/67.   The constitution formulated by Lou Rodriquez, Bob Deuchar and Howard Wilson was adopted and remained in force until the club was incorporated in September 1986.  Club stalwart and long serving President Rodriquez was also driving force behind incorporation together with current Club Secretary Colin McGary.

RHL Sparks Reserve became the clubs headquarters in 1967.  For several years prior to this the club was temporarily based at the Mont Albert Primary School as the original ground was taken over for an athletic track.   The new ground was situated on a MMBW retarding basin at the corner of Middleborough and Albion Roads Box Hill which accommodates flood waters from Gardiners Creek.   The pavilion for the first two years at this base consisted of a tin shed (the first 'pavilion' of the club') whilst a permanent pavilion was funded and built by Council.  The club had a long and happy association at Sparks Reserve spanning more than 20 years, notwithstanding the fact that the ground surface was never what you would call carpet-like.

A change of name consistent with the new base was raised at a committee meeting on 3/11/69 and at the AGM on 16/8/70 members voted to adopt the name Laburnum Cricket Club.   At that Annual Meeting the club's first Life Members were elected unanimously.  Messrs Ken Buckthorpe, Ian Duncan and Ron Baker foundation members present at the first meeting in 1956 and office bearers and committeemen since were rewarded for their long service.  Three months after the AGM the issue of the club name was raised by Box Hill Council which objected strongly to the use of a name synonymous with an area in another municipality albeit over the road from the clubs ground.  During the next six months the Committee discussed a further name change submitting a short list for approval by the Council.   On 6/7/71 it was decided to submit to the AGM the names council had approved.   On 4/8/71 less than twelve months after the previous change  members approved the change to East Box Hill Cricket Club.

Although having been the subject of discussion since 1967 the 1971-72 season saw the first junior team (Under 16) for East Box Hill take the field.  The first junior coach of the club was the then opening bowler for the first X! Alan Charles.  Three of the original Under 16s - Colin and Trevor McGary and John Cutler - have played over 800 club games between them since.  Other initiatives taken during this season saw a social committee formed comprising players wives and girlfriends and junior players mothers.   An Honour Board was also commenced detailing all averages and club championship winners since the clubs inception.   During that season Box Hill Council ground fees were $88 and BHRDCA dues $42.

The 1972 AGM saw John (Jack) Gibson unanimously installed as Life Member. Jack's record of on field performance with over 1000 wickets taken (detailed later) is, and is very likely to remain, unsurpassed in Club history.    Jack frequently passed a total of 50 wickets a season during his career with the club.

An Under 14 side took the field for the first time in 1972-73.  A member of that team Eddie Zareeba became a highly respected Shield Grade player although not in the maroon and white of East Box Hill.

Ground availability was a problem in Box Hill in 1973 (and still is today). The club was advised that no grounds remained unused in either Box Hill or any adjoining municipality.   This led the club to investigate the possibility of having a pitch laid at the southern end of Sparks Reserve but this never eventuated. 

At the 1973 AGM further expansion was sanctioned by the members and 3 senior teams were nominated for the first time together with an Under 12 team.   Several grounds were investigated in the lead up to the season including the old Mirrabooka Primary School, St Paschals and Killora Primary School.   By the 19/9/73 use of Mirrabooka had been secured for the Under 12 and D2 Grade teams.  This committee meeting also accepted the resignation of Les Stephenson from active on or off the field participation with the club.  A crafty and often fiery left arm fast bowler and club captain for some years this was a considerable loss to the club.  Fortunately he was able to resume in the 1974 season being again 1st XI captain and team manager.   Lou Rodriquez and Howard Wilson were elected Life Members at the 1974 AGM.   At this meeting it was also proposed to appoint a coach but no action was taken on this issue until the 1976-77 season when Bob Raymond was appointed at $30 per game.   Raymond started with the club the year before the second XI was formed before progressing to Sub District ranks, and who still coaches privately, was a member of a family boasting four brothers all of whom played for East Box Hill.  

East Box Hill participated in a twilight competition which started on 1/12/77 and games, consisting of 18 overs per side with batting and bowling restrictions, were played from 5.30pm to 8.00pm. on weeknights.   Council approved the first set of practice nets for the club in December 1977, but twelve months were to elapse before the first posts were put in place.   Discussion on another name change for the club took place in April 1979 together with talks with St Leo's College Old Boys Association on a possible formal link.  The name Box Hill Combined was mooted but no change was made.  A formal link with the old boys was also rejected although the club maintained a strong link with the school that remained until its demise.

The decade ended with the club discussing with co-tenants Box Hill Pioneers Football Club the possibility of major improvements to the pavilion at Sparks Reserve to include a social room.  Plans and financing requirements were placed before Council but nothing came of this initiative. 

1981 saw the complexion of the club change with the transfer of a large number of players from Blackburn North C.C.   The year also saw the celebration of the club's 25th Anniversary with a dinner at Karinya Lodge.  The influx of players enabled the club to field a fourth XI in 1981-82 and a 5th XI captained by Life Member Bob McKee in 1982-83.  The completion of the 1981-82 season saw the Under 12 side premiers.

At the 1983 AGM it was decided to field a Women's XI for the first time made up of ex Kerrimuir United C.C. players whose club no longer wanted to sponsor a women's team.  Permission was obtained from the VWCA and the team used Kerrimuir Primary School as their home ground.  In November 1983 increasing work commitments forced hard working president Bob McKee to resign.  His place was taken by Michael Newey who had previously played with Blackburn North.

During the 1983-84 season much behind the scenes work took place to arrange a special Sportsman's Night function to raise money for Maurice Chilton, a player for several seasons, who had been diagnosed with cancer.  A most successful function was held at the Camberwell Civic Centre with over $15600 being raised for the Chilton family.

In the 1985-86 season Ken Charman took over as 4thXI captain.  Ken would prove to be the most successful captain in the club's history steering that side to three consecutive flags from 1985-86 to 1987-88.  (He was also probably the most successful negotiator and selector during this time also).

Howard Wilson, only the second secretary in the club's history, prepared his 20th and last report as secretary for the AGM on May 25th 1986.  He was succeeded as secretary by Colin McGary.

The club resolved to become an incorporated body on 14th September 1986.  Much of the work in preparing the statements and rules was capably handled by Life Member and former President Lou Rodriquez and the documents were successfully lodged.

A proposed 30th Anniversary Dinner Dance did not proceed due to lack of numbers.  One function that was a success was the Umpire's Christmas party hosted by East Box Hill at Sparks Reserve.  The late Geoff Griffiths then Secretary of the Umpires association was a regular visitor to our rooms.

The completion of the 1986-87 season saw our victorious A1 team retain their unbeaten record through the season defeating East Burwood in the final by 30 runs.  The winning team which enabled the club to field a side in McIntosh Shield Grade for the first time was Trevor McGary (Captain), Phil Tobias, Martin Fincher, Bob Batty, Luke Kenealy, Tim Murphy, Neil Smith, Steve McDonald, Andrew Gill, Alan Galpin and Tony Smith.

Early 1987 saw the club meet with Box Hill Council over the 'user pays' system of ground rental.   A sub committee was formed within council to examine the matter.  The viability of a 6th XI was examined during July 1987 and Dave Sharwood was elected captain once numbers were confirmed.  The move was a successful one as the team was premiers in their first season.

A letter received from Box Hill Council in August 1988 indicated that the coming season was to be our last at Sparks Reserve.  Box Hill City Archers had been successful in obtaining the ground on an all year round basis.  The club swung into action but all our lobbying was to no avail and our future home was in doubt for some months.  During that period a testimonial dinner was held at the Nunawading Civic Centre to commemorate Howard Wilson's 300th game with the club.

Whitehorse Reserve the former home of Box Hill Church of Christ Cricket Club became our new home ground for the 1989-90 season.  Mick Newey stood down as President and was replaced by Trevor McGary who became our most recent Life Member during the year.  The club was saddened to lose two excellent club members during the period.  Doug McDonald, father of long standing player Phil, passed away and is now commemorated by the Doug McDonald medal which is the club's most valuable player award.   Darren Reid, who was tragically killed in an off road accident in 1990,  is now remembered each year with the Darren Reid Memorial Incentive Award, which honours a player for both on and off field performance.

After many years work as Junior Coordinator, Tony Box decided at the end of 1990-91 to take a break from the position.   His work for juniors at both club and Association level should not be underestimated.   This fact is borne out by the number of junior players who have continued on to play senior cricket at East Box Hill in recent years.  Although busy at club level; Tony also managed to find time to serve the Association as Junior Section Manager for two years.

After a spate of pavilion break ins and property damage, which cost the club an estimated $1880, Council acted quickly to secure the rooms to  a much greater extent and no unauthorised entry has occurred since.

A new pitch was laid by Council at St Paschals after the completion of the 1991-92 season.  This coupled with attention to the playing surface has propelled this large ground to one of the best grounds in the competition. 

The Annual General Meeting of 24th May 1992 saw members request the incoming committee to consider appointment of a professional player for the upcoming season.  As it had been over 15 years since a player had been paid at the club, the decision to appoint Tooronga player Peter Leerson for a one year term was not taken lightly.   Peter was reappointed for 1993-94 after a solid performance in his first year.

In August 1994 it was decided to field a second team in the VWCA competition.  Meanwhile discussions were still continuing with the City of Box Hill regarding an upgrade of facilities at Whitehorse Reserve, indoor toilets being the priority.   During the same month a delegation from the Committee met at the Hawthorn Club to discuss a proposal to form what was to be known as the Box Hill Sporting Club.  After months of discussions we did not pursue involvement.    October saw the “Whitehorse Breakers” nickname and emblem endorsed by Committee, although there are still some members who are unhappy with the moniker to this day.

May 1995 saw the club obtain the services of former Australian Under 19 player Chris Dalkin, who over the next four seasons proved to most that he was the best player ever to play at East Box Hill.  The loss of St Paschals oval as a playing venue for the 3^rd and 4^th XIs necessitated a move of those teams to St Leos College.   The 5^th and 6^th XI moved to other ovals as a result.

The outstanding highlight of the 1995/96 season was the club’s first, and to date only, McIntosh Shield grade premiership.   In the previous season the Ladies XI had won the VWCA A Grade pennant, the 5^th XI and Under  16s were also victorious in C2 Grade and Under 16B Grades.     Our most talented players had reaped the rewards of many years hard work.    Premiership port was ordered to commemorate the occasion after resident taste tester and alcohol connoisseur Jim Murphy sampled everything the promotional winery had to offer and more.

Life memberships were bestowed upon Colin McGary and Tony Box at the May 1996 Annual Meeting.   Some very successful major fundraising activities consisting of distribution of East Box Hill Calendars and a back to front raffle draw contributed greatly to club funds.   These initiatives demonstrated the diversity and imagination required to raise money for the club, preferably mainly from outside the club membership, to keep annual subscriptions to a reasonable level.    Activities such as these whilst reasonably successful are not something that could be run every year.    After the premiership the previous season the 1^st XI were beaten in the final after being the top side all season.

Continuing problems with our practice nets led to further correspondence on the matter to what was now the City of Whitehorse (an amalgamation of the City of Box Hill and the City of Nunawading).   Engineers were requested to examine the nets to alleviate sun glare as the nets basically ran in an east west direction.   Batsmen found it hard to pick the flight of the ball in sun/shade and bowlers were at risk from balls struck hard and straight as they were looking directly into the sun.    After 4 years new nets, including an additional net were finally constructed adjacent to the clubrooms for the start of the 2000/01 season.  

Under Ken Arnolda’s astute captaincy the 3^rdXI won the B1 premiership in the 1996/97 season and Jim Murphy deservedly won the Best Clubman award.    The first serious discussions regarding the banning of smoking in the clubrooms were held at the 1997 AGM.   A reasonable compromise has since been reached.

Changes to the prestigious Doug McDonald Medal were made following several keen debates.    The VWCA and 6^th XI were excluded from the main medal and the voting system was changed.    Continuing difficulties in finding grounds suitable for the 5^th and 6^th XI led the club to pay for the establishment of a new pitch at the northern end of the St Leos college venue.   By now the original college had closed and the school had become an International college serving the Asian market.

Howard Wilson’s 400^th game was commemorated by a special presentation of a magnificent club photograph.   Steve Edward’s effort in scoring 3 successive centuries was a first for our club.

Following the success of Wembley (Middlesex County Cricket League England) cricketer, Barry "McGary" Webb at East Box Hill in the mid 1990s Colin McGary, Damien Vozzo and Mark Kenealy all played at Wembley in 1998.   Future reciprocal arrangements are most likely.

In November 1998 a concept plan with architectural drawings detailing extensions to the existing pavilion including a new social room was completed.   A lack of council funding together with lack of interest from the ground’s winter tenant meant that our proposal went no further.

James E. Murphy was awarded Life Membership at the May 1999 AGM.   Jim’s diligence and attention to detail with our books has put East Box Hill in an extremely sound and solid financial position.   Chris Dalkin transferred to East Burwood Bennettswood and was replaced by Hawthorn Waverley 1^st XI Premiership player from the previous season, Chris Bambury.   Apart from winning the premiership during Dalkin’s stay at the club, the first XI and other teams were very successful during the season but found progressing beyond semi finals a bit more difficult.  

Club financing was given a boost for the 1999/2000 season with a number of sponsorships being obtained by Shane Hage.   Major sponsor David Law (Filla Freeza) was joined by Box Hill Indoor Cricket Centre, Maddocks Sports, Club Food & Wine and several other smaller donors.  The importance of junior cricket at the club was illustrated when Chris Bambury was unavailable during the season.   The entire 1^st XI had represented the club at junior level;  a first at East Box Hill and very likely unique in Shield grade.   This season saw the Club Constitution placed on computer disk, the demise of the Ladies team, an Under 12 team fielded after a two year break and the 3^rd XI win the A3 premiership.

Further ground problems confronted the Committee in the lead up to the 2000/01 season.   With the International Language Centre at St Leos College withdrawing permission to use the grounds the 3rds,4ths, 5ths and 6XI were left without playing venues.    Excellent pre season work by President Brett Smith saw the club secure the use of Warner Reserve in Ashburton and Kingswood College in Box Hill.      Junior representation increased from one side to three with two Under 12 teams and an Under 14 team. 

Several new initiatives were taken by Committee.  A level one coaching course was attended by over 15 members including junior managers, senior captains and our new coaching panel.    Mick Newey was installed as Coaching Director and Mark Kenealy as 1stXI squad coach.   Former United Emirates World Cup squad member Wijay Perera replaced Chris Bambury as professional player.     Thanks to Pino Zarro the club obtained a comprehensive liquor licence and, with the club able to contain beer prices to zero increase for the 6^th year in a row,   the bar is a very popular and profitable aspect of club life.

3^rd and 4^th XI players appreciated the carpet like surface of oval No 4 at Trinity College whilst the lower grades played their home games at the small No 2 oval at Kingswood College.  

The onfield highlight of the year was the Shield 2nds premiership in 2001/2002.  In an enthralling game the team of Shane Thompson, Grant Sargent, Steve Hobbs, Andrew Gillard, Brendt Henricus, Damien Rea, Martin Fincher, Nicholas Murphy, Shane Kenealy, Nick Tully and Paul Black (Chris Moore 12^th man) were victorious over Vermont South. 

Beau Monde Receptions in Doncaster East was the venue for the Presentation Night which saw long member and prolific wicket taker Mick McCole take out the Best Clubman Award.  Brett Smith completed his term on Committee after a very successful stint as President.  Brett was succeeded by Life Member Shane Kenealy.   The inaugural McGary/Kenealy Medal for the Most Valuable Player in the juniors for season 2001/2 was won by Robert Gray.

At the 2002 AGM Martin Cowling and Chris Moore were both elected to the Committee.  Martin adopted the role of Council liaison officer with a view to reigniting discussion on a new pavilion at Whitehorse Reserve back on the agenda.  Issues such as tenure and a suitable winter tenant are areas of continuing debate.

The club appointed former Heatherdale player Travis Rowe as the professional player for 2002/3.   Other appointments included Mick "Tiger" Baddeley as 3^rd XI captain who would ultimately prove to be an integral part of a victorious A3 campaign defeating Park Orchards in the final at Mitcham.

2002 03 saw many successful social functions.  The Trivia Night has been a regular social function for the club for over a decade and the 2002 edition held at the Blackburn Hotel, following Michael Vozzo obtaining a small sponsorship from the hostelry, was one of the most successful and enjoyable ever.   In what proved to be a boom year socially 180 people attended the Cup Day function, the club ran a celebrity auction for the first time, a golf day with breakfast and pre bus entertainment made it a very long day for some.East Box Hill representatives attended significant events conducted by Koonung Heights, Mitcham and Blackburn cricket clubs.

As has been the case for all players completing 200 games testimonials were held for David Law and Phil McDonald.  Commemorative plaques are presented to each recipient as a record of their achievements with a similar plaque being placed on the clubroom wall.

Issues raised at Committee during the year included concerns regarding dogs off leashes at Whitehorse Reserve, access to the club's constitution, behaviour at club events and the price of bottled water sold over the bar.  There was no concern over the price of canned beer which remains at $2.

On field saw the continued use of Trinity College for the 3^rd and 4^th XIs, a rare double century by Brendt Henricus and a flag in A3 grade following a sometimes spiteful encounter with Park Orchards.  Club Professional Travis Rowe won the Doug McDonald medal

Following a long list of individual winners the Droscher family won the Best Clubman Award reward for consistent and valued input into many facets of the club during the year.  Jim Murphy won his first batting average in 56 years of senior cricket.

After 46 years the club finds itself in a most satisfactory position.  The financial report tabled at the May 2003 AGM showed a profit of $5241 for the previous year and consolidated funds of just under $47000.East Box Hill is a financially sound, competitive and respected club at all levels, both senior and junior.  In the lead up to the new season various projects were in the pipeline.  Chris Moore was ultimately unsuccessful in creating a sister club relationship with a team in Zimbabwe.   Several amendments to our Constitution were made following an audit by Corporate Affairs.  We received level 1 accreditation under the Government Good Sports initiative. A computer was purchased by the club, a new sponsorship package had been prepared and distributed and further meetings were held with Council over both new facilities and stage 2 water restrictions.  Following much discussion the 6^th XI was withdrawn on 28 October for the remainder of the season.  The Under 12B premiership and the 8/667 amassed by the 5^th XI against Box Hill C of C were the outstanding team performances of the year. Mick McCole’s 8/78, John Cutler’s 158 and James Robertson’s 4 catches in the field in one day were memorable personal highlights.

The big news, however, was the decision whether or not to commit club funds to a new pavilion at Whitehorse Reserve which was almost certainly to be built.  At a Committee Meeting held at Forest Hill on 20/3/04 the “in principle” design of the new rooms was accepted and a commitment to a deposit for the new function room made subject to certain conditions.  Although new facilities were first mooted in 1996 the driving force behind headway being made has been Martin Cowling.  This is not to downplay the efforts of several other members during the period, but there is no doubt that Martin has championed our cause.

Our newest life Member David Law received his medallion from Shane Kenealy at the AGM on 20/6/04.  Dave the current holder of two record partnerships has been a valued sponsor for many years and has had input into many areas of club life.

The demise of the $2 can after 9 seasons was greeted with disappointment in some quarters, but it was a measure of our financial well being that an increase had been deferred until now.  Shane Kenealy stepped down as President on 20/10/04 in what was an uncomfortable period for the club.  50^th Anniversary planning was in its initial stages.

New President Martin Cowling asked for a renewed effort in the sponsorship area and this resulted in a total sponsorship value of over $10400 a club record.  On the social front Cup Day was once again successful with amusements for children becoming a year to year necessity. The boat cruise was put into recess following difficulties attracting sufficient numbers.  However the John Bird Memorial game played at Blackburn North on Australia Day was well received with many ex players in attendance.

Another meeting regarding the proposed new facility was held on 7/2/05 with the Committee deciding that the club should make no monetary commitment to the new facilities apart from furnishing the interior as necessary.  Naturally this would mean no function room as such, but with the larger floor space a partitioned social area was envisaged. 

Our 1^st XI again made the final but were defeated by Eley Park.  Not so the Under 14A team which went through the season undefeated and were victorious for the rejuvenated junior section. The 5^th XI played at Trinity College for the first time.  At the May 2005 AGM Brett Smith who joined as a junior and is a past President and Chairman of Selectors was elected as our most recent Life Member. A completion date of November 17 was advised as the completion date for our new pavilion.

The 2005 06 season was one of the most difficult administratively for some years. Club equipment held in storage was removed in the early part of the season but with no pavilion various homes were found. Private residences were used on Thursday and Saturday nights when the expired liquor licences restricted our use of the President’s Room at Box Hill City Oval. Ironically six senior teams were fielded with less difficulty than previous seasons even though selection night crowds were smaller due to the various temporary environments.

A 2nd McIntosh Shield Premiership by the 1^st XI who triumphed over Box Hill North broke a sequence of “close but not quite” results over the previous 10 years. Captained by Martin Fincher the winning combination of Travis Rowe, Andrew Bethune, Brendt Henricus, Leigh Newey, Damien Yze, Glenn Turner, Andrew Gill, Craig Carroll, Satish Prabhakaran and David Porter proved far too accomplished. Steve Batty and Tim Law completed the team as 12^th man.

The Doug McDonald night was the first held in the new $600,000 plus clubrooms with the rooms being used for the first time during the semi final.  A new facility, but 6 months later than hoped.

Meetings with Vic Roads and Council representatives followed news of extensive works to be undertaken on the Middleborough Road level crossing rendering Whitehorse Reserve unplayable for the coming season.  Yet more challenges for the incoming Committee!

After almost 20 years in the role of Secretary Colin McGary resigned from the position following the leaking of confidential information at a Committee Meeting.

During the off season discussions were in full swing regarding the realignment of Laburnum Station and the grade separation of trains and road at the Middleborough Road crossing. Vic Roads indicated that the project would be a world first in terms of logistics and time lines and that it was a joint venture between Vic Roads, Connex the rail operator and John Holland contractors.  The rail line was to be closed for 6 weeks over Christmas and Whitehorse Reserve was to be used for the temporary storage of the excavated material with the works commencing in November 2006.  It was determined that 3 practice nets would be constructed at St Leos College and the southern ground at the College would be upgraded at Vic Roads expense.  Originally it was intended to use the South oval for the 1^st and 2^nd XI however the dry weather delayed use of the southern oval until January 2007.

Both grounds at St Leos were used with the 5^th and 6^th XIs using the smaller northern ground and the 3^rd and 4^th XIs using the southern ground late in the season.  The 1sts and 2nds were based at Trinity for the whole season and the 3rds and 4ths used the No 1 oval at Trinity when fixturing permitted.  The Cup Day function was held at St Leos.

The club held its 50^th Anniversary dinner at Golden Sands Receptions East Burwood on Saturday November 18^th 2006.  163 attended including some foundation members from 1956, Margaret McIntosh BHRDCA Patron, Cr Robert Chong Mayor City of Whitehorse and other councillors, Koonung Heights C.C. and a wide cross section of current and former members of the senior junior and women’s sections of the club.   Master of Ceremonies Chris Moore did a fine job hosting the evening, the highlight of which was the naming of the Jubilee Team.  The team selected from a squad of 31 players in alphabetical order is, , Chris Dalkin, Martin Fincher, Jack Gibson, Andrew Gill, Mark Kenealy, Steve McDonald, Trevor McGary, Bob Raymond, Ron Seedy, Les Stephenson, Phil Tobias, and Michael Vozzo.  The Chairman of the Organising Committee and the Selection Committee Howard Wilson had also spent considerable time and effort over the last 2 years to produce a 372 page statistical history of the club.  The 1^st edition of the publication which has to be seen to be believed is still available from the club.

The night was a tremendous success and thanks go to members of the organising committee and general committee of the club for their efforts.Socialising at the new pavilion during the rail line lowering provided many talking points. 

Huge mounds of dirt, millions of dollars worth of machinery and restricted access to the completely fenced “compound like” rooms meant that there was plenty to discuss over a beer.

On field success came in the form of a 4^th XI premiership under Martin Cowling (the first 4^th XI flag for 20 years), and a pennant for our Under 16A side.  Seven members of this team, the first premiership at the top junior level, had also been successful in Under 12A and Under 14A premierships namely, Zac Carroll, Michael McDonald, Sam Droscher, Michael Thompson, James Roche, Mitchell Hickey and Xavier Cramer.

The highlight of the Presentation Night held at the Tudor opposite Whitehorse Reserve was the best clubman award won by Paul “Tagger” Byrne.  ”Tagger” continues to work tirelessly in many areas of the club and is currently club secretary.

A difficult off season led to the loss of a number of both senior and junior players necessitating a reduction in senior teams from 6 to 4 for the 2007-08 season.  The club had had difficulty numbers wise  fielding the 6^thXI for some years and some reduction was on the cards anyway.  At the start of the 2007-08 season numbers were a problem in fielding 4 senior teams and four junior teams but this was gradually overcome during the year. An Under 18 team was fielded for the first time, albeit with some administrative problems, in a new BHRDCA competition.  A big plus for the club was the “new” Whitehorse Reserve which has arguably the best playing surface in the Association if not the eastern suburbs.  In a first in the competition an electronic scoreboard, the first in the BHRDCA, was installed on the pavilion after overcoming much Council administrative red tape.

Due mainly to the efforts of the Borg family another attempt was commenced to recycle cans and bottles. Whilst the club has had a large waste bin for many years, savings can be made if only non recyclables are deposited in it. Unfortunately a lack of council assistance has meant that more work will be required in the new season to ensure that our efforts are more successful.In February 2008 break ins and significant structural damage to the new pavilion put a dampener on the lead up to the finals.  Some additional physical security had been put on the pavilion doors following an earlier break in. However this proved no barrier to the latest robbers who stole a plasma TV, DVD player some cricket equipment and liquor.  Fortunately the interior was not trashed and our new honour boards and other furniture was not damaged.  Structural engineers from the Council will decided how much of the east facing wall will have to be rebuilt.

“Slim” Jim McDonald was the latest testimonial recipient and was presented with his plaque at a function in the clubrooms in late February.

The 1^st XI were the only team in the club to play finals after the 4thXI Under 16 and Under 18 all had a chance to participate but lost crucial late games. The 1sts were victorious in the final defeating Bulleen Templestowe by 5 wickets. Tremendous finals campaigns by Andrew Gill, Andrew Bethune and Glenn Turner in particular saw the boys win their 2^nd McIntosh Shield Premiership in 3 years. Damien Yze who captained, had a great year winning the Doug McDonald medal and all 3 team awards at the presentation night. Martin Fincher, Brendt Henricus, Rakesh Pathania, Caleb Grant Tim Law, Sriram Badrinath and Satish Prabhakaran rounded out the successful unit.  

Other notable personal awards included the first tie in the McGary/Kenealy medal between Jake McIldowney and David Rankin, juniors Campbell Gauld and Chris Borg winning the 3^rd XI bowling and batting averages respectively, Jon O’Meara clean sweeping the 4^thXI awards and Howard Wilson winning the Maurice Chilton Best Clubman.  Howard was also presented with a commemorative bat in recognition of passing 10000 club runs.

Season’s end was soured by yet another break in at the clubrooms. A Whitehorse Council more receptive to listening to and acting on our security concerns is top of the wish list for next season.

Colin McGary
Club Historian