Celebrating 50 years

Recipients from across the state took a walk down memory lane as they were recognised for their endless dedication to Victorian cricket as administrators, umpires, coaches, delegates, players and more.

Among the volunteers recognised was Victorian Sub District Cricket Association President Jack Sheehan.

Having started his cricket career at age nine, Sheehan’s 50 years of service has been spread across four clubs including Ashburton Youth Club, Ashburton, Richmond and Caulfield.

The current veteran cricketer has also taken on a number of off-field duties in his tenure including his present role as VSDCA President.

In its 106-year history, Sheehan is only the fifth president to take the reins at the VSDCA, a position that he has held for the past five years.

In his time, cricket has also allowed him to see the world, travelling as both a player and spectator to destinations including the United Kingdom, the Caribbean, Europe and more.

In his 50 years of cricket, Sheehan noted that there had been many highlights, however there was one that stood out above all.

In 1996, Sheehan captained Caulfield’s Veterans team to a gold medal at the World Masters Games in Melbourne and in rare circumstances his team had tied with Geelong’s Veterans team.

“It was very exciting and not many people have done that,” Sheehan said.

“Both teams tied on 249 runs after 40 overs so we both received gold medals and there was no silver.”

After years of involvement in cricket, Sheehan noted that his passion for the game has kept him involved.

“I love the game and the people,” Sheehan said

“You get lifelong friends out of cricket.”

The 22 volunteers recognised were:

Cricket Victoria
Mike Walsh 

Victorian Metropolitan Cricket Union
David Beatty
Allan Berry
Roger Grosvenor
Peter Keyaerts
Terry Lindsey
John MacMillan
Bill McLachlan
Ray Noon
Timothy Norton
Brian Power
Alan Reitman
Don Smith
Lindsay Trollope

Victorian Country Cricket League
Daryl MacDonald
Ross Price
John Williams

Victorian Sub District Cricket Association
Brian Hunt
Leo Johnson
Phillip O’Meara
Robert (Bob) Henry Seymour
Jack Sheehan