CV inducts four new Life Members

Raelee Thompson, Paul Sheahan, Anne Gordon and Bob Cowper were officially elected Life Members at the most recent Members’ meeting and formally presented with their awards at a special event held at the CitiPower Centre at Junction Oval today.

Originally from Shepparton, Ms Thompson was a fast bowler who played 16 Tests for Australia between 1972 and 1985, captaining the team four times. Ms Thompson also represented Victoria on 45 occasions before serving as a selector for many years.

Mr Sheahan, affectionately known as ‘Timbers’, played 31 Test matches, scoring 1594 runs at an average of 33.91. Mr Sheahan also made 107 appearances for Victoria. He retired from international cricket at the age of 27 to pursue his teaching career.

Mr Sheahan served as President of the MCC from 2011 to 2016.

Ms Gordon grew up in Moe in the state’s east and, like Ms Thompson, played in an era when interstate and international playing opportunities were limited.

From 1968 to 1977 Ms Gordon represented Australia in 9 Test matches and 8 One-Day Internationals. Ms Gordon represented Australia in the first Cricket World Cup in 1973. She was Australian Captain for the 1976 Tour to the West Indies and England – culminating in the first Women’s One Day Match played at Lords on the August 4 1976.

Ms Gordon played 21 matches for Victoria and remains a highly respected figure in Australian and international cricket. Following her playing career, Ms Gordon served as a Victorian selector and then in England as selector for both Surrey and England.

Mr Cowper, affectionately known as ‘Wallaby’, played 27 Tests for Australia between 1964 and 1968, scoring 2061 runs at an average of 46.84. Mr Cowper made an unforgettable 307 at the MCG against England in 1966 – the first triple century scored on Australians soil.

Mr Cowper played 147 first class matches, of which 66 were for Victoria. He retired at the age of 28 and pursued a highly successful international business career.

Cricket Victoria CEO Tony Dodemaide congratulated the four recipients on their achievement.

“Raelee, Paul, Anne and Bob have all made significant contributions to both Australian and Victorian cricket over the course of their decorated careers and we are delighted to recognise that achievement today, together with their friends and family,” Dodemaide said.

“Raelee and Anne were pioneers in women’s cricket, and it is wonderful to recognise and celebrate their achievements. International opportunities were limited in those years and their commitment to lead and grow the game over many years played a role in bringing the Australian women’s national program to where it is today. Together with Bob and Paul’s outstanding achievements, today has been a wonderful celebration of four people who have given extraordinary service to cricket.”