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The Club experienced a sense of déjà vu in 2002, when, after a two year term, Peter Read relinquished the Presidency and Brian Waterer returned to the position he had occupied for a record twenty one seasons over two stints.

This was to be the beginning of an incredibly successful era for the Leeming Spartan Cricket Club, highlighted by the opening of our extraordinary multi-million dollar clubhouse on John Connell Reserve, and Brian was instrumental in making it possible.

By the turn of the century, the Club had been enjoying the facilities at John Connell for many years now, but our rapid growth, and ageing clubhouse, meant that there was a need to further expand on the facilities.

After some discussion with the Melville City Council, it was suggested that if the Leeming Bowling Club (situated on the same premises) were to join the Leeming Sportsmans Association, the Council would be prepared to enter into a feasibility study to investigate the possibilities of building a multi-faceted building to cover the needs of the three sporting clubs.

The project was completed in October 2003, and was formally opened on the fifth of that month, and came with panoramic views of the cricket ground, air conditioning, a sensational clubroom (one each for the Spartans and the Bowling Club), and a commercial grade kitchen and bar.

You can read more about this opening here, or see all of our past homes in full detail by clicking here.

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This was of course not the only enormous success the Leeming Spartan Cricket Club experienced during this era under Brian’s leadership, the Club itself turned 85 years old that same year, saw a number of premierships throughout the grades, and an outstandingly strong First Grade that brought home two flags, all in just five years.

There were many other enjoyable events along the way, with some outstanding functions made possible thanks to our hard working Committee during this era, namely Tabitha Bond, Graeme Ashley, Sean Wright and Andrew Walker, all of whom made, and continue to make, the Leeming Spartan Cricket Club such an outstanding place to play cricket and socialise.

The period from 2002 to 2006 was full of fun and opened the Leeming Spartan Cricket Club up to a range of new faces, all eager to be a part of what Brian and team were building. Overall, this was to be a hugely successful era and one that is looked back upon with very fond memories.


Previous Chapter (Read Writes The Script 2000-2002) 

 Next Chapter (The Ipsen Era 2007-2013) 


The new Leeming Spartan clubhouse (opened 2003) was one of the biggest successes in our history.

Learn More About Our Clubhouse Opening!


Celebrating a First Grade Premiership in 2005.


2002/2003 Season – Déjà Vu

President: Brian Waterer (1st Year – 22nd Overall)
Senior Vice President: Brad Mant (3rd Year)
Junior Vice President: Darren Rose (1st Year)
Secretary: Tabitha Flavell (2nd Year)
Treasurer: Andrew Walker (2nd Year)

Peter Read, having retired as President at the conclusion of the previous season, was succeeded by Brian Waterer, the man who he himself had followed, thus ushering in another new era at the Leeming Spartan Cricket Club.

The Club was once again well lead by the man who had been in the position for such a long time, and notably, Brian was instrumental in preparations for the upgrading of our clubhouse on John Connell Reserve, which was due to be completed the following year.

On the field, all sides performed expertly well, and certainly premierships in the third and fifth grades were the on field highlights.

In summing up the season, Brian made the following observations; 

  • The coach, the captains and selectors have been outstanding in producing the results for the season.
  • And that both two-day and one-day premierships, alongside a runners up placing, and five teams in the major finals, all reflects extremely well on the work done by this group and the club is very appreciative of what they have achieved.

Brian also noted that “this success is also reflected by the attitude of those clubs who are envious of who and what we are. We (Leeming Spartan Cricket Club) are becoming very much the “Tall Poppy” of the SMCA.”

This season saw the Club maintain six senior teams and eleven junior sides, and saw two major milestones, those being the 400th games of Peter Read and David Blight. Special tribute nights were held to celebrate these fantastic achievements.

Read finished his Spartan career with over 9000 runs making him at the time, the highest run scorer in Spartan history, before being surpassed by Brad Mant a decade later.

The Club also recorded six victories in a round for the first time ever in Round 8.

Noel Wood claimed his first career hat-trick, and the thirds won the one-day final.

In round 13, Rob Simm became possibly the youngest centurion for the Club with 112 against Perth Tamils at the age of 21. Finally, the 5th Grade capped off an outstanding season with a well deserved Premiership.


2002/2003 Award Winners
Graeme Ashley

Best Club Person Award

Read/Waterer 

Club Champion Award

Shannon Davies Phil Flavell

1st Grade:

Captained By Wayne Fontana

Our top side had a successful season, winning 8 games and losing 6 to finish third, but ultimately lost the Semi Final to Hilton Park.

Heavy pre-season player losses of Clayton Wilson, Michael Smith, Michael Beer and Neil Benbow were offset by recruitment of Tim Edgar, Mick Dargie, Steve Burton and Damien Langley.

Highlights for the season included a magnificent 134 not out in the two-day fixtures, and 98 not out in the one-day match against CBC by Greg Dudley, who went on to make 540 runs for the season.

Jason Cunningham also scored a century with 100 against Phoenix, making a total of 397 runs for the season.

Captain Fontana was also a major contributor with 391 runs and 24 wickets, including 6/72.

20 wicket hauls to Barry Harken and Shayne Hersey were valuable contributions.


2nd Grade:

Captained By Darren Rose

Our twos had an even season – 7 wins and 7 losses to finish fourth, being beaten in the Semi Final by Kwinana.

Batting proved to be the strong point of the team – six players made in excess of 250 runs;

  • Brad Mant – 326 runs
  • Craig Periera – 323 runs
  • Tim Edgar – 297 runs (including 120 against SJ Blues)
  • Graeme Bond – 282 runs
  • Kevin Poler – 275 runs
  • Andrew Walker – 219 runs

Bowling honours were far and away taken by Mick Bennett with a highly impressive 33 wickets for the season.


3rd Grade – One-Day PREMIERS!

Captained By Graham Pound

Our threes had another fantastic season, winning 12 of 14 round matches and the One-Day Final, defeating Hilton Park in emphatic style.

Unfortunately lost the two-day Semi Final to perenial finals rival CBC.

Highlights for the season included four centuries, one each to Craig Forsyth 107, Danny Hambleton 138, Skipper Graham Pound 103 (his first ton for the Club), and youngster Rob Simm with 112.

Bowling honours were shared between Nigel Coppin and Shannon Davies, both with 23 wickets. Andrew Wragg took 21.


The One-Day Premiership Victory

Leeming Spartan Cricket Club 6/76 (Jason Hamling 32) defeated Hilton Park all out 75 (Peter McGilvray 3/13, Shannon Davies 3/14) by four wickets at John Connell Reserve.

The Premiership Team (In Batting Order):  D. Hambleton, J. Hamling, C. Forsyth, P. McGilvray, R. Simm, D. Blight, G. Pound (Captain), S. Buckby, C. Boyes, N. Coppin, S. Davies.

Click to view a larger version.


4th Grade:

Captained By Steve Hall

This was very much a developmental year – with many new junior players being used during the season.

In the end, they came home with three late wins to finish with 3 wins and 11 lost games to finish last in the grade.

Captain Steve Hall led by example with 353 runs, unfortunately virtually played a lone hand in the runs department.

Gareth Finlay excelled with the ball to claim 31 wickets, again a lone hand, with only youngster Chris Boyes (12 wickets) in double figures. A highlight was a well made century by Ryan Noble against Southern Districts (112).


5th Grade – PREMIERS!

Captained By Dick Manning

After forfeiting the first game of the season, our Spartan fifths finished on a roll and very easily won the Premiership in the superior two-day competition. Along the way lost they unfortunately lost the One-Day Grand Final to Thornlie.

Andrew Carruthers was the standout batsman, scoring one century (106 not out) and six fifties to accumulate a whopping 725 runs for the season.

Des Carruthers with 359 runs and Ryan Noble‘s 333 were also good contributors with the bat.

Captain Dick Manning led the bowling with 35 wickets, and was well supported by Kevin Wade with 32 and Ron Barber with 18.

The fifths comfortably defeated Maddington in the Semi Final and accounted for Kenwick in the Grand Final in a comprehensive victory.


The Premiership Victory

Leeming Spartan Cricket Club all out 240 (Travis King 74 and Ryan Noble 62) defeated Kenwick all out 72 (Kevin Wade 5/19, Ryan Noble 2/9, Peter Lansbury 2/22).

The Premiership Team (In Batting Order): K. Wade, G. Poller, A. Carruthers, R. Noble, T. King, R. Barber, P. Lansbury, D. Carruthers, R. Manning (Captain), C. Fletcher, M. Thomas.


6th Grade – Runners Up:

Captained By Dave Hackett & Phil Flavell

Our final side this season won 16, and lost 4, having forfeited the first game, eventually finishing third overall. They defeated Roleystone in the Semi Final, but lost the Grand Final to Gosnells.

Stand in Captain Phil Flavell again starred with the bat, scoring 718 runs. He was supported with the bat by Craig Moncrieff with 475 runs, Alec Lacey’s 437 and Luke Carlson’s 399 runs.

Bowling honours were evenly shared amongst Dave Jones with 28 wickets, Captain Flavell and Noel Wood with 26 a piece (Wood also claiming a hat-trick) and Lacey with 22.


2003/2004 Season – Incredible New Clubhouse

President: Brian Waterer (2nd Year – 23rd Overall)
Senior Vice President: Brad Mant (4th Year)
Junior Vice President: Craig Forsyth (1st Year)
Secretary: Tabitha Flavell (3rd Year)
Treasurer: Andrew Walker (3rd Year)

In our eighty-fifth year, the major highlight was undoubtedly the opening of our new clubhouse facility, a multi-million dollar megastructure orchestrated by Brian Waterer and the Melville City Council through many years of planning.

This new clubhouse was built parallel to our previous clubrooms at John Connell Reserve, an area we still utilise today for their upgraded change rooms.

The new combined Leeming Sports Association complex, incorporating Leeming Bowls Club, Leeming Strikers Soccer Club and of course the Leeming Spartan Cricket Club was officially opened on the 5th of October 2003 by Melville City Council Mayor Katherine Jackson.

The new complex has panoramic views of the Club’s cricket ground, air conditioning, and a commerical grade kitchen and bar. The culmination of years of work by the combined Clubs through the LSA, it truly is a fantastic facility that is still the pick of the bunch more than a decade on.

During the opening ceremony, Mayor Jackson offered special praise to Leeming Spartan President Brian Waterer, who had been the driving force behind the establishment of the facility.

More information on this phase of our history can be found here.


2003/2004 Award Winners
Graeme Ashley

Best Club Person Award

Read/Waterer 

Club Champion Award

Andrew Walker Mick Bennett

The new Leeming Spartan clubhouse on the left, and original building on the right. (Taken 2017)


Spartan President Brian Waterer (left) and Melville City Council Mayor Katherine Jackson (right) at the 2003 clubhouse opening.


Learn More About Our Clubhouse Opening!

View Our Clubhouse Construction Photos


On the field, we won two premierships, with our 2nd Grade and the all-conqurering 6th Grade proving successful at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, the First Grade started the season with a new captain, under Kevin Adair.

The social highlights included a successful Official Opening function for the aforementioned clubhouse, a very well attended Quiz Night, and a fantastic Read-Waterer Medal Count night, with an excellent visual presentation organised by Shannon Davies and Craig Forsyth being very well received (and still used today).

Mick Bennett won the Read-Waterer Medal for 2003/04, while Graham Pound and Dick Manning won SMCA bowling trophies.

The round of one day fixtures on Saturday 13th December resulted in six out of six wins for the Club.

And finally, a quirky statistic – Saturday 20th December the top three sides all scored 137!


1st Grade:

Captained By Kevin Adair

Our ones finished a disappointing fifth overall, after a promising start to the season under new captain Kevin Adair.

Highlights during the season included a century by the captain (110 against Armadale), and a record bowling effort by Shayne Hersey, with his 9/65 against Kwinana.

Adair led from the front with 446 runs at 32 and Greg Dudley, with 332, were the only two batsmen over 300 runs.

Shayne Hersey led the bowlers with 28 wickets, with solid contributions from former captain Wayne Fontana (23), Barry Harken (22) and Greg Dudley, who capped off a good all round year with 17 wickets.


2nd Grade – PREMIERS!

Captained By Mick Dargie

Our twos had a fantastic finish to the season, winning the Premiership from third position!

During the season, Darren Humble took 5 catches in an innings, and Stefan Vucens scored a maiden century with 115 against East Fremantle.

Vucens led the batting after Christmas, accumulating 343 runs at 42, with Kevin Poller’s 320 runs, and Brad Mant with 273, being the other main contributors with the bat.

Bowling honours went to Chris Spinella, who took 22 wickets for the season, including 5 for 34 in the Semi Final against SJ Blues, and Alec Lacey, who claimed 20 wickets, including 5 for 25 against Maddington in the Grand Final.


The Premiership Victory

Leeming Spartan Cricket Club 8/112 defeated Maddington 10/110 (Alec Lacey 5/25) by two wickets at John Connell Reserve.

The Premiership Team (In Batting Order): Stefan Vucens, Luke Cooney, Andrew Walker, Kevin Poller, Craig Pereira, Mick Dargie (Captain), Brad Mant, Darren Humble, Alec Lacey, Chris Spinella, Daniel Reid.

Click to view a larger version.


3rd Grade:

Captained By Graham Pound

Finished third, after losing the semi final to Kardinya Lakes.

Evergreen stalwart Danny Hambleton started the season in great fashion, scoring 123 against Hilton Park in the first game, and was involved in a second wicket century partnership with Andrew Walker later in the season.

Danny finished the season with 520 runs.

Darren Rose hit back to back hundreds with 105 not out against CBC and 101 not out against Kardinya Lakes.

Other contributors with the bat were Craig Pereira with 325 runs and Craig Forsyth with 272.

Captain Graham Pound led the bowling with 31 wickets, and won the Association bowling trophy for his efforts. Recruit Mick Laycock also performed well with the ball to take 20 wickets.


4th Grade:

Captained By Ron McDonald

Unfortunately the fourths became the chopping block for other sides, with thirty seven players moving in and out of the grade.

They were not able to establish a consistent group and eventually finished last.

Youngster Marco Buccini took 3 for 21 and 5 for 32 on his Spartan debut, and newcomer Gareth Ambridge combined with veteran David Blight for a fourth wicket partnership of 154.

Gareth Finlay led the batting with 266.

Perennial wicket taker Mick Bennett had another stellar season with 40 wickets at an average of just 13, and Buccini had a good first up season with 16 wickets.

Gareth Finlay added to his batting efforts with 13 wickets in what was a solid all round year.


5th Grade:

Captained By Dick Manning

Finished third in a very creditable performance, losing to the SJ Blues by a handful of runs in the Semi Final.

Junior recruit Dean Prebble scored 60 on debut against Canning Districts.

Andrew Carruthers scored 100 exactly, and combined with Steve Hinchcliffe in an opening partnership of 191 against the same side.

Gavin Poller had a great season with the bat, scoring 484 runs, Captain Dick Manning scored 313, with solid performances also coming from Hinchcliffe with 299, Craig Kenna with 245, Des Carruthers with 242 and Dean Prebble with 204 runs.

The bowling was again led by Captain Manning’s 26 wickets at an average of 11, and for his efforts he also won the Association bowling trophy.


6th Grade – PREMIERS!

Captained By Phil Flavell

A sensational performance by the sixth grade, who were superbly led by Phil Flavell, who broke his own batting record in scoring an extraordinary 753 runs, whilst also taking 30 wickets and sixteen catches.

During the season the sixers twice scored over 300 runs, setting a new grade record of 4/338 against Armadale.

Four century partnerships were made, including a grade record first wicket partnership with 168 put on by Luke Carlson and Phil Flavell against Willetton.

In addition to the captain, prominent batsmen came in the form of Carlson, who scored 615 runs, Craig Moncrieff with 491, Steve Hall with 340 and includes 105 not out against Armadale, and Dave Abercrombie‘s 303.

Sixth grade all rounder Jim Leinasars again starred with bat and ball, scoring 293 runs and taking 44 wickets at 10.

Myles Kemp took 36 wickets and veteran Noel Wood claimed 20 scalps.


The Premiership Victory

Leeming Spartan Cricket Club 9/156 (Flavell 41, Moncrieff 32) defeated Hilton Park 10/155 (Flavell 5/15) by one wicket.

The Premiership Team (In Batting Order): Craig Moncrieff, Luke Carlson, Steve Hall, Phil Flavell (Captain), Dave Abercrombie, Myles Kemp, Justin Parsons, Jim Leinasars, Gary Boyes, Anthony McGhie, Noel Wood.


2004/2005 Season – First Grade Triumph

President: Brian Waterer (3rd Year – 24th Overall)
Senior Vice President: Craig Forsyth (1st Year)
Junior Vice President: Sean Wright (1st Year)
Secretary: Tabitha Flavell (4th Year)
Treasurer: Graeme Ashley (1st Year – 7th Overall)

After sixteen years of excellent service, Peter McGilvray decided not to continue as Club Coach, and we were extremely fortunate to obtain the services of former Premiership play Matthew Smith to fill the role.

It proved to be a mixed season on the field, and the unavailability of many senior players stretched our resources to the limit, but we still managed to field six sides each match.

In the end three sides, being our First, Fifth and Sixth Grade made the four, with the Firsts and Fifths both making Grand Finals.

Off the field, a major addition to our Spartan history was unveiled with the introduction of a Hall of Fame Honour Board for eligible players who had played at least one hundred first grade games.

Inaugural Hall of Fame inductees were: Harold Bell, Paul Clement, Paul Hitch, Frank McClumpha, Ian McClumpha, Barry Maher, George Mazzini, Maurie Pietroniro, George Pluske, Joe Rayner, Lew Read, John Spencer, Ron Stanton and Brian Waterer.


2004/2005 Award Winners
Graeme Ashley

Best Club Person Award

Read/Waterer 

Club Champion Award

E. Flavell

P. Flavell

Wayne Fontana

1st Grade – PREMIERS!

Captained By Kevin Adair

A mixed season, with excellent performances in the two day games, whilst falling away in the one day fixtures. In the end finished fourth and defeated reigning premiers Hilton Palmyra in an exciting semi final.

Recruit Glynn Haasy had a great start to his Spartan career, scoring 455 runs opening the batting. Daniel Reid was outstanding with the ball, snaring 36 victims, which was the best return in First Grade since 1992/93, while perenial “scrooge” Wayne Fontana bowled a very tight line and finished with 31 wickets at an average of just 11.74.

Fontana also won the Association bowling award, and our Read/Waterer Club Champion medal.

Captain Kevin Adair scored 443 runs and Club Coach Matt Smith had a good year with 362 runs and 29 wickets.

A highlight was the performance of former Leeming Spartan Juniors’ Under 17 captain Craig Pereira, promoted to the first grade and scoring 386 runs in his maiden season at the top level.

Along the way the team broke four partnership records. 


The Premiership Victory

We won the toss and batted at John Connell Reserve.

A succession of partnerships, anchored by Wayne Fontana and expanded on late in the innings by Craig Pereira saw us finish with a very competitive 179.

Armadale’s run chase got off to a disasterous start, losing a wicket with Daniel Reid’s first ball.

A fantastic spell of bowling from Reid (3/16) and Shayne Hersey (4/37) didn’t let Armadale into the game and they were dismissed for just 76.

The Premiership Team (In Batting Order):  Glynn Haasy, Wayne Fontana, Darren Rose, Kevin Adair (Captain), Matt Smith, Jon Ferguson, Craig Pereira, Jason Cunningham, Stefan Vucens, Shayne Hersey, Daniel Reid.

Click to view a larger version.


2nd Grade:

Captained By Alec Lacey

In the end a disappointing finish.

They started the season short of quality players, but after Christmas became a very competitive side.

Unfortunately not able to capitalise on this influx of good players and our twos finished outside the four, missing the finals after a premiership the previous season.

Andrew Walker was again consistent in scoring 255 runs, Jon Ferguson came late and proved to be a class act, scoring 261 after Christmas.

Damien Langley provided a highlight with a great ton, scoring 102 against Maddington.

Captain Alec Lacey led from the front in the bowling department, with 32 wickets and was well supported by Peter Ferguson with 22. Keeper Stuart Buckby took 5 catches in an innings.


3rd Grade:

Captained By Andrew Wragg

Undermanned all season and didn’t really get going at any stage.

Unfortunate to note a number of retirements amonst some fantastic stalwarts at the end of the season, with Graham Pound, Danny Hambleton, Mick Bennett and Dave Blight all putting the bat away for the final time.

Retirement was proven not to be permanent for the final two names, with Bennett and Blight coming back in the years that followed.

Dave Blight led the batting, supported at times by Antony Bright and Danny Hambleton.

Mick Bennett and Shannon Davies contributed most to the bowling.

A major highlight was Stuart Hennessey’s feat in taking an incredible 10/43 against Kwinana.

Bright scored 60 and took 7/60 against Cockburn and Bennett broke the catching record for a non-keeper.


4th Grade:

Captained By Ron McDonald

This side also suffered from a lack of quality personnel, with thirty nine players journeying through the grade during the season.

A highlight was a superb maiden century by the captain Ron McDonald (114) in the final match against Thornlie.

Glenn Hack also contributed with the bat, and Gareth Ambridge, Adam Cranston and Glen Parise all put in a couple of cameos.

Hack almost single handedly carried the bowling. 


5th Grade – Runners Up:

Captained By Dick Manning

A mixed season, starting with some losses but continued gaining players as the season went along, eventually claiming fourth spot with a good win against Kwinana.

Played their best cricket in the semi final against minor premiers Thornlie.

A great spell of bowling by Glen Parise, who was well supported by Kevin Wade, restricted Thornlie to a modest total which was achieved before tea on the next day.

Played East Fremantle in the grand final and unfortunately couldn’t find their semi final form from the previous weekend and eventually went down by 20 runs.

Contributors during the season were once again in the form of captain Dick Manning, Brad Mant, Des Carruthers and Steve Hinchcliffe.

Bowling honours went to Kevin Wade, who bought up his 300th wicket for the Spartans during the grand final.

Parise and Manning also chipped in on the bowling side during the season. 


6th Grade:

Captained By Phil Flavell

Moved into the 6A grade and found the going quite tough against the top teams.

Still managed to finish in the top four but ultimately were unable to add to the fine record of premierships after coming up against CBC in the semi-final.

Highlights during the season included an opening partnership record of 205 by Phil Flavell and Craig Moncrieff, and a hat-trick by Dave Abercrombie.

Gary Boyes broke the catching record for the grade.

Usual suspects Dave Abercrombie, Luke Carlson, Phil Flavell and Craig Moncrieff dominated the batting, whilst evergreen Jim Leinasars claimed 33 wickets.


2005/2006 Season

President: Brian Waterer (4th Year – 25th Overall)
Senior Vice President: Craig Forsyth (2nd Year)
Junior Vice President: Sean Wright (2nd Year)
Secretary: Tabitha Bond (5th Year)
Treasurer: Graeme Ashley (2nd Year – 8th Overall)

2005/2006 proved to be a season with a great number of positives – but in the end no premierships to show for it all!

Recruiting was a highlight this season, leading with the recruitment of former Western Warrior Mark Atkinson.

Mark not only excelled as a player (winning the Association Cricketer of the Year and the Read/Waterer Club Champion Medal), but also proved to be a great club member.

Other recruits also performed very well, namely Chris Geers who scored 613 runs including 2 centuries, Andy Gibbs who took 43 wickets, and Jackson Wheeler who showed more than enough to be considered a player of the future.

In all nineteen players made their Spartan debut during the season, and five out of six teams made the finals, there were twelve centuries and eleven 6 or more wicket hauls.

The juniors also continued to do well and won two Premierships.

In addition to the recruits a number of former players returned to become the “Fifth Grade Dinosaurs” – and not only performed with credit on the field but also assisted greatly with social functions, culminating in a very successful “Big Band Night”.

One successful returning player was Michael Ashley, who scored 552 runs, including being in two century partnerships.

Peter Read was deservedly inducted into the Hall of Fame.

The club also moved into uncharted waters by competing in the inaugural WACA statewide Twenty20 competition.


2005/2006 Award Winners
Graeme Ashley

Best Club Person Award

Read/Waterer 

Club Champion Award

Nigel Coppin Mark Atkinson

1st Grade – Runners Up:

Captained By Wayne Fontana

The reigning premiers finished the home and away season undefeated.

Unfortunately they could not continue to good work and lost an elimination final to CBC – to then regroup and play what was probably their best game of the season to defeat Hilton-Palmyra in the semi final. When it came to the Grand Final, Phoenix batted first and made a very respectable 7/191. Our chase got off to a good start before and tumble of wickets left us well short in the end.

Season highlights included scoring 8/400 against Thornlie, three century partnerships and three centuries.

Returning captain Wayne Fontana again led from the front with 469 runs and 43 wickets, whilst new recruit Mark Atkinson made 604 runs and took 39 wickets plus a number of great slips catches.

Matt Smith with 366 runs and 22 wickets and Jason Cunningham, 345 runs were also solid contributors.

Association Trophies:

  • Mark Atkinson – Cricketer of the Year;
  • Wayne Fontana – Best Bowling, Player of the Series, Association Vets

Meanwhile, in the WACA Twenty20 Competition, we travelled to Albany to play in our first official 20 over match, defeating a combined Albany side. We then played WACA side Midland-Guildford, who proved to be too strong. An interesting concept which was enjoyed by all who participated.


2nd Grade – Runners Up:

Captained By Andrew Wragg

Had a mixed season, eventually finishing in the four, and convincingly defeating CBC in the semi final.

A sensational captain’s effort by Andrew Wragg in the Grand Final was just not enough to get us over the line and Phoenix finally prevailed.

A season highlight was scoring 304 against Maddington on the back of a Stefan Vucens century. The season lowlight however was getting knocked over for just 71 by Phoenix!

Andrew Walker broke to second grade batting record with 552 runs.

Vucens made 259 runs in an otherwise even, though unspectacular performance by the batsmen.

Mick Bennett again led the bowling with 27 wickets, including 7/49 against the “old enemy” CBC. Meanwhile, Wragg and Stuart Hennessey contributed 23 wickets each.


3rd Grade (SMCA 5th Grade):

Captained By Various

A number of guys had a turn at captaining the “5th Grade Dinosaurs” during the year.

Featuring a number of veteran players and some recruits they performed well, if not all that consistently during the season, storming into the finals on the back of a couple of great efforts, including scoring 8/317 against Hilton before making a grade record 7/378 against Cockburn.

In this game Steve Kirk got 151, Danny Hambleton 101 and Graham Pound took 6/28.

Hambleton and Kirk had a second wicket partnership of 183.

Unfortunately though, not enough runs against Armadale in the semi final proved to be a major obstacle.

Perennial run scorer Danny Hambleton again led the batting with 554 runs for the season, assisted by Kirk who made 386, including back to back tons.

Nigel “String” Coppin led the bowling with 25 wickets, including two 5-for’s, while Ken McGrail had a successful debut season with 16 wickets, and Shannon Davies and Graham Pound both claimed 13.

Guest player Mick Knuckey only played a solitary one-day fixture and scored an even hundred!


4th Grade (SMCA 6th Grade):

Captained By Ron McDonald

Ronny’s side enjoyed three century partnerships, including a grade record 116 for the second wicket, by Steve Hinchcliffe and newcomer (and future Club President) John Ipsen, two centuries from Chris Geers and two team scores over 300.

Geers also featured in two century partnerships.

They lost the semi final to Phoenix by just two runs.

Andrew Gibbs took 41 wickets to play a lone hand with the ball.

Geers finished with 456 runs and Michael Ashley made 337. Others over 200 runs for the season were Chris Davies, Gibbs, Jeremy Gibson, John Ipsen and Nick Leavy.


5th Grade (SMCA 7th Grade):

Captained By Dick Manning

Our fifths started in spectacular fashion, going to the Christmas break undefeated.

After that a few hiccups emerged, but a resounding victory against Kelmscott – the Spartans scoring 6/318 – in the last game saw us qualifying for the semi final.

In yet another nail biting semi (which this team has specialised in in recent seasons) resulted in a one run defeat to Armadale!

Evergreen captain Dick Manning led the batting with 498 runs, and was well supported by Des Carruthers’ 443 and Bill Greenshields’ 235.

Dick also led the bowling in taking 22 wickets. Others to assist in the bowling department were Greenshields and Peter Lansbury.

Promising graduating junior Andrew Genoni performed well in his first season.


6th Grade (SMCA One Day ‘A’ Grade):

Captained By Gary Boyes

Our One Day A’s found the going quite challenging this season with a number of good sides now in the increasingly popular ‘A’ one-day competition.

Some great batting efforts came from Luke Carlson, who scored 650 runs for the season, Craig Moncrieff’s 627 – including a century, Dave Abercrombie’s 380 and Phil Flavell with 335.

The bowling was carried by stalwart Jim Leinasars‘ 26 wickets, Abercrombie’s 25, and Anthony ‘Sooty’ McGhie with 21.


2006/2007 Season – First Grade Premiers

President: Brian Waterer (5th Year – 26th Overall)
Senior Vice President: John Ipsen (1st Year)
Junior Vice President: Sean Wright (3rd Year)
Secretary: Tabitha Bond (6th Year)
Treasurer: Craig Pereira (1st Year)

2007 was the fitting farewell to the man who has served as President of the Leeming Spartan Cricket Club in a mammoth twenty-six seasons over three years, as Brian Waterer handed over the reigns on the back of a First Grade Premiership and a sensational off-field atmosphere.

This proved to be a fantastic season, obviously culminating in the First Grade Premiership, but also a flag in the One Day ‘B’ side, which was made up mainly of players from the Bullcreek Leeming Amateur Football Club.

Additionally, the Leeming Spartan Junior Cricket Club continues to provide quality players of the future for our ranks, with namely three good players graduating during the season, including Sean Collings who finished playing first grade and featured in two grade record century partnerships.

Brad Mant broke the Club batting record with 879 runs for the season. Coach Matt Smith became the first Spartan to play in three First Grade Premiership sides.

Kevin Poller won the Read/Waterer Club Champion Medal and almost led the third grade to a premiership, whilst Ron McDonald claimed the Graeme Ashley Award for the Best Club Person for his continued dedication to the Club.

We continued our involvement with the WACA Statewide Twenty20 Competition, and made the quarter finals.

Off the field, recruitment and sponsorship continued to be well supported – and it all augured well for a successful season in 2007/08 under incoming President John Ipsen.

This season was also highlighted by the Australian Cricket Team’s domination of the English in the Ashes Series, which Australia won 5-0.


2006/2007 Award Winners
Graeme Ashley

Best Club Person Award

Read/Waterer 

Club Champion Award

Ron McDonald Kevin Poller

1st Grade – PREMIERS!

Captained By Wayne Fontana

Our top side started relatively slowly until about Christmas, and then played really well to eventually win three elimination finals, including the Grand Final, thereby winning the Premiership for the second time in three seasons!

First Grade Premiers for the second time in three seasons proved what a successful and strong side had emerged from the Leeming Spartan Cricket Club, and was a fitting farewell to outgoing President Brian Waterer!

Mark Atkinson again led the charge making 380 runs, including four 50’s, and taking a whopping 35 wickets.

Others over 200 runs include Chris Geers, Craig Pereira and Matt Smith, while Wayne Fontana, with 31 wickets, alongside Jason Cunningham, Matt Smith and Sean Wright all contributed to the wickets tally. 


The Premiership Victory

CBC won the toss and batted at their home ground on Karoonda Reserve.

Mark Atkinson wrecked the top order to finish with 5/38 and was well supported by Wayne Fontana, who took 4/26.

Whilst they were all out for 123, we were mindful that in the elimination final we had made only 121 and defended it.

Although we lost early wickets, Jason Cunningham batted very well and was unfortunate to be dismissed on 38.

Craig Pereira and Shayne Hersey saw us home with some good hitting at the end, seeing us to a two wicket win.

The final score read Leeming Spartan Cricket Club 8/125 defeated CBC 10/123 by two wickets.

The Premiership Team (In Batting Order):  W. Fontana (Captain), M. Smith, C. Geers, J. Cunningham, S. Collings, M. Atkinson, D. Rose, C. Pereira, K. Mitsopolous, S. Hersey, S. Wright.

Click To View The Image In It’s Full Size


2nd Grade:

Captained By Shayne Hersey & Andrew Wragg

The Spartan twos unfortunately suffered from a lack of player numbers and depth early in the season and didn’t recover from their slow start.

Michael Ashley continued his good form from the previous season and made 320 runs, with support from eventual captain Andrew Wragg, Danny Hambleton, Steve Hancock, Shayne Hersey and Peter Phillips.

Bowling honours again went to Mick Bennett, who took 28 wickets, including a very impressive 8/48, with help from Wragg and new comer Ian Murfitt.

In all, thirty two players contributed during the season with a real mixture of the young and the old.

Peter Phillips claimed five dismissals in an innings.


3rd Grade (SMCA 4th Grade) – Runners Up:

Captained By Kevin Poller

This side had a very good season and finished runners up to Premiership winners Cockburn.

Captain Kevin Poller had a stellar season making 521 runs and taking 18 wickets.

Kevin won the Associaton Batting trophy for his efforts and was also named as our Leeming Spartan Club Champion.

Other highlights were a grade record 189 run 6th wicket partnership between Sean Collings and Shannon Davies, a century partnership between youngsters Lewis O’Dea and Jackson Wheeler along with another good all-round season from Andrew Gibbs, who made 234 runs and claimed 32 wickets.

Shannon also had a good season with the ball in taking 25 wickets.


4th Grade (SMCA 6th Grade):

Captained By Dick Manning & Bill Greenshields

Our fourths also suffered from a lack of players in the early part of the season.

Had some good victories, but not enough to trouble to top sides.

Perennial performer Dick Manning scored 330 runs and took 17 wickets, while Sean Collings made a good start to his senior career and made 251 runs. The two also combined for a grade record fifth wicket partnership.

Glenn Hack, Collings, Blake Carter and Tony Plain assisted in the wicket taking.

New comer Chris Wright showed excellent promise and finished the season playing second grade.

Adam Seaward claimed five dismissals in an innings.


5th Grade (SMCA One Day ‘B’ Grade) – PREMIERS!

Captained By Darren Humble

A team comprised mainly of players from the local Bullcreek Leeming Amateur Football Club, who had made the transition to cricket, and did so with good effect.

An impressive five century partnerships were recorded during the season.

Brad Mant scored a massive 767 runs in this grade, while Matthew Curruthers made 648, including two centuries, Paul Petkovich scored 361 and Captain Darren Humble made 322.

Bowling honours were taken by Ben Kerr with 23 wickets and Humble with 22.

Ray Sullivan, Matt Curruthers and Glen Parise all made worthwhile contributions with the ball.

Curruthers won the Association Batting Trophy for the best average.


The Premiership Victory:

Phoenix won the toss and batted.

A great spell by Ben Kerr had them at 3/32 early on, and they failed to recover, eventually bowled out for just 95.

Glen Parise took 4/18 to wreck what was left of their innings, and Ray Sullivan took the remaining three wickets.

In reply, we were never troubled, winning comfortably for the loss of four wickets.

Leeming Spartan Cricket Club 4/99 defeated Phoenix 10/95 by six wickets.

The Premiership Team (In Batting Order): P. Petkovich, M. McKenzie, M. Curruthers, G. Parise, B. Mant, D. Humble (Captain), R. Sullivan, M. Jancey, T. Sujdovic, A. Owen, B. Kerr.


6th Grade (SMCA One Day ‘E’ Grade):

Captained By Gary Boyes

Our final side in season 2006/2007 finished third after losing the semi final.

Despite the lack of progression in the finals campaign, it was a solid season with good performances by a number of players.

Dave Hodgettes had a great season with the bat, scoring 580 runs, including five 50’s, and regulars Craig Moncrieff (555 runs), Phil Flavell (402 runs) and Dave Abercrombie (391) all did well, while the evergreen Jim Leinasars again had a good double with 291 runs and 27 wickets.

Abercrombie also took 25 wickets, with Flavell and Anthony McGhie making solid bowling efforts.

Seven century partnerships were scored during the season, and Dave Hodgettes featured in four of them.


The afternoon of our First Grade two-day Premiership in 2007, at Karoonda Oval after defeating CBC.


The Era In Review:

Brian’s reign as President was long and illustrious, and ended in the ultimate fashion, with a new clubhouse and a First Grade Premiership.

The Club was now into its most successful stage in First Grade history, two flags in three years, and it set the framework for the many successful years that followed.

Brian’s work in orchestrating our fantastic new clubhouse facility at John Connell Reserve is unprecedented in Leeming Spartan history, and it has had a lasting and profound effect, as even today in 2024, it is the pick of the association.

There were many other enjoyable events along the way, with some outstanding functions thanks to our hard working Committee, namely Tabitha Bond, Graeme Ashley, Sean Wright and Andrew Walker, all of whom made, and continue to make, the Leeming Spartan Cricket Club such an outstanding place to play cricket and socialise.

As can be seen in these history chapters, all grades performed exceptionally well, and were almost always competitive week after week, and Brian certainly was instrumental in ensuring this could become a reality.

During his stewardship of the Club from his first term as President back in 1978, Brian saw the number of sides at the Club rise from just one to six, and helped our Premiership count rise dramatically.

As Brian himself had stated when he first returned in 2002, the Leeming Spartan Cricket Club was becoming very much the “leader of the Association”, and this was further entrenched by the time he hung up the boots in 2007.

More information on Brian and his work at the Spartans can be found here.

The years between 2002 and 2007 proved to be a hugely enjoyable period for the Club, and thanks to the five-decade-long efforts of Brian Waterer, we were met with unprecedented successes both on and off the field.



Chapter Thanks:

A special thank you to Spartan legends Graeme Ashley and Brian Waterer for the countless hours they have spent in compiling the historical information regarding the Leeming Spartan Cricket Club and preparing it for our website. This incredible effort is part of what makes the Leeming Spartan Cricket Club one of the most historically accurate and successful clubs in Western Australia.

Adapted and updated with new content for the new Leeming Spartan Website in July 2017 by Daniel Coombs. Last updated in August 2017.


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The Spartan Cricket Club in 2007, during the transition of Presidents.


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