Back To The Future (2002-2007)

Peter Read relinquished the Presidency after a two year term and Brian Waterer returned to the position he had previously occupied for twenty one seasons over two stints. 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. A “one day” premiership and runners up, five teams in the major finals with another premiership and runner up to add to the Club” achievements all reflect the work done by this group and the club is very appreciative of what they did. This success is also reflected by the attitude of those clubs who are envious of who and what we are .. we are becoming very much the “Tall Poppy” of the SMCA.

2002/2003 Season – Waterer Returns

Off the field the Club enjoyed a bumper season, with increased sponsorship, the addition of a new team – thereby bringing the total to seven, furthering the development of the ‘Player’s Tea’, and new fundraising ideas all proving pivotal to the success of the Club.

Our on-field success was mixed, and although we didn’t win a premiership, considerable development of young players and good recruiting had us in good stead for the future. Despite the lack of a title, three sides finished in the finals. 

Life Memberships were awarded to Mick Bennett and Jim Leinsasars for their outstanding long term service to the club.

1st Grade:

Captained By Wayne Fontana & Mark Atkinson

This season saw the club maintain six senior teams and eleven junior sides.

The two great milestones of the season were the 400th games of Peter Read and David Blight. Special tribute nights were held to celebrate these fantastic achievements. Peter Read finished his Spartan career with over 9000 runs and is well and truly the current holder of the highest aggregate of runs.

The Club also recorded six victories in a round for the first time ever in Round 8. Noel Wood also claimed his first career hat trick. The 3rd’s won the One Day final and in round 13 Rob Simm became possibly the youngest centurion for the Club with 112 against Perth Tamils. The 5th’s capped off an outstanding season with a well deserved Premiership.

Club Officials:

• President Brian Waterer 22nd year
• Senior Vice President Darren Rose
• Junior Vice President Brad Mant 3rd year
• Secretary Tabitha Flavell 2nd year
• Treasurer Andrew Walker 2nd year

First Grade: [Wayne Fontana – Captain] Won 8 and lost 6 to finish third, losing the Semi final to Hilton Park. Pre season players 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 134no in the 2 day fixtures and 98no in the 1 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 Wayne 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.

Second Grade: [Darren Rose – Captain] 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, Craig Periera 323, Tim Edgar 297 (including a120 against SJ Blues), Graeme Bond 282, Kevin Poler 275, Andrew Walker 219. Bowling honours were far and away taken by Mick Bennett with 33 wickets for the season.

Third Grade: [Graham Pound – Captain] One Day Premiers Another fantastic season, winning 12 of 14 round matches and the One Day Final, defeating Hilton Park in emphatic style. Lost the 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”!) and Rob Simm 112. Bowling honours were shared between Nigel Coppin and Shannon Davies, both with 23 wickets. Andrew Wragg took 21.
• One Day Final: Leeming-Spartan 6/76 (Jason Hamling 32) defeated Hilton Park 75 (Peter McGilvray 3/13, Shannon Davies 3/14
• The team: D.Hambleton, J.Hamling, C.Forsyth, P.McGilvray, R.Simm, D.Blight, G.Pound [C], S.Buckby, C.Boyes, N.Coppin, S.Davies

Fourth Grade: [Steve Hall – Captain] Very much a developmental year – with many new junior players being used during the season. In the end 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) in double figures. A highlight was a well made century by Ryan Noble against Southern Districts (112).

Fifth Grade: [Dick Manning – Captain] PREMIERS After forfeiting the first game of the season finished on a roll and very easily won the Grand final. Along the way lost the One Day final to Thornlie.

• Andrew Carruthers was the standout batsman, scoring one century (106no) and six “fifties” the accumulate 725 for the season. Des Carruthers 359 and Ryan Noble 333 were also good contributors with the bat. Captain Dick Manning led the bowling with 35 wickets, supported by Kevin Wade with 32 and Ron Barber with 18.
• Comfortably defeated Maddington in the Semi final and accounted for Kenwick in the Grand Final.
• Grand Final: Leeming-Spartan 240 (Travis King 74, Ryan Noble 62) defeated Kenwick 72 (Kevin Wade 5/19, Ryan Noble 2/9, Peter Lansbury 2/22)
• The team: K.Wade, G.Poller, A Carruthers, R.Noble, T.King, R.Barber, P.Lansbury, D.Carruthers, R.Manning [C], C.Fletcher, M.Thomas.

Sixth Grade: [Dave Hackett/Phil Flavell – Captain] Won 16, lost 4 and forfeited the first game, finishing third overall – 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 475, Alec Lacey 437 and Luke Carlson 399. Bowling honours were evenly shared amongst Dave Jones 28 wickets, Phil Flavell and Noel Wood 26 and Alec Lacey 22.

2003-04

OUR 85th YEAR

Club Officials:

• President Brian Waterer 23rd year
• Senior Vice President Brad Mant 4th year
• Junior Vice President Craig Forsyth 1st year
• Secretary Tabitha Flavell 3rd year
• Treasurer Andrew Walker 3rd year

The major off field highlight was undoubtedly the opening of our new club room facility. The combined Leeming Sports Association complex, incorporating Leeming Bowls Club, Leeming Strikers Soccer Club and 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 is a fantastic facility sure to benefit the operations of all three clubs. During the opening ceremony Mayor Jackson offered special praise to Leeming-Spartan President Brian Waterer, who as President of the LSA had been the driving force behind the establishment of the facility.

On the field we won two premierships, with the 2nd grade and the all conqurering 6th grade being successful at the end of the season. The First Grade started the season with a new captain, Kevin Adair.

The social highlights included a successful Official Opening function, 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. 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. A quirky statistic – Saturday 20th December the top three sides all scored 137.

1st grade: [Kevin Adair – Captain] Finished a disappointing fifth overall, after a promising start to the season. Highlights during the season included a century by the captain [110 v Armadale] and a record bowling effort by Shayne Hersey [7/65 v Kwinana]. Kevin Adair led from the front with 446 runs @ 32 and Greg Dudley 332 the only two batsmen over 300 runs. Shayne Hersey led the bowlers with 28 wickets, with solid contributions from Wayne Fontana [23], Barry Harken [22] and Greg Dudley [17].

2nd grade: [Mick Dargie – Captain] PREMIERS 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 [115 v East Fremantle]. Stefan Vucens led the batting after Xmas accumulating 343 runs @ 42, with Kevin Poller [320] and Brad Mant [273] being the other main contributors with the bat. Bowling honours went to Chris Spinella [22 wickets, including 5 for 34 in the semi final against SJ Blues] and Alec Lacey [20 wickets, including 5 for 25 against Maddington in the Grand Final]

• The Grand final: Leeming-Spartans 8/112; Maddington 110 (Lacey 5/25)
• The Premiership side: Stefan Vucens, Luke Cooney, Andrew Walker, Kevin Poller, Craig Pereira, Mick Dargie [Captain], Brad Mant, Darren Humble, Alec Lacey, Chris Spinella, Daniel Reid.

3rd grade: [Graham Pound – Captain] 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 also involved in a second wicket century partnership with Andrew Walker. Danny finished the season with 520 runs. Darren Rose hit back to back hundreds [105no v CBC and 101no v Kardinya-Lakes]. Other contributors with the bat were Craig Pereira [325] and Craig Forsyth [272]. Captain Graham Pound led the bowling with 31 wickets, including winning the Association bowling trophy for his efforts. Recruit Mick Laycock took 20 wickets.

4th grade: [Ron McDonald – Captain] 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 club debut and newcomer Gareth Ambridge combined with veteran David Blight for a fourth wicket partnership of 154. Gareth Finlay led the batting with 266. Perenial wicket taker Mick Bennett had another stellar season with 40 wickets @ 13, Marco Buccini had a good first up season with 16 wickets and Gareth Finlay added to his batting efforts with 13 wickets.

5th grade: [Dick Manning – Captain] Finished third in a very creditable performance, losing to 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 and combined with Steve Hinchcliffe in an opening partnership of 191 against Canning Districts. Gavin Poller had a great season with the bat, scoring 484 runs, Captain Dick Manning scored 313, with solid performances by Steve Hinchcliffe 299, Craig Kenna 245, Des Carruthers 242 and Dean Prebble with 204. The bowling was again led by Dick Manning [26 wickets @ 11], who also won the Association bowling trophy.

6th grade: [Phil Flavell – Captain] Minor Premiers – PREMIERS A sensational performance by the sixth grade, superbly led by Phil Flavell, who broke his own batting record in scoring 753 runs, whilst also taking 30 wickets and sixteen catches. During the season the 6th’s 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 [168 Luke Carlson and Phil Flavell v Willetton]. Apart from the captain, prominent batsmen were Luke Carlson [615], Craig Moncrieff [491], Steve Hall [340- including 105no against Armadale] and Dave Abercrombie [303]. Sixth grade all rounder Jim Leinasars again starred with bat and ball, scoring 293 runs and taking 44 wickets @10. Myles Kemp took 36 wickets and veteran Noel Wood claimed 20 scalps.

• The Grand final: Leeming-Spartan 9/156 (Flavell 41, Moncrieff 32); Hilton Park 155 (Flavell 5/15)
• The team: Craig Moncrieff, Luke Carlson, Steve Hall, Phil Flavell [Capt], Dave Abercrombie, Myles Kemp, Justin Parsons, Jim Leinasars, Gary Boyes, Anthony McGhie, Noel Wood

2004-05

A NEW COACH

Club Officials:

• President Brian Waterer 24th year
• 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 Coach and we were extremely fortunate to obtain the services of former Premiership play Matthew Smith to fill the role. A mixed season on the field – 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 [1st, 5th and 6th’s] made the four, with the 1sts and 5ths making Grand finals.

Off the field a major addition to our club history was the introduction of a Hall of Fame 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.

1st Grade: [Captain Kevin Adair] PREMIERS 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 [the best return since 1992-93], with perenial “scrooge” Wayne Fontana bowling a very tight line and finishing with 31 wickets at an average of 11.74. Wayne won the Association bowling award. Captain Kevin Adair scored 443 runs and Club Coach Matt Smith had a good year with 362 runs and 29 wickekts. A highlight was the performance of former 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 Grand Final: We won the toss and batted. 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 76.
• The team [in batting order]: Glynn Haasy, Wayne Fontana, Darren Rose, Kevin Adair, Matt Smith, Jon Ferguson, Craig Pereira, Jason Cunningham, Stefan Vucens, Shayne Hersey, Daniel Reid.

2nd grade: Alec Lacey [Captain] In the end a disappointing finish. Started the season short of quality players, but after Christmas gained a very competitive side. Unfortunately not able to capitalise on this influx of good players and finished outside the “four”. Andrw Walker was again consistent in scoring 255 runs, Jon Ferguson came late and proved to be a class act, scoring 261 after Xmas. Damien Langley provided a highlight with a great “ton” [102] against Maddington. Captain Alec Lacey led the bowling from the front with 32 wickets and well supported by Peter Ferguson with 22. Keeper Stuart Buckby took 5 catches in an innings.

3rd Grade: Andrew Wragg [Captain] 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. Retiring veteran 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 10/43 against Kwinana. Antony Bright scored 60 and took 7/60 against Cockburn and Mick Bennett broke the catching record for a non keeper.

4th Grade: Ron McDonald [Captain] Also suffered from a lack of quality personnel, with thirty nine players journeying through the grade during the season. A highlight was a suberb century [114] by the captain Ron McDonald in the final match against Thornlie. Glen Hack also contributed with the bat, Gareth Ambridge, Adam Cranston and Glen Parise put in a couple of cameos. Glen Hack almost single handedly carried the bowling.

5th Grade: Dick Manning [Captain] Runners up A mixed season, starting with some loses and 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, 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 the semi final form and eventually went down by 20 runs.

• Contributors during the season were once again captain Dick Manning, Brad Mant, Des Carruthers and Steve Hinchcliffe. Bowling honours went to Kevin Wade, who bought up his 300th wicket during the grand final. Glen Parise and Dick Manning also chipped in during the season.

6th Grade: Phil Flavell [Captain] Moved into the 6A grade and found the going quite tuff against the top teams. Still managed to finish in the top four and weren’t able to add to the fine record of premierships after coming up against CBC in the semi-final. Highlights during the season were an opening partnership record of 205 by Phil Flavell and Craig Moncrieff, 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 [33 wickets] led the way from Phil Favell, Blake Carter and Myles Kemp.

2005-06

SO NEAR .. BUT …

Club Officials:

President Brian Waterer 25th year

• 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)

A season with a great number of pluses – but in the end no premierships to show for it all. Recruiting was a highlight, 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: Chris Geers scored 613 runs, including 2 centuries, Andy Gibbs took 43 wickets, Jackson Wheeler showed enough to be a player of the future. In all nineteen players made their Spartan debut during the season. Five out of six teams made the finals, there were twelve centuries and eleven “6 for’s” or better. The juniors continued to do well and won two Premierships. In addition to the recruits a number of former players returned to become the “Fifth Grade Dinasaurs” – who not only performed with credit on the field but also assisted greatly with social functions, culminating in a very successful “Big Band Night”. Another successful returning player was Michael Ashley, who scored 552 runs, including being in two century partnerships. Peter Read was inducted into the Hall of Fame. The club also moved into uncharted waters by competing in the inaugural WACA statewide 20/20 competition.

1st Grade: Wayne Fontana [Captain] Finished to “home and away” season undefeated. Unfortunately could not continue to good work and lost an elimination final to CBC – regrouped and played 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 partnershipsand three centuries.  Captain Wayne Fontana again led from the front with 469 runs and 43 wickets, Mark Atkinson made 604 runs and took 39 wickets and also took a number of great slip 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, Assoc Vets
• WACA 20/20 Competition: We travelled to Albany to play in our first official 20/20 fixture – defeating a combined Albany side and then played WACA side Midland Guildford, who proved to be too strong. An interesting concept, which was enjoyed by all who participated.

2nd Grade: Andrew Wragg [Captain] 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 unhighlight was getting knocked over for 71 by Phoenix !! Andrew Walker broke to second grade batting record with 552 runs. Stefan 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.Andrew Wragg and Stuart Hennessey contributed 23 wickets each.

3rd Grade: [SMCA 5th Grade]: A number of guys had a turn at captaining the “5th Grade Dinasaurs” 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, 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. 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, assisted by Steve Kirk who made 386, including back to back “tons”. Nigel “String” Coppin led the bowling with 25 wickets, including two “5 for’s”, Ken McGrail had a successful debut with 16 and Shannon Davies and Graham Pound [13].  Guest player Mick Knuckey only played a one day fixture and scored an even hundred !

4th Grade: [SMCA 6th Grade]: Ron McDonald [Captain] Three century partnerships, including a grade record 2nd wicket 116 by Steve Hinchcliffe and newcomer John Ipsen, two centuries from Chris Geers and two scores over 300 were highlights. Geers also featured in two century partnerships.Lost the semi final to Phoenix by two runs. Andy Gibbs took 41 wickets to play a lone hand with the ball. Chris Geers finished with 456 runs and Michael Ashley made 337. Others over 200 were Chris Davies, Andy Gibbs, Jeremy Gibson, John Ipsen and Nick Leavy.

5th Grade: [SMCA 7th Grade]: Dick Manning [Captain] Started in spectacular fashion, going to the Christmas break undefeated. After that a few hiccups but a resounding victory against Kelmscott by scoring 6/318 in the last game saw them qualifying for the semi final. In yet another nail biting semi (which this team has specialised in recent seasons) resulted in a one run defeat to Armadale.  Evergreen captain Dick Manning led the batting with 498 runs, well supported by Des Carruthers 443 and Bill Greenshields with 235. Dick also led the bowling in taking 22 wickets. Others to assist were Bill Greenshields and Peter Lansbury. Promising graduating junior Andrew Genoni performed well in his first season.

6th Grade: [SMCA OD’A’]: Gary Boyes [Captain] Found the going quite challenging this season with a number of good sides now in the ‘A’ one day competition. Some great batting efforts with Luke Carlson [650] Craig Moncrieff [627 – including a century], Dave Abercrombie [380] and Phil Flavell [335]. The bowling was carried by stalwart Jim Leinasars [26 wickets], Dave Abercrombie [25] and Anthony McGhie [21].

2006-07

FIRST GRADE PREMIERSHIP

Club Officials:

• President Brian Waterer 26th year
• Senior Vice President John Ipsen 1st year
• Junior Vice President Sean Wright 3rd year
• Secretary Tabitha Bond 6th year
• Treasurer Craig Pereira 1st year

A very good season, culminating in a First Grade Premiership. A Premiership also to the One Day ‘B’ side, made up mainly of Bullcreek Football Club players. The Junior Club continues to provide quality players for our ranks, with three good players graduating during the season, including Sean Collings who finished playing first grade and featuring 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. We continued our involvement with the WACA Statewide 20/20 Competition and made the quarter finals. Off the field recruitment and sponsorship continued to be well supported – all augers well for a successful season in 2007-08.

1st Grade Wayne Fontana [Captain]  PREMIERS Started slowly until Christmas and then played really well to eventually win three elimination finals, thus winning the Premiership for the second time in three seasons. Mark Atkinson again led the charge making 380 runs {including four 50’s} and taking 35 wickets. Others over 200 runs were Chris Geers, Craig Pereira and Matt Smith, while Wayne Fontana 31 wickets and Jason Cunningham, Matt Smith and Sean Wright contributed to the wickets tally.

• The Grand Final – CBC won the toss and batted. Mark Atkinson wrecked the top order to finish with 5/38 and was well supported by Wayne Fontana, who took 4/26. Although 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.
• Leeming-Spartan 8/125 def CBC 123.
• The Premiership team {in batting order} W.Fontana [Capt], M.Smith, C.Geers, J.Cunningham, S.Collings, M.Atkinson, D.Rose, C.Pereira, K.Mitsopolous, S.Hersey, S.Wright.

2nd Grade Shayne Hersey/Andrew Wragg [Captain]  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 8/48}, with help from Andrew Wragg and new comer Ian Murfitt. 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] Kevin Poller [Captain] Had a very good season and finished runners up to Premiership winners Cockburn. Kevin Poller had a stellar season making 521 runs and taking 18 wickets. Kevin won the Associaton Batting trophy and and was 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 and another good all round season from Andrew Gibbs {234 runs and 32 wickets}. Shannon Davies also had a good season with the ball in taking 25 wickets.

4th Grade [SMCA 6th grade] Dick Manning/Bill Greenshields [Captain] 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. Perenial performer Dick Manning scored 330 runs and took 17 wickets, Seaon Collings made a good start to his senior career and scored 251, combining with Dick for a grade record fifth wicket partnership. Glen Hack, Sean Collings, Blake Carter and Tony Plain assisted in the wicket taking.New comer Chris Wright showed promise and finished playing second grade. Adam Seaward claimed five dismissals in an innings.

5th Grade [SMCA OD ‘B’ grade] Darren Humble [Captain] PREMIERS – a team made up mainly of players from the Bullcreek Fottball Club, who made the transition to cricket with good effect. Five –  hundred run partnerships were scored during the season. Brad Mant scored 767 runs, Matthew Curruthers made 648 {including two centuries}, Paul Petkovich got 361 and Captain Darren Humble made 322. Bowling honours were taken by Ben Kerr with 23 wicketsand Darren Humble 22. Ray Sullivan, Matt Curruthers and Glen Parise all made worthwhile contributions with the ball. Matthew Curruthers won the Association Batting Trophy.

• The Grand Final – Phoenix won the toss and batted. A great spell by Ben Kerr has them 3/32 and they failed to recover. Bowled out for 95. Glen Parise took 4/18 to wreck what was left of their innings with Ray Sullivan also taking three wickets. In reply we were never troubled, winning comfortably for the loss of four wickets.  Leeming-Spartan 4/99 def Phoenix 95.
• The Premiership team: [in batting order] P.Petkovich, M.McKenzie, M.Curruthers, G.Parise, B.Mant, D.Humble [Capt], R.Sullivan, M.Jancey, T.Sujdovic, A.Owen, B.Kerr.

6th Grade [SMCA OD ‘E’ grade] Gary Boyes [Captain] Finished third after losing the semi final. A solid season with good performances by a number of players. Dave Hodgettes had a great season with the bat, scoring 580 {including five 50’s}, regulars Craig Moncrieff {555}, Phil Flavell {402} and Dave Abercrombie {391} all did well, while evergreen Jim Leinasars again had a good double with 291 runs and 27 wickets.  Dave Abercrombie also took 25 wickets, with Phil Flavell and Anthony McGhie making solid bowling efforts. Seven – hundred run partnerships were scored during the season, Dave Hodgettes featuring in four of them.