28/04/2025
Ok trendsetters, time for a cricket update following yesterdays presentations.
Firstly just a quick recap of the season.
The side competing in ATCA LO5 division finished in 6th spot with a 10 win, 8 loss and 1 draw record.
At various times through the season the side shared top spot and in general a position in the coveted top 4.
Sadly a disappointing final three games resulting in losses saw the side slip out the finals contention and into an early pre season.
In all we used 22 players across the season including 7 lads who played their first games for the Chics.
Stand out performers included Dave Loechel who had a fine all round summer. He played 12 games and batted 10 times in making 258 runs at an average of 39.86 with a highest score of 74 not out.
With the ball he snared 27 wickets at an average of 9.11 with best figures of 5/3.
The skipper Raza Ibrahim made 285 runs at an average of 19 with a highest score of 50.
At the bowling crease Raza also took 27 wickets at an average of 14 with best figures of 4/22.
Jason Wear consistently gave us a dependable start opening the batting and his 438 runs came at an average of 31.29. Wiz had a highest score of 74.
He made 2 half centuries, had one score in the 40’s, three scores in the 30’s and passed 20 another 4 times.
Tommy Drew continued his improvement with the ball and his 17 wickets came at the average of 15.
His best figures were 4/18. He continually bowled a good line and length continually keeping the opposition batters on the their toes.
Presentations were held at The Albion Hotel - a fine sponsor of the KFCC.
For those not in the know, The Albion is a stones throw from the Kilburn RSL and in moments of quiet we could actually hear the dulcet tones of mighty Mick O’Hara entertaining the masses at the RSL with stories of his illustrious cricketing career at Blair Athol Reserve. I’m sure the crowd were putty in his well crafted hands.
Oh what we’d give to have his services on the cricket field again.
Anyway, onto the awards…
Our medal for best and fairest is named after club great John Carr who was a long time servant of Kilburn Cricket as a player and administrator.
He was a Chics premiership player.
John also captained our A grade side for a good length of time.
On top of that John had a long and distinguished footy career for Kilburn and he is a club life member.
John Carr Medal (Best & Fairest): Dave Loechel
Bowling (Most wickets):
Dave Loechel 27
Raza Ibrahim 27
Batting (Most runs):
Jason Wear 438
Fielding Award:
Zakir Hussain
Best Team Man:
Tom Drew
Spirit of Cricket Award:
Tom Drew
Most Dedicated:
Mohammad Ibrahim
Appreciation Award: Jake ‘The Doyen’ Smith
Kilburn Cricket 100 games played:
Aaron Church
Kilburn Cricket 15 years service/200 games played:
Jason Wear
Raza Ibrahim
Kilburn Cricket 20 years service:
Matthew Justice
Adelaide Turf 15 Year Service Recipient:
Raza Ibrahim
Congratulations to all our deserved winners.
Just to finish up I would like to pass on my thanks to David Heyzer (The Big Kahuna at ATCA) and his able off sider Shane McMillan for their continued assistance dealing with any concerns or issues I had this season. ATCA continues to be a wonderfully run cricket association.
To Steve Marotti from PAE Council and it’s curators thanks for getting Blair Athol Reserve up to scratch each home game.
Thanks to Raza Ibrahim who took on the captaincy at short notice this season and lead the side in a positive manner throughout.
To our loyal band of supporters Kerrin, Larry (Chief Motivator) and Mike - thanks for your continued support and advice.
To Jake Smith our cricket club scorer I say a big thank you for your continued dedication to the cause on a weekly basis ensuring our scorebook is the best in the business.
Cheers to Chairman Rusty for arranging yesterdays luncheon at The Albion.
Time to recharge the batteries now - if you have some spare time in the off season then don’t hesitate to get out and cheer the footballers on.
The A grade are going for a hat trick of flags this season. They’ve made another jump up the grades into division 3 and have started the season well winning their opening two games.
The B grade under the guidance of master tactician Polky are looking to redeem themselves after finishing third last season. The great man will do everything in his power to lift the premiership cup again.
If you know of anyone looking for a game of cricket please send them my way as we are always on the lookout for people to join us.
Cheers,
Greg Matthews
KFCC Cricket Director