27/02/2026
North Canberra Gungahlin Cricket Club (NCGCC) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Life Member, Denis Axelby, this week.
Denis’s journey in Canberra cricket began in the 1950s with the Ainslie Cricket Club. By 1966, he had stepped into the role of Treasurer, a position he held with unwavering dedication for an extraordinary 33 consecutive seasons. He navigated the club through its evolution into the City District Cricket Club and, finally, into the NCGCC we know today. Alongside his brother Ron, who served as Secretary, Denis provided the off-field stability that ensured the club’s success for decades.
Across his time on the field with City and NCGCC, Denis achieved:
6,507 runs, including 20 half-centuries and a top score of 80*.
967 wickets, featuring 25 five-wicket hauls.
255 catches and a solitary stumping.
He remains one of only three players in club history to take 10 wickets in a match twice, with career-best innings figures of 7/30 and match figures of 11/48. During his tenure at the City District Cricket Club, Denis was the leading player for both runs and catches.
Denis played approximately 300 games for City prior to the merger and a further 369 games for NCGCC, placing him third on the club’s all-time appearance list. He was also heavily involved in the junior side of the club, dedicating years to coaching, umpiring, scoring, and organising.
His success extended into Over-60s cricket, where he represented the ACT in interstate tournaments and earned selection for Australian teams touring England and New Zealand. Denis played in Over-60s One Day Internationals, including a dramatic tie between Australia and England in Sydney.
Denis (along with Ron) also displayed his skill at softball; in 1986, both brothers were chosen for the inaugural ACT Men's Open team to compete in the Australian Championships. Denis further competed in softball at three World Masters Games.
Awarded Life Membership at City (1978/79) and NCGCC (1988/89), Denis was a constant, friendly presence who will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Our deepest condolences and thoughts are with Helene, Luke, Adam, Heath, and the entire Axelby family.
All players for NCGCC will take to the field this weekend wearing black armbands to commemorate the life of Denis, and to recognise his contribution to the club.