Memorable Matches
GEOFF TAMBLYN
by Ken Piesse
Before becoming Cricket Victoria's chairman Geoff Tamblyn built an illustrious record as one of St Kilda's finest and most passionate players over a 199-game career
He also happened to represent Victoria twice, in the 1974-75 season, once in the Gillette Cup when the Victorians were beaten for the first time by fledglings Tasmania and once at first-class level in the Victoria-MCC game at the MCG.
"I was amazed by the language (of the English)," Tamblyn said.
"It was truly appalling. There were some notable exceptions, people like Bobby Taylor who is a delightful man, but some of the others like (fast bowler) Peter Lever genuinely tried to kill me.
"Max Walker and I managed to hold them put (for a draw) in our second innings and Ian Redpath gave the rest of the team a bake and spoke generously about how seriously we'd taken things.
"Richie Rob (Robinson) was having a rest so I always knew that it was going to be a short term appointment so I gave it everything.
"It was a very proud moment for me, especially as my Dad had also played for Victoria.
"It remains one of my happiest memories, right up there with captaining the Saints in a District cricket Grand Final."
* A director of Cricket Australia for a decade, Tamblyn the administrator has made an auspicious contribution to the game, both locally and nationally. He has been CV chairman since 2000.
