50 Year Service Awards
Each volunteer had a different story to tell. Volunteers were from country Victoria, others held roots in Melbourne suburban cricket, and of course, there were clubmen who boasted a hand across multiple associations and clubs.
But for every new story told yesterday by the 50 Year Service to cricket recipients, there was a distinct shared philosophy in the room.
“I really do think that when you get something out of it, you have to put back in,” Beaufort Life Member Peter Humphries said.
“I got a lot out of cricket so I continue to put back in. I think there’s a sense of responsibility to do stuff for the game of cricket, to promote it. You can’t just walk away. That’s the cricket journey.”
One could call Humphries – boasting 52 years of service – a cricket chameleon.
He has played the role as opening batsman, spin bowler that made “batsmen’s eyes light up”, captain, club administrator, and continues to be the Secretary of the Beaufort Cricket Club. He also played an integral part in re-writing the Maryborough and District Cricket Association constitution.
Humphries, like so many in company yesterday, savors the pleasure that he derives from the game of cricket. From playing competitive cricket with his son, Lucas, to making the yearly pilgrimage to the MCG for the Boxing Day Test Match, cricket has help shape his life.
“I’ve derived a lot of personal pleasure from cricket. Met a lot of people who I regard as close friends. Love the game. And playing with my son was a special experience,” Humphries said.
Moe Lions Cricket Club Life Member Brian Mathison eloquently frames his love for the game in a more comical light.
“You can ask my wife: Cricket is first, second and third, then the kids are fourth!” Mathison joked. “I played and coached four nights a week. I played every bit of cricket that I could play.”
Mathison has had the cricket bug since he was six-years-old. A fast-bowler who still holds the most wickets for the Moe Cricket Club (1210 wickets at an average of 10), has dedicated his post-playing cricket life to growing junior participation.
“It always has been my motivation to getting juniors involved. I just loved seeing kids come through and playing seniors. It’s a real joy,” Mathison said.
Mathison had the opportunity to play with Melbourne Cricket Club when he was 17, but he “didn’t want to leave home.” Moe, the greater Gippsland area and the game of cricket have been the beneficiaries ever since.
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