Betty Wilson Centenary Luncheon

The daughter of a Collingwood bootmaker, Betty played and practiced every day. She had a notable arm and played impeccably straight, the result of hours of hitting a cricket ball loaded into a stocking and strung from the family’s clothesline.

Ten-year-old Betty was watching a match at nearby Clifton Hill and several times returned the ball after it had been hit to the boundary. So natural and flat were her returns that the Collingwood Ladies asked her to join their team. They played off in the final that season, Betty making 25 not out.

In time she was to reject two marriage invitations, wanting to concentrate solely on cricket.

A right-hand batter with flair and a full range of strokes, she bowled rhythmic off-breaks, was fleet of foot and unrivalled in the field. Her stats, even at Test level, are extraordinary.

Affable, energetic and a mentor and hero to hundreds, Cricket Australia’s Betty Wilson Young Cricketer of the Year award recognises the game’s rising stars.

The Australian Cricket Society is asking EVERY Victorian and Australian representative player to attend the luncheon to support the Wilson family, many of whom will be in attendance.

The Betty Wilson Centenary Luncheon is being held on Wednesday, December 1 at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club, dress to impress, 12 noon for 12.20 pm.

The two course luncheon costs $85 per head. Bookings please with ACS secretary Wayne Ross on 0416 983 888 or email Wayne at info@australiancricketsociety.com.au