Vale: John ‘Cocky’ Chambers

A brilliant and aggressive left-handed batsman, Cocky played 27 matches for Victoria between 1949-50 and 1954-55, scoring 1457 runs at 33.11. He hit three centuries, including a century (122) on first class debut against Tasmania at the MCG in January, 1950.

Cocky commenced his District Cricket career with South Melbourne in 1948-49, playing 25 matches for the Swans in two seasons before crossing to Hawthorn-East Melbourne in 1950-51. He played 148 matches for the Hawks before retiring after the 1968-69 season.

In his 173 District matches, he scored 6,821 runs at 36.47, including 15 centuries, the highest of which was an unbeaten 209 against Richmond in 1954-55. Cocky played in two premierships with the Hawks – in 1950-51 and 1955-56.

In 1959-60, Cocky scored four successive centuries, 138 v St Kilda, 129* v Footscray, 108 v Northcote and 101 v Richmond in a hot streak of form.

After retiring from District Cricket in 1969, Cocky continued to play for several years with the Hawks’ Sub-District sides.

He later served as President of Waverley Cricket Club. He was Waverley CC Delegate to the VCA from 1979 until 1992 and Chairman of State Selectors from 1982 until 1990. He was also an inaugural member of the CV 200 Club when it was established in 1985.

When he retired as a Delegate in 1992, Cocky was awarded CV Life Membership, in appreciation of his outstanding contribution to cricket in this state.

Cricket Victoria extends sincere condolences to the Chambers family.