George joined Nunawading in 1956 and immediately played in our First XI where he played until 1971-72. Nuna made the finals in every year of his time in the Firsts for 6 premierships and 3 Runners-up. He played over 320 games in 28 seasons of cricket.

His memorable moments at the Club include:

– Making a century in his second game

– Captaining a First XI premiership side (in 1968-69). He made a 2nd innings century in a score of 203 to win with 8 wickets down.

– Making a 50 on his 50th birthday

– Making a double century (203) at the age of 44

– Captaining the Shield 3rds to a flag in his last game at the age of 53. George scored 58 with a broken finger and hit the winning runs, again with 8 wickets down (and only Greg Voutier to come..sorry Bertie )

George notes that Bob Saker was the best slips fieldsman he’d seen outside of test cricket and that the two greatest innings in his time were Bob Saker’s 191 in a A Grade Grand Final against Doncaster Footballers in 1965-66 and Trevor Hutchins 238 n.o. in the 1976-77 Grand Final. Trevor’s score is still the club record.

George won the club’s batting averages in three out of four years from 1963-64 to 1966-67.

Such are George’s gifts that he won the Mitcham Bowling Club’s Championship at the tender age of 71.

George played in SIX First XI premierships: 1957/58 (the first ever), 1958/59, 1960/61, 1956/66, 1966/67 and 1968/69. He captained the 65/66 and 68/69 sides.

George made a match winning century in the 57/58 match to help win the game.

A local paper, The Eastern Times, had the following to say about Nunawading’s premiership:

 ” NUNAWADING PREMIERS”

This is the first A Grade premiership for the Club, in fact the first A Grade final in which they have played. On the first Saturday (March 15, 1958) Blackburn batted first and made 140, R. Street 56 n.o, Tom Reeves 5/15. Nunawading then commenced their first innings, and at stumps were 2/165, compiled in 110 minutes. The innings resumed on the second Saturday (March 22, 1958) and Nunawading only managed to add 52 runs for the remaining 8 wickets. Bob Saker (57) and Alex Culvenor (46), vice captain and captain respectively, were associated in a third wicket partnership of 98. D. Meehan took 7/51.

Nunawading were 77 runs ahead when Blackburn commenced their second innings and were 6/187 at drawing of stumps on the second day. Resuming on the third and last day (March 29, 1958), Blackburn declared at 9/279, D Meehan 90, C Frank (Captain) 64 n.o. at approximately 2.15 pm leaving Nunawading 202 to make to draw and 203 to win, in approximately even batting time. Nunawading scored 204 for the loss of eight to win by two runs. George Dolan scored 104, Doug Bosworth 36 n.o. while R Street took 3/45 and D Meehan 3/56. They had 25 minutes to spare.

The Eastern Times covered the 1958-59 Presentation Night by saying that “…….the good spirit and harmony prevailing throughout Nunawading Cricket Club was evident last Saturday night, when presentation night was conducted at the Nunawading Pavilion in the presence of about 150 men, women and children.” It went on to say that ” a gay evening with plenty of dancing, was enjoyed by all, and the happy crowd was treated to an excellent supper, supplied by wives and friends of the members.” On a nostalgic note, the article continued by saying “….a pleasant surprise was had by Mr and Mrs Doug Bosworth, who were married early in the season, by receiving a lovely radiator as a wedding gift from members of the Club. Another pleasant surprise was given the eight wives and one sweetheart who attended the grand final match and supplied afternoon tea by being assured they would be given a night out in the city as a reward for their support.” It is interesting to note that present at this presentation night were “the captain and members of the Doncaster Footballers XI who were defeated by Nunawading for the premiership as well as other prominent cricketers and office bearers of the association.” The Local Advertiser reported on Wednesday April 8, 1959, that “….Trophies awarded included the A Grade batting average awarded by Mr. F Clarke (Association President) to Les Jones (36.6). This trophy was donated by Fred Thatcher. Tom Reeves won the Bowling averages (12.06) and a trophy donated by E.A. Feiglin and Son and Bob Saker won the fielding trophy donated by W Sadler. Mr Ray McIntosh (Association Secretary) presented the B grade trophies, the batting average was won by Bob Wakefield (31.5), and a trophy donated by Mr J Forbes. Les Jones won this bowling average as well (5.8) and a trophy donated by Clive Fairbairn. Mr C.A. Parker donated the fielding award won by Alf Hender. Two special trophies were given by anonymous donor to Doug Bosworth and Bert Murphy for their excellent batting performances in the semi-final when East Burwood were defeated by sheer aggression. George Dolan, who scored 557 runs for the season and was runner-up in the batting average, was the recipient of a special trophy by Mr. Jack Wiles. Prolonged acclamation greeted the presentation of Life Membership to the A grade captain Alex Culvenor by Mr. E Aumann. The crowd thoroughly enjoyed an amusing interlude in which Eric Thornton solemnly handed a small wager to Tom Reeves for securing the most ‘not-outs’ for the season. This was a result of a bet between these two earlier in the year.” Finally, all trophies were displayed in the window of Mr J Forbes newsagency for one week after being presented.

Season 1973-74 saw the introduction of Shield Grade and the Premiership to Nunawading in the top 2 grades (Shield and A1) in a competition with 104 teams. George Dolan scored a fine 203 in A1.

In summary, George sees the main factor about Nunawading Cricket Club is the fact that he is proud to call everyone associated with the Club during almost 30 years his friend and thinks that this Club quality makes our Club one of the greatest sporting club’s of all time ! Well said George !

Trevor Hutchins

Trevor Hutchins began playing at Nunawading Cricket Club in the 1969-70 season. Having played his junior cricket at Blackburn, Trevor then played five seasons at Richmond. Trevor was appointed captain/coach in 1970/71, a position he held for 7 of his 20 seasons at the club. Trevor’s father Ern was a stalwart of the Association and was President for many years, ending in 1970-71. For two other seasons Trevor captained the Shield team. During this period the club won four shield grand finals and missed playing in the finals only once. As coach, Trevor was not eligible for the T. Reeves Trophy, Club Champion, but when he was not coaching he won this trophy six times.

Trevor won the batting average seven times and the bowling five. His shield batting average was 38.39, and his bowling average was 15.59. He is the only Nunawading Shield player to take 300 wickets and make 6000 runs in the history of the club. His best batting performance was 238no in a Shield Grand Final and 7/28 was his best return with the ball. . Trev was part of the 391 run record Nunawading partnership for any wicket.

In 1987 Freddy Watson named him as one of the best 11 players he had seen in the competition. In 1986 the Player of the Year Trophy was named for Trevor and in 1990 he was awarded Life Membership of the club for his contribution both as a player and committeeman. Trevor’s father Ernie, played cricket for Blackburn and was made a life member of that club. Ernie also served on the Association Executive in a number of capacities including President and was awarded life membership in 1988. Trevor also served on the Association Executive as President, following a number of years as the Nunawading Delegate. He and was awarded life membership of the Association in 1999. Trevor’s son David, has also played at

Trevor Hutchins coached the Club from 1970-71 till 1977-78 (with a non coaching year in 73-74) and again in 86-87. He was offered three year contract in May 1974 and, in responding and accepting the offer, Trevor recommended that John O’Sullivan be appointed as P.T. instructor to lift the level of fitness and that training commence in June for the coming season.

Hutch scored 238 n.o. in the winning 1976-77 Grand Final. Trevor’s score is still the club record.

Trevor captained the First XI to premierships in 1976/77 and 1981/82, as well as paying in the 1973/74 and 1979/80, total of Four First XI Premierships.

He won the TA Reeves Trophy for the best First XI player in 1973/74, 1976/77, 1980/81, 1981/82 and 1982/83 and would undoubtedly won more had the rule that a paid player was ineligible for the award not applied.

The Player of the Year Award, for the player who scores the most points through wickets and catches taken and runs scored, was named in Trevors honour in 1983/84.