North Broken Hill Cricket Club celebrated 100 years of existence on the weekend.
Past and present members gathered at the Musician’s Club on Sunday to share memories of the Club in honour of its centenary.
Club President, Ben Victory, said it was a special and memorable day for all those in attendance.
“Everyone had a great day and there was good feedback from everyone,” he said.
The Club couldn’t hold the event on the actual anniversary last year due to COVID-19 restrictions.
About 80 people filled the venue to hear about the history and discuss its direction for the future.
“We had some guys talk about the decades. That gave some insight for the younger players,” Mr Victory said.
An auction and some door prizes helped raise funds for the Club and add to the festivities on the day.
The celebration also featured a special guest appearance and speech by Australian cricket legend Jeff Thomson.
Mr Victory appreciated hosting the great and said his involvement was one of the highlights.
“He had everyone in stitches,” he said. “Michael Boland from the Muso’s deserves a massive thanks for bringing him to town.”
Mr Thomson spent many hours travelling after departing from Queensland and arrived in Broken Hill from Mildura to be there for the occasion.
“He pulled out all the stops to get to Broken Hill,” Mr Victory said. “The effort he went through to get here was really good.”
This year, North Broken Hill Cricket Club’s dominance in the local league was pegged back after it bowed out in the semi-finals.
Mr Victory believes the Club is in its best form on and off the field and is confident it will return to the summit.
“We made changes to culture and have reaped the rewards,” he said. “The financial position and culture have never been better.”
“We will be back up there next year to get the shield back.”
The recent period at the top saw them win four straight senior premierships.
The Club is also proud of the introduction of the women’s side and are focused on replicating the success in that division.
To help secure the league’s longevity, Mr Victory said it is vital that junior players take up the sport.
“We need the next lot of juniors coming through,” he said. “If we don’t, then all four clubs are in a dire situation.”
North Cricket club can look forward to its annual presentation night in a fortnight before players and staff enjoy the break in the offseason.
Mr Victory thanked the Musicians Club and the organisers for the centenary celebration.
He gave a special mention to Codie Howard, Ethan Thomas, Tom Curruthers, Jordan Vella, Tobias and Stevie Hack.
“They had the idea and brought it to fruition,” he said. “They deserve a pat on the back and massive thank you.”
