HOW IT ALL BEGAN

CRICKET is a game 

with a rich heritage. 

In Tasmania, the first 

ever inter-colonial game was 

played against Victoria at 

Launceston in 1851 and it will 

always be recognised as one 

of the most significant events 

in Australian cricket history. 

This year we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the 

formation of the association now known as Cricket Tasmania. 

Over 150 years there have been some memorable moments, 

none more so than Tasmania’s famous victory in the 1978/79 

Gillette Cup, or the Tigers’ brilliant first Pura Cup Final 

(Sheffield Shield) win in 2006/07. 

Of course today’s Tasmanian representative teams include 

the Tasmanian Roar and Hobart Hurricanes, reflecting the 

huge interest in female cricket and the shortest form of the 

game. 

Bellerive Oval has been redeveloped on three occasions 

since the mid-1980s and now stands among the best boutique 

stadiums in world cricket. 

The names Boon and Ponting - easily recognised as 

modern-day Australian cricket legends - have rightly been 

immortalised at Blundstone Arena on the Southern and 

Western stands respectively. 

Congratulations to Cricket Tasmania on their stewardship 

of the game, and I join all members of the Tasmanian 

community in thanking those who have contributed to the 

success of the game in Tasmania over the past 150 years. 

FRONT COVER: Tasmanian cricket legends 

Charles Eady and Ricky Ponting. 

Will Hodgman 

Premier 

Cricket Tasmania’s living honorary life 

members Brent Palfreyman, left, Denis Rogers, 

Ricky Ponting, David Boon and Tony Harrison. 

Picture: CRICKET TASMANIA COLLECTION 

CRICKET TASMANIA is proud to be 

celebrating 150 years of cricket in Tasmania 

and we hope to make this exciting 

anniversary a memorable summer for the many 

people on and off the field that have been or are 

currently involved with cricket in one way or 

another. 

This season is a notable opportunity to reflect on 

the organisation’s history and look to reward and 

acknowledge those who have contributed to the 

success along the way. 

Many Tasmanians will have their own special 

memories of cricket and we hope this special 

feature compiled by our supporters at the Mercury 

newspaper will also bring many more to the 

surface. 

The saying “a picture says a thousand words” 

certainly rings true when reminiscing over 

images from our library and significant Mercury 

newspaper headlines over the years. 

Some initiatives for the 150th year include the 

commemorative book Tigers Roar by Mike Gandy, 

Ric Finlay and Rick Smith, a special painting 

including the team of 150 years set to be revealed 

in the New Year, and plenty of functions and 

events to celebrate our birthday in style. 

Cricket Tasmania chief 

executive DAVID JOHNSTON 

introduces the 150th 

anniversary year. 

The Cricket Tasmania Board is charged with 

the strategic direction of the sport and business 

of Cricket Tasmania and I would like to formally 

welcome and introduce the new Cricket Tasmania 

chairman Andrew Gaggin who I know is passionate 

about Tasmanian cricket and the overall experience 

for our members and fans alike. 

I would also like to make special mention of our 

group of living honorary life members in former 

chairmen Denis Rogers, Brent Palfreyman and Tony 

Harrison as well as Tasmanian cricketing greats 

David Boon and Ricky Ponting who are all part of 

our colourful history as players and administrators. 

Cricket in Tasmania certainly has grown in 150 

years and our vision to be “Tasmania’s favourite 

sport” is something we will continue to be passionate 

about. Thank you to the many supporters who have 

played any part in helping us to build that vision over 

the years. 

As we move into the first Sheffield Shield home 

match of the season this Wednesday, October 

28, I hope to see passionate members and fans at 

Blundstone Arena enjoying the match at the newly 

refurbished Blundstone Arena during the 2015-16 

season. 

HOW IT 

ALL BEGAN 

IN February 1858, the Launceston 

Cricket Club — bolstered by four 

Southerners — was thoroughly beaten 

by a Victorian XI which included nine 

English migrants. 

The Victorians then travelled on to 

Hobart and played a Tasmanian team 

consisting only of Southerners who 

held their own until, set 95 to win, they 

collapsed and were dismissed for 25. 

The Battery Ground was the site of this 

match played on 4 and 5 March – the 

first inter-colonial match to be played in 

Hobart between Tasmania and Victoria 

– seven years after the first inter-colonial 

had been played in Launceston. 

The popularity of the first inter-colonial 

match in Hobart was no doubt the catalyst 

to better organise the game and on 28 

April 1858 the Southern Tasmanian 

Cricket Club was formed with 136 

members at a public meeting held in the 

Temperance Alliance, Macquarie St, to 

keep the cricket ground in order. 

This club was the forerunner to the 

Southern Tasmanian Cricket Association 

which in turn came into being on 1 

February 1866 to better administer and 

co-ordinate local cricket and arranging 

inter-colonial and North v South matches. 

At this inaugural meeting His 

Excellency Col Thomas Gore-Brown, CB, 

was appointed Patron; Chief Justice Hon 

Sir Valentine Fleming, KT, as President; 

Thomas Whitesides – Secretary; and 

Cecil Perry – Treasurer. Elected to the 

Committee of Management were D. 

Barclay, J. Hutchinson, George Davies, 

Alex Rice, J. Heathorn, T. Sheehy and T. 

Hogg. 

From the pillars of society the following 

vice presidents were chosen: Chas Butler, 

John Davies MHA, Hon W.L. Dobson, 

J.A. Dunn, F. Flexmore, Rev R.D.P. Harris, 

A. Hopkins, Hon A. Kennerley MLC, 

Thomas Westbrook and Hon J.M. Wilson, 

MLC. The annual subscription was fixed 

at five shillings per annum. 

The first Annual Meeting was held at 

the Bird in Hand Hotel on 8 October 1867 

and on 23 October 1867, the Southern 

Tasmanian Cricket Club was incorporated 

into the Association. 

The following year, at the 2nd Annual 

Meeting Thomas Sheehy was appointed 

secretary and Thomas Whitesides became 

treasurer. 

Following the establishment of the 

STCA a structured form of competition 

between clubs started to evolve. 

This is an edited excerpt of Tigers Roar, 

Celebrating Cricket Tasmania’s 150th 

Anniversary, published with permission. 

Roar captain Veronica Pyke, left, Tigers 

captain George Bailey and Cricket Tasmania 

chairman Andrew Gaggin celebrate the start of 

the 150th anniversary season. 

From one great Tasmanian to another... 

Congratulations Cricket Tasmania on 

150 years serving the local community. 

blundstone.com 

2 150 YEARS OF CRICKET IN TASMANIA - A MERCURY SPECIAL FEATURE 150 YEARS OF CRICKET IN TASMANIA - A MERCURY SPECIAL FEATURE 

3

Tasmanian 

Cricket 

Timeline 

Timeline compiled by Mike Gandy 

1866 

Southern Tasmanian Cricket Association 

formed in February at a meeting held at 

the Mercury newspaper office. 


Former 

Australian 

captain RICKY 

PONTING reflects 

on where it all 

began and ended. 

Tasmanian cricket has, and 

always will be, an integral part of 

who I am. Alongside my family, 

it provided me with the opportunities 

of a lifetime and for that, I am eternally 

grateful. 

My cricketing journey began in the 

backyard of our Rocherlea home playing 

for hours on end with my younger brother 

Drew. His ability to bowl endless overs 

was important to my development as a 

batsman. 

Australia in Adelaide in 1992 and I played 

my last game for Tasmania when we 

won the 2012-13 Sheffield Shield beating 

Queensland in front of a local crowd in 

the final at Blundstone Arena. 

I represented Australia in 168 test 

matches, 375 One-Day internationals 

and 17 T20 Internationals and I have so 

many wonderful memories through that 

international career. 

But it was my state debut and final 

Tasmania game that really stand out for 

me as significant moments in my career. 

I will never forget my state debut. It’s 

well known that I roomed in Adelaide 

with Michael Di Venuto who wasn’t in our 

starting XI but travelled with the Shield 

team. 

We were both very keen to impress by 

doing everything right and had an early 

night the evening before the game. 

But we managed to set our alarm for 

7.30pm (not am) and received a phone 

call from coach Greg Shipperd who was 

ringing from the Adelaide Oval wanting to 

know “where the hell we were”. 

After being given the silent treatment 

by our teammates on being late, I spent 

the first two days of my Shield cricket 

career in the field or watching the rain. 

When I eventually got to bat on day 

three, I shared a partnership with the 

legend himself, David Boon. We batted 

together for almost two and half hours. 

Boonie made 60 and I scored 56 on 

debut for Tasmania. That game proved to 

me that I just didn’t quite appreciate how 

intricate the challenges could be at this 

higher level and that I still had plenty to 

learn. 

Twenty years later, with plenty more 

experiences and learnings under my belt, 

I retired from international cricket and 

returned to play the rest of the 2012-13 

domestic season with the Tasmanian 

Tigers. 

Playing that Shield season was fantastic, 

not least because of the terrific culture 

coach Tim Coyle, captain George Bailey 

and all the boys had developed within the 

group. 

A little bit of me was thinking I was 

giving something back to Tassie cricket 

by playing on, but in fact Tassie cricket 

was again offering me plenty, not least 

a reminder of just how unique and 

wonderful is the sport that was the centre 

of my life for my first 38 years. 

To win that final was a dream come true 

and the celebration after the game will be 

a favourite memory of mine forever. 

Thank you Tasmanian cricket for giving 

me that opportunity. 

ricky 

SAYS 

THANKS 

1869/70 

STCA Premier Club – Challenge Series 

starts. 

1880 

First Australian team visits Tasmania on 

return from England in December 

1882 

Upper Association Ground opens in 

February with match between STCA and 

Melbourne Cricket Club. 

1884 

Tasmania travels to New Zealand in 

January for its first international tour. 

1886 

Northern Tasmanian Cricket Association 

formed 

1902 

Charles Eady scores 566 for Break o’Day. 


Because of the rules governing school 

sport in Tasmania at the time, I didn’t play 

any organised cricket until Grade 5 at 

Mowbray Heights Primary School, when 

I was 10, and I didn’t make my debut in 

senior Saturday afternoon cricket with the 

men at Mowbray until 1987, when I was 12. 

Before that, I did take part in some 

school holiday coaching clinics, sat in the 

corner of the Mowbray A-Grade change 

rooms, rode my BMX all over Launceston 

to watch them play and won a thousand 

imaginary Test matches against my little 

brother and whoever else we could recruit 

into neighbourhood contests. 

Having made my Mowbray debut, my 

cricket journey took off. I was scoring 

plenty of runs in NTCA cricket, started 

playing junior representative cricket 

and running the NTCA scoreboard for 

Sheffield Shield games. 

I wanted to be the best cricketer I 

could possibly be and dreamt of playing 

for Tasmania and eventually wearing the 

baggy green for my country. 

My state debut was against South 

1905 

Australian Board of Control for 

International Cricket (ABC) formed in May. 

Australia versus New Zealand at 

Blundstone Arena in 2011. 

Farewell to Ricky Ponting at Blundstone 

Arena in 2012. 

Ford Ranger Cup at Bellerive Oval, Tasmanian 

Tigers versus Western Australia, 2007. 

18 Year old Ricky Ponting takes a break 

from state training in 1992. 

All pictures: MERCURY HISTORICAL ARCHIVE 

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150 YEARS OF CRICKET IN TASMANIA - A MERCURY SPECIAL FEATURE 


5

1905/06 

STCA replaces the original club structure 

with District Cricket. 

1906 

STCA renamed Tasmanian Cricket 

Association in August. 

Redevelopment of Members Pavilion at 

the Association Ground. 

1907 

Tasmanian Executive Cricket Council 

formed in June. 

First Tasmanian delegate to ABC. 

1907/08 

Fijian cricketers visit Tasmania. 


1917/18 

Southern Tasmanian Cricket League 

controls the game during World War I. 

1919 

TCA-controlled grade cricket resumes 

after WWI. 

1923 

District cricket reintroduced in three 

grades of competition. 

1928 

TCA Umpires Association formed in 

January. 

1930 

Visit by West Indies to play in Tasmania in 

December. 

1932 

Visit by South African team in January 

1935 

Greyhound racing introduced at the TCA 

Ground in January and continues until 

1980. Picture: MERCURY HISTORICAL 

ARCHIVE COLLECTION 

1937 

11,000 spectators watch a Combined 

Australian XI play England in Hobart in 

January. 

TIGEr tale worTH telling 

WARREN BREWER 

reviews the new 

300-page history 

of cricket in 

Tasmania. 

THE Southern Tasmanian Cricket 

Association was formed on 

February 1, 1866. It had the 

patronage of Hobart’s establishment 

and had a mandate to manage cricket 

generally and intercolonial and interstate 

games in particular. 

This however, proved to be a 

problematic task over the ensuing years 

as parochial interests surfaced and 

divisiveness prevailed over attempts to 

co-operate. 

The undercurrent 

of regional enmity 

has taken almost a 

century to resolve 

and a genuine and 

rare culture of state 

unity achieved. 

Many claim the 

same inhibiting 

condition still 

constrains 

Tasmanian 

development 

generally. 

Appearances 

are important 

and the new 

book Tigers Roar, 

Celebrating Cricket 

Tasmania’s 150th 

Anniversary, claims 

your immediate 

attention. 

It’s a high quality 

production as 

befits the purpose. It is no surprise that 

it has taken the collaborative efforts of 

three former players — devotees and 

aficionados — three years from concept 

to completion to undertake the work. The 

result is a tribute to their dedication to the 

sport. 

The initial chapters create the historical 

context of local, regional and state 

competition that would eventually morph 

into world class representation and 

recognition. 

The substance of the book however are 

the three half-century episodes where 

every single season of southern cricket 

from its inception to the present is given 

a detailed historical description and 

analysis. The research is impeccable. 

The first half-century titled “The 

Golden Years” describes the important 

foundation work in acquiring quality 

playing grounds and facilities, and the 

emergence of one of the most influential 

players in the history of the game in 

Tasmania. 

In 1884 in a debut match against 

Victoria, Charles Eady took five wickets 

and scored a century in both innings. 

Shocked and humbled, the Victorians 

now had new respect for the “easy-beat 

islanders”. It was the first time Tasmania 

had beaten Victoria and it was not the last. 

When Tasmania played Queensland in 

the same year, Eady took 13 wickets and 

scored 89 and 104. He was a cricket force 

and played regularly for Australia. 

To add to his impressive reputation, in 

a local match Eady scored an astounding 

566 runs for the Break O’Day club. To 

this day it’s the highest individual score 

in adult cricket recorded anywhere in the 

world. 

The unusually-shaped Battery Ground, sketched by Tasmanian player Thomas Westbrook around 

1862, was the original home of the Southern Tasmanian Cricket Association. It now forms part of the 

Hobart Regatta ground. Picture: CRICKET TASMANIA COLLECTION. 

Eady was regaled as a hero in the 

community. As a consequence of his 

dominance, Tasmania’s success caused 

reverberations around the cricket 

community. 

It seemed Tasmania’s aspirations 

for inclusion in the Sheffield Shield 

competition must now be on the cricket 

agenda. 

Two World Wars and a worldwide 

depression however dampened most 

sporting activity in the first half of the 

next century. 

Cricket is in our cultural DNA and 

serious cricket continued to be played but 

teams were incomplete and comparisons 

of performances had little real meaning. 

Fewer games were played and funding 

for ground maintenance was a continual 

problem. The game languished. 

The appointment of Englishman John 

Hampshire as coach in 1966 was a vote 

of confidence in the future but it took 

another decade of improved performances 

before the Australian Cricket Board 

admitted Tasmania to the Sheffield Shield 

albeit on a trial basis. 

Jack Simmons replaced Hampshire 

as coach in 1976 and success quickly 

followed. A win over India and victory 

over West Australia in the Gillette Cup 

signaled that the state team was a serious 

competitor. 

Administratively the long saga of 

divisiveness within the state was resolved 

when the Tasmanian Cricket Council 

handed over all responsibilities to the 

TCA and the culture of Tasmanian cricket 

changed forever. Unity prevailed at last. 

An explosion in cricket energy and 

prominence in the state followed. 

Outstanding 

local players such 

as David Boon, 

Jamie Cox, Ricky 

Ponting and George 

Bailey emerged 

and some became 

household names 

internationally. They 

are celebrated here. 

The completion 

of the magnificent 

Blundstone Arena 

cemented forever 

the state’s future in 

the sport. 

The authors 

seem to gather 

the same 

excitement and 

momentum 

in the latter 

stages of the 

book and a rich 

vein of colour 

photographs 

and spirited prose enliven the pages. 

This is a definitive work and will 

certainly become a collectors item. 

Tigers Roar, Celebrating Cricket 

Tasmania’s 150th Anniversary. 

By Michael Gandy, Ric Finlay and Rick 

Smith. Forty South Publishing. 

Did you 

know?... 

Hobart-born Charles 

Eady scored 566 runs 

in the final game of 

the 1901-02 season, 

which remains the 

WORLD-record 

highest individual 

score in adult 

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6 150 YEARS OF CRICKET IN TASMANIA - A MERCURY SPECIAL FEATURE 

THE authors of Tigers Roar spent 

some 18 months researching the 

project in readiness for Cricket 

Tasmania’s 150th Anniversary celebrations 

in season 2015-16. 

The work was assisted greatly by the 

association’s forefathers who diligently 

protected and retained old records to the 

extent that within the cricket library at 

Blundstone Arena every annual report 

since 1866 and nearly every minute book 

of committee meetings is held. 

Tasmanian newspapers have also 

recorded cricket’s passage through time 

and with the assistance of the National 

Library of Australia’s “Trove” search 

engine old reports of matches have been 

retrieved and included in the book. 

The photographs in Tigers Roar have 

been collated by Launceston photographer 

and historian Rick Smith who also 

contributed to the biographies of the 

leading cricketers and administrators over 

the 150 years. 

Renowned statistician Ric Finlay has 

provided match reports and scorecards of 

special matches involving Tasmania and 

former Cricket Tasmania director Michael 

Gandy, who co-ordinated the project, has 

supplied the narrative throughout the 

book. 

Tigers Roar is a definitive record of 

Tasmanian cricket initially in the south of 

the state and later when Cricket Tasmania 

took control of the organisation of cricket 

across the state to provide a descriptive 

presentation of the success achieved 

nationally with several local cricketers 

now household names across the country. 

Given the capacity to provide facilities, 

coaching and the right environment 

cricket has shown it is possible for 

Tasmanian boys and girls to achieve great 

things. 

Tigers Roar is this story. It’s a tale 

worth telling. 

Michael Gandy 


7

1939 

TCA Umpires Association reformed in 

January. 

Southern Tasmanian Womens Cricket 

Association formed in February. 

1939-45 

Cricket continues, greatly reduced during 

World War II. 

1946 

Country Week Championship introduced, 

competing for C.J. Eady Memorial Cup. 

1948 

Indian cricket team visits Tasmania in 

January. 

1951/52 

North West Tasmania Cricket Association 

formed. 

Supportive 

sister led the 

way for women 

1954/55 

TCA introduces semi-finals and a grand 

final in 1st Grade. 

1957 

First visit to Tasmania by a South 

Australian team. 

1960/61 

TCA introduces final matches in lower 

grades. 

1961/62 

Executive Cricket Council of Tasmania 

renamed Tasmanian Cricket Council. 

Australian Board of Control for 

International Cricket renamed Australian 

Cricket Board. 

1964/65 

Southern Tasmania Cricket Umpires 

Association formed 

1965/66 

Centenary Year of the Southern 

Tasmanian Cricket Association. Centenary 

gift from the Mercury funds a cricket 

coach for three years. 

1967 

Country Week championship cancelled 

due to bushfire disaster. 

8 

Tasmania’s improved performance has been front page news since 1979. 


JEAN Trethewey loves her cricket. 

The retired hospital administrator 

and former Legislative Councillor 

became Cricket Tasmania’s first female 

member in 1978. 

Mrs Trethewey said she joined up to 

support her brother Terry Cowley, who 

played first-class cricket for Tasmania 

from 1948 to 1962 and was captain for his 

last five seasons from 1956-57. 

“I remember the day I signed up to 

become a member, it was like getting into 

the Holy Grail,” Mrs Trethewey said. 

“I was very impressed by the pavilion 

and it was great to see where all the boys 

would gather,” she said. 

Mrs Trethewey first became involved in 

cricket at the age of 12 when she helped 

her mother with the afternoon tea at the 

Mowbray Cricket Club. 

Now an honorary member of Cricket 

Tasmania, she continues to support and 

keep an eye on all forms of cricket and 

says the progress and development of 

Cricket Tasmania Member Jean Trethewey 

presents James Faulkner with the Ricky Ponting 

Medal for Young Player of the Year in season 

2009-10. Picture: RICK SMITH 

women’s cricket in Tasmania is superb. 

While reluctant to name her favourite 

player, an extra special following would be 

towards Tasmanian captain George Bailey, 

whose family are old friends. 

Her most vivid memory of being a 

Cricket Tasmania member was watching 

Jack Simmons captain the side to its first 

ever one-day final win when it secured the 

Gillette Cup in January 1979. 

The match was played at the TCA and 

10,822 spectators watched Tassie get the 

win over Western Australia. 

Mrs Trethewey congratulated Cricket 

Tasmania on it’s sesquicentenary. “150 

years is a laudable achievement, it’s an 

excellent organisation and I wish them all 

the best,” Mrs Trethewey said. 

Did you know?... 

The founder of the Mercury, John 

Davies, was an inaugural vice president 

of the STCA and the first meeting was 

held in the Mercury office. His son, 

Sir George Davies, has been described 

as the most important person in the 

establishment and early history of the 

association. 

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9

1969/70 

Tasmania admitted to national one-day 

limited overs competition. 

Visit by New Zealand to Tasmania. 

1970/71 

TCA introduces a limited overs knockout 

competition. 

1971 

World XI played matches in Tasmania in 

December. 

1972 

Pakistan team visits Tasmania for the first 

time in December. 

1974/75 

Kookaburra Cup starts on the North West 

Coast. Extended to NTCA in 1979/80 and 

statewide in 1986/87. 

1975/76 

TCA Cricketer of the Year Award 

introduced. First recipient was Ian James 

of Glenorchy. 

1977 

Tasmania admitted to Sheffield Shield 

competition for a two-year trial. First 

match against Western Australia in Perth. 

Picture: RICK SMITH 

1978/79 

Tasmania wins Gillette Cup over Western 

Australia at TCA Ground, having lost to WA 

in Perth the previous year. 

Panorama: Australia v Tasmania, 1938. 

All Pictures: MERCURY HISTORICAL ARCHIVE 

Awaiting the result of the coin toss for the 

1935 Country Week final. 

TCA GLORY DAYS 

A Tasmania v Victoria match in 1948. 1935 County Week trophy presentation. 

Did you 

know?... 

Cricket 

cohabited 

with 

greyhound 

racing at the 

TCA Ground 

from 1937-1980. 

1982/83 

Tasmania awarded full Sheffield Shield 

status. 

Visit by Sri Lanka Tasmania. 

1983/84 

Southern Tasmanian Womens Cricket 

Association reformed 

1984/85 

First one day international in Tasmania 

played between West Indies and Sri Lanka. 

1986/87 

Start of Bellerive Oval redevelopment to 

cater for Test cricket. 

1987/88 

TCA moves its offices to Bellerive Oval. 

First one day international at Bellerive – Sri 

Lanka v New Zealand. 

Checking the wicket for a Tasmania v Victoria match in 1936. 

The Victorian openers make their entrance in 1936. 

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11

This painting by an unknown artist shows 

Hobart’s Battery Ground during the match 

between Tasmania and England in 1862. 

Picture: DAVID ROGERS COLLECTION. 

The TCA Ground and surrounds in 1954. 

Picture: CRICKET TASMANIA COLLECTION. 

Launceston’s NTCA ground which hosted 

Australia’s first first-class cricket game in 1851. 

Picture: RICK SMITH. 

The Devonport Oval, where England played 

the West Indies in season 1986/87. 

Picture: RICK SMITH. 

The home of 

Tasmanian 

cricket 

The redeveloped Bellerive ground, now 

called Blundstone Arena, became Cricket 

Tasmania’s headquarters in 1987. Picture: 

ALASTAIR BETT/EVENTS TASMANIA. 

A contrasting view of the Bellerive ground 

in the early 1950s. Picture: CRICKET TASMANIA 

COLLECTION. 

12 



13

1989 

Tasmania hosts its first Test match when 

Australia plays Sri Lanka in December. 

TASMANIAN 

AUSTRALIANS 

Mercury sports editor BRETT STUBBS profiles players 

picked for Australia while representing Tasmania. 

David Boon and Mark Taylor walk out to 

face Sri Lanka at Bellerive. Picture: TONY 

PALMER 

1991 

Tasmanian Cricket Council transfers 

control of state cricket to the TCA. 

TCC is dissolved and the TCA board is 

restructured to include NTCA and NWTCA 

representatives. 

1991/92 

World Cup fixtures in Tasmania (Australia, 

Pakistan and Zimbabwe). 

Kanga Cricket introduced. 

1992/93 

Ricky Ponting makes his first-class debut at 

Adelaide Oval, aged 17. 

Electronic scoreboard costing $600,000 

installed at Bellerive 

1995/96 

Tasmanian Tigers brand name and logo 

unveiled. 

Tasmania team tours Zimbabwe. 

TCA chairman Denis Rogers starts first 

of two terms as chairman of Australian 

Cricket Board. 

2002/03 

Bellerive Oval redevelopment including 

Southern stand and Members Pavilion 

completed. 

Australia v England ODI at Bellerive draws 

record attendance of 16,719. 

VFL Premiership matches played at 

Bellerive. 

2003/04 

Australian and New Zealand women’s 

teams meet in the first Rose Bowl ODI 

played at Bellerive. 

2004/05 

Tasmania defeats Queensland to win ING 

Cup. 

Tasmania’s first T20 match is played 

between Tasmania and Western Australia 

at Bellerive. 

Kenneth Burn 

(2 Tests, 41 runs @ 10.3, HS 19): 

Tasmania’s first Test player, Burn was 

a prolific club cricketer for Richmond 

and played two Tests on the 1890 tour 

of England but failed to make an impact. 

He was selected as a wicketkeeper for 

that tour, but it wasn’t until he was on the 

boat that he admitted he had never kept 

wickets. 

Charles Eady 

(2 Tests, 20 runs @6.7, HS 10*, 7 wickets 

at 16.0, BB 3-30): Best remembered for 

scoring 566 in one innings for Break 

O’Day against Wellington, Eady also 

played two Tests in 1896 in England, but 

ill health restricted his appearances on 

tour. 

Laurie Nash 

(2 Tests, 30 runs @ 15.0, HS 17, 10 

wickets @12.6, BB 4-18): Better known 

as a footballer – and a member of South 

Melbourne’s 1933 VFL premiership team 

– Nash was also a fast bowler. He played 

both his Tests in Melbourne, against 

South Africa in 1931-31, and against 

England in 1936-37 – the fifth Test of the 

series which Australia won to regain the 

Ashes. 

Roger Woolley 

(2 Tests, 21 runs @ 10.5, HS 13, 7 catches. 

4 ODIs, 31 runs @ 31.0, HS 16, 1 catch, 

1 stumping): Woolley became the first 

Australian representative selected from 

Tasmania in 46 years when he was picked 

to play against Sri Lanka in Colombo. A 

wicketkeeper-batsman, he also played two 

Tests, once in Kandy and the other against 

the might of the West Indies in St John’s. 

Greg Campbell 

(4 Tests, 10 runs @2.5, HS 6. 13 wickets @ 

38.7, BB 3-79. 12 ODIs 6 runs @ 3.0, HS 4*. 

18 wickets @22.4, BB 3-17): The surprise 

selection of the 1989 Ashes campaign, 

Campbell made his debut in the first Test 

of that series. He was also part of the 

Australian team for the first-ever Test at 

Bellerive Oval later that year. A handy 

fast-medium swing bowler, Campbell’s 

career would be overshadowed by his 

nephew, Ricky Ponting. 

Ricky Ponting 

(168 Tests, 13,378 runs @ 51.9, HS 257. 375 

ODIs, 13,704 runs @ 42.0. 17 T20s, 401 

runs @ 28.6, HS 98*): By far Tasmania’s 

greatest cricketer and sportsman, and 

arguably Australia’s second best batsman 

only behind Don Bradman. Ponting is the 

nation’s leading Test and ODI run-scorer, 

captained more Test victories than anyone 

else and was sublime in the field or with 

the bat. A strong case could be made he 

was the best player of the pull and hook 

shot ever. 

Shaun Young 

(1 Test, 4 runs @ 4, HS 4*. 0 wickets): The 

Tasmanian all-rounder was a call-up for 

injury in the last Test of the 1997 Ashes. 

He had a long, successful career with 

Tasmania as a left-hand bat and canny 

right-arm, medium-fast bowler, but this 

was his only international selection. 

Michael Di Venuto 

(9 ODIs, 241 runs @ 26.8, HS 89): An 

explosive left-hand top-order batsman, Di 

Venuto was as good a player of the cut and 

pull shot as any going around. Matured 

into an outstanding opener at Sheffield 

Shield and county cricket level. 

Colin Miller 

(18 Test, 174 runs @ 8.3, HS 43. 69 wickets 

@ 26.2, BB 5-32): A one-of-a-kind, Miller 

was a late bloomer and burst into Test 

cricket as a medium-fast bowler and 

off-spinner. Such was his sudden rise, he 

was awarded Australian Test player of the 

year in for 2000-01 but did not play a Test 

again after March 2001. 

Shane Watson 

(59 Tests, 3731 runs @35.2, HS 176. 75 

wickets @ 33.7, BB 6-33. 190 ODIs, 5757 

runs @ 40.6, HS 185*. 168 wickets @ 31.8, 

BB 4-36. 49 T20s, 1164 runs @ 26.5, HS 

81. 39 wickets @ 25.4, BB 4-15): Watson 

was plucked from the Queensland Under 

19s to play for Tasmania and made an 

immediate impact. His fast bowling 

and technically correct batting had him 

soon in the Australian one-day team 

and pushing for Test selection when he 

returned to his home state in 2004. 

Ben Hilfenhaus 

(27 Tests, 355 runs @ 13.7, HS 56*. 99 

wickets @ 28.5, BB 5-75. 25 ODIs, 29 runs 

@ 9.7, HS 16. 29 wickets @ 37.1, BB 5-33. 

7 T20s, 2 runs @ 1, HS 2. 9 wickets @ 

17.9, BB 2-15): Tasmania’s all-time leading 

Sheffield Shield and Test wicket-taker 

with his mix of accuracy and beautiful 

outswing. A captain’s dream with his work 

ethic, he appears destined to finish on 99 

Test wickets after his final Test match – 

and first in Hobart – ended prematurely 

with a side strain. 

Brett Geeves 

(2 ODIs, 10 runs @NA, HS 10*. 3 wickets 

@ 26.0, BB 2-11. 1 T20, DNB. 2 wickets 

@ 17.5, BB 2-35): A fast, aggressive 

bowler with a whippy action, Geeves 

was rewarded for consistent seasons with 

Australian selection against Bangladesh 

in Darwin and a trip to South Africa. Was 

also in the Australian Test squad in South 

Africa in 2009 but did not play. 

Jason Krejza 

(2 Tests, 71 runs @ 23.7, HS 32. 13 wickets 

@ 43.2, BB 8-215. 8 ODIs, 13 runs @ 13.0. 

7 wickets @ 47.3, BB 2-28): A big turning 

off-spinner, Krejza made a spectacular 

debut, taking eight wickets in an innings 

against India at Nagpur in 2008, and 

12 for the game. A lack of control made 

him an expensive luxury and he played 

just one more Test. Injuries saw him 

called into Australia’s World Cup team in 

the subcontinent in 2011, but with little 

success. 

Tim Paine 

(4 Tests, 287 runs @35.9, HS 92. 16 

catches, 1 stumping. 26 ODIs, 737 runs 

@ 29.5, HS 111. 35 catches, 4 stumpings. 5 

T20s, 22 runs @ 7.3, HS 21. 4 catches): A 

case of what could have been for Paine. 

He appeared destined for stardom after 

making his Test debut at Lord’s in 2010 

until a nasty broken finger playing in an 

exhibition game derailed his career. He 

overcame the injury to return but has 

struggled to regain his form with the bat. 

Travis Birt 

(4 T20s, 31 runs @10.3, HS 17): The big 

hitting left-hander forced his way into 

Australia’s T20 team on the back of some 

outstanding one-day form for Tasmania 

and Big Bash smashing for Hobart. 

Despite his strong domestic form, he did 

not shine on the big stage. 

Xavier Doherty 

(4 Tests, 51 runs @12.3, HS 18*. 7 wickets 

@78.3, BB 3-131. 60 ODIs, 101 runs @14.4, 

HS 15*. 55 wickets @ 40.4, BB 4-28. 11 

T20s, 18 runs @ 18.0, HS 9*. 10 wickets 

@ 30.0, BB 3-20): A defensive bowler with 

great control and variety, Doherty made 

his name as a white-ball specialist until 

he was thrust into the Ashes furnace in 

2010-11. Has had a terrific career in limited 

overs cricket. 

Ed Cowan 

(18 Tests, 1001 runs @ 31.3, HS 136): Came 

to Tasmania as a NSW fringe player and 

then forced his way into the Test team 

as a run machine at the top of the order. 

He made runs when Bellerive Oval was 

at its toughest with great technique and 

concentration. Battled hard at Test level, 

with a highlight a magnificent century 

against the strong South Africans at the 

Gabba. 

George Bailey 

(5 Tests, 183 runs @ 26.1, HS 53. 63 ODIs 

2236 runs @ 42.2, HS 156. 28 T20s, 470 

runs @ 26.1, HS 63): One of only two 

Australians to make debut as national 

captain when he skippered the T20 side in 

2012 in his first game. Bailey has excelled 

in white-ball cricket with his leadership 

and batting, being one of the best 50-over 

batsmen in world cricket. Played all five 

Tests in the 2013-15 Ashes whitewash but 

failed to cement his spot. 

David Boon 

(107 Tests, 7422 runs @ 43.7, HS 200. 181 ODIs 5964 runs @37.0, HS 122): 

A lot of locals believe Tasmanian cricket started with D.C. Boon 

such was his impact. A courageous batsman as either an opener or 

No.3, Boon was a vital link in Australia’s resurgence as a cricketing 

powerhouse. Loved here and abroad, Boon was pugnacious, 

reliable and a run machine for Tasmania or Australia. 

James Faulkner 

(1 Test, 45 runs @ 22.5, HS 45. 6 wickets 

@ 16.3, BB 4.51. 44 ODIs 814 runs @ 42.8, 

HS 116. 60 wickets @ 30.3, BB 4-48. 11 

T20s, 97 runs @ 24.3, HS 41*. 14 wickets 

@21.0, BB 3-25): It is only a matter of time 

before the highly talented all-rounder 

adds to his single Test. He thrives on the 

big occasion as witnessed by his man of 

the match performance in the World Cup 

earlier this year. A canny left-arm fastmedium 

bowler and destructive lowerorder 

batsman with a competitive spirit. 

Jackson Bird 

(3 Tests, 7 runs @7, HS 6*. 13 wickets @ 

23.3, BB 4-41): Another to successfully 

relocate south from NSW. A tall fast 

bowler, Bird took 53 wickets in his debut 

season to demand Test selection in 2012. 

He was man of the match in just his 

second Test but a number of back injuries 

have curtailed his progress. 

Alex Doolan 

(4 Tests, 191 runs @ 23.9, HS 89): The 

tall, elegant No.3 was given the tough job 

of holding down first drop against South 

Africa in South Africa in 2014. Made 89 

in the second innings of his Test debut as 

underdog Australia won the series 2-1, but 

lost his spot after the first Test of the next 

series against Pakistan. 

Ben Dunk 

(3 T20s, 39 runs @ 13.0, HS 23.0. 4 

catches, 1 stumping): Dunk came from 

nowhere to dominate BBL03, being the 

top scorer and player of the tournament. 

This form saw the left-handed opener and 

wicketkeeper selected in the Australian 

team for the first time in 2014. 

14 



15

2005/06 

TCA T20 competition introduced. 

Naming of state cricket awards – Ricky 

Ponting Medal, David Boon Medal, Jack 

Simmons Medal and Danny Buckingham 

Medal. 

2006/07 

Tasmania wins its first Sheffield Shield/ 

Pura Cup at Bellerive Oval against NSW. 

Ashes trophy visits Tasmania. 

TCA names Grade Cricket awards after 

Emerson Rodwell and Roger Woolley. 

2007/08 

Tasmania wins Ford Ranger Cup at 

Bellerive against Victoria. 

2008/09 

Statewide T20 competition introduced. 

2009/10 

TCA rebadged as Cricket Tasmania and 

new logo unveiled, along with Tasmanian 

Roar brand and logo for the Tasmanian 

women’s team. 

TCA women’s Grade cricket introduced. 

Light towers constructed at Bellerive Oval, 

allowing day-night matches to be held. 

Pictures: Sam Rosewarne 

2010/11 

Tasmania wins Sheffield Shield at Bellerive 

Oval against NSW. 

Grade Cricket rebadged as Cricket 

Tasmania Premier League. 

2011/12 

Tasmania ties Ryobi Cup final with South 

Australia at Adelaide. 

Bellerive Oval renamed Blundstone Arena. 

Big Bash franchise competition and 

Hobart Hurricanes launched. 

Picture: REMI CHAUVIN 

2012/13 

Tasmania wins Sheffield Shield at 

Blundstone Arena v Queensland. 

2013/14 

AFL (North Melbourne) premiership 

matches at Blundstone Arena 

2014/15 

Hobart Hurricanes participate in 

Champions Trophy in India. 

Blundstone Arena redevelopments 

including Western Stand completed. 

World Cup (Australia, Scotland, Ireland and 

Sri Lanka). 

WOMEN FIND 

THEIR ROAR 

BRETT STUBBS 

IT is the fastest growing participation 

sport in Australia and in Tasmania 

women’s cricket is being led by the 

Roar. 

The Roar is now established in the 

Tasmanian and Australian cricketing 

psyche, but it took a little while to gain a 

foothold. 

Women have been playing cricket in the 

state almost as long as the men, with girls 

high school matches recorded as far back 

as 1891. 

But after trial and error in establishing 

stand-alone competitions, it wasn’t until 

2001 that Cricket Tasmania took women’s 

cricket under its banner. 

Players like Kim Fazackerley (three 

Tests and nine one-day internationals) 

and Kristen Beams (one Test, six oneday 

internationals and eight Twenty20 

internationals) had to take their talents 

elsewhere to crack the national team, but 

now locals can push their case from home. 

However, there have been a few bumps 

along the road for the Roar. 

The inexperienced locals mixed with 

some interstate talent debuted in 2009- 

10 in the T20 competition only, under 

inaugural coach Jade Selby. 

“At the start, although nobody said it, 

there was a thought of ‘can we compete?’ 

Selby said. 

“There were some pretty dark days at 

the start. In our first game we got beat by 

10 wickets by the ACT at Manuka.” 

As with any startup team, there were 

heavy defeats and a fair amount of pain 

but the occasional glimmer of light. 

Just two months after the team’s debut, 

former Australian player and Roar import 

Julia Price hit the winning runs against 

South Australia to give the Roar its first 

win at the NTCA Ground. 

Selby said it was a significant milestone 

for the young group. 

“That first win over South Australia, 

that was a really special moment for me,” 

he said. 

16 


The Tasmanian Roar ladies are hungry for 

success this season, being led by Vice-Captain 

Corinne Hall (left) and captain, Veronica Pyke. 

Picture: LUKE BOWDEN 

Tasmania’s Emma Thompson batting against 

Victoria in a Twenty20 match at Bellerive in 2010. 

Picture: LEIGH WINBURN 

“Just to do that at my old home ground 

was great. It was so nerve-wracking and 

I was trying to show I wasn’t nervous but 

those last few runs were terrible.” 

Price agreed. 

“No one was expecting Tasmania to win 

any games,” she said. 

“It was a thrown together team with a 

few interstaters and a few locals. 

“It just came off on the day and it 

just goes to show if you have a bit of 

determination you don’t all have to be 

superstars to winning these games. 

“It was good spirit from the girls and a 

fair few of that team are still playing today 

and that’s really important that they have 

stuck by the team. 

“They really like playing for Tasmania 

and have stuck with it through study, work 

and difficult times.” 

While the team is yet to taste finals 

action, it has recorded wins over every 

state now – including the biggest scalp of 

all, NSW. 

The Breakers, winners of the past 10 

one-day trophies, were upstaged by the 

Roar by 23-runs in December last year at 

Manly – Tasmania’s first win over NSW. 

Price, who replaced Selby as Roar 

coach, said this was the most significant 

moment in the Roar’s short history. 

“That was the big wow moment,” she 

said. 

“Up ’til then, it was really inconsistent 

and just a little bit of luck in winning 

rather than some sort of plan and 

structure behind everything.” 

The game has also expanded locally, 

with T20 club competitions in the three 

major regions, a 50-over intrastate league 

and an under-17 club comp to get players 

playing earlier against similar aged talent. 

Basking in the glory of the national 

team’s televised success, there is now a 

new chapter on the horizon for women’s 

cricket. 

This summer will see the debut of the 

Women’s Big Bash League with teams 

linked to each existing men’s franchise. 

The Hobart Hurricanes women’s 

team will take the field for the first time, 

opening the eyes and pathways for 

Tasmania’s talented female athletes. 

SINCE the late 1980s, cricket coaches, 

physical education teachers and 

sports co-ordinators have been 

devising age- and skill-appropriate 

modified versions of the game to 

help children develop their skills and 

confidence before being introduced 

to a shiny hard cricket ball, protective 

equipment and a full-length pitch. 

In2Cricket has been a consistent 

program throughout this evolution, 

providing a range of skill development 

activities and games in a fun and safe 

learning environment with thousands of 

boys and girls involved in the program 

each year, learning the skills before 

progressing to the T20 Blast. 

Best described as the Big Bash League 

for kids, T20 Blast games are fast-paced 

and small-sided meaning there is no 

downtime with players constantly involved 

as bowlers, in the field, batting with a 

partner or in the professionally coached 

skill zone – developing and refining their 

skills in preparation for the next contest. 

All of this takes place over a 90-minute 

session with a soundtrack of summer 

music keeping the mums, dads, kids and 

supporters tapping their toes or dancing 

along throughout the game. 

It’s a great way for any family and group 

of friends to come together and enjoy 

cricket in their community. 

Just like the phenomenal growth 

of the Big Bash League there are T20 

Blast centres all over Tasmania with 

the program growing rapidly in recent 

seasons. To find out more visit www. 

playcricket.com.au 

Through In2Cricket and T20 Blast, 

boys and girls are given the time, space, 

WHEN Tasmanian Tigers 

physiotherapist Stewart 

Williamson was a 14-yearold 

athlete growing up in Launceston he 

would visit his physio at the time, Lawrie 

McGee, who told stories of his time 

travelling as the physiotherapist for some 

of the best cricketers in the world. 

McGee was a long standing physio for 

the Tasmanian cricket team. He passed 

away four years ago. His legacy from the 

1980s and 90s lives on with Williamson 

now living out his boyhood dream of 

being the head physiotherapist for the 

state’s most prominent team. 

Williamson established his 

physiotherapy practice Leap Health 

Find us on facebook and instagram @plumbcafé 

opportunity and inspiration to develop 

their skills to the point where they are 

“pitch ready” and can progress to playing 

a more traditional version of the game. 

Junior competitions in schools and clubs 

in Tasmania cater for over 6000 cricketers 

with new teams, divisions and girls’ 

competitions developing all the time. 

Information about options to play the 

game can be found at 

www.playcricket.com.au. 

TIGERS PHYSIO NOW 

LIVING THE DREAM 

Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre 

in 2008 and has been involved with 

Tasmanian cricket for the past seven years, 

starting out with the Second XI team, then 

the female programs and now overseeing 

all of Tasmanian cricket’s physiotherapy 

needs including the Tasmanian Tigers and 

Hobart Hurricanes programs. 

Williamson has seen a big change in the 

needs and demands of players due to the 

changing landscape of the game. 

“There has been enormous change in 

cricket in particular over the past five 

years including the introduction of the 

Women’s competition as well as the BBL,” 

Williamson said. 

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Developing 

the junior 

game 

junior programs has also increased our 

requirements to provide physiotherapy 

support.” 

The demand is so much so that two 

of Williamson’s physiotherapists, David 

Bosker and Ben Hayes, also work with 

Tasmanian teams and share the allimportant 

job of making sure the state’s 

best players are ready to get on the park. 

“Ben and Dave share the women’s 

program as well as the Futures League 

(Second XI) program,” Williamson said. 

“The big upside of that is even if there 

are two teams away there is always one 

physio on hand at Bellerive who can deal 

with the injured players at home.” 

With the game continually evolving and 

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke 

with youngsters having fun at an In2Cricket 

session. Picture: Tim Hunter. 

the current nature of T20 and One Day 

cricket, Williamson said there has been 

increases in certain injuries in the past 

few years. The gruelling nature of red ball 

cricket also makes for a busy season for 

him and his team. 

“In the last five years there has been an 

increase in injuries related to explosive 

and high intensity impact activities due 

to the shorter versions of the game,” 

Williamson said. 

“It’s really important that we keep 

players healthy and manage their 

workload. On game day things such as 

stretching, muscle release and strapping 

are so important in cricket, particularly in 

the red ball game. 

“It’s gruelling, day upon day upon day 

so we have to ensure players are feeling 

their best so they can perform at their 

highest level possible.” 


17

THE RISE OF THE 

HURRICANES 

BRETT STUBBS 

fringe of first-class cricket can train and 

play alongside the likes of Ricky Ponting, 

There, despite everything being 

weighed heavily in favour of the Indian 

Jacques Kallis, Andrew Flintoff, Chris Premier League teams, the Hurricanes 

The 2011 Hobart Hurricanes team on the top 

FROM off Broadway to the 

Gayle, Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane progressed to the semis – the only non- of Mt Wellington. Picture: RICHARD JUPE 

Hollywood bright lights – the Big Warne. 

Indian-based team to do so before losing 

Bash League has reinvigorated This summer, the Hurricanes will have in the last over to IPL powerhouse and 

Hurricanes bowler Ben Hilfenhaus in action 

domestic cricket like nothing before. 

The barren grandstands and familiar 

green, yellow and red of the Tigers were 

replaced with Hurricane purple, rock 

music, fireworks and pulsating full venues. 

Faceless domestic cricketers had a touch 

of stardom, mixing with international 

imports from around the world. 

Tim Paine has been involved with the 

Hurricanes since the first Big Bash in the 

2011-12 season. 

“I remember the change in the feeling 

around the Big Bash competition,” Paine 

said. 

“When we first turned up to the first 

couple of games, walking out and seeing 

crowds, it was quite unbelievable. 

“It was only 12 months before we were 

playing in front of no-one. 

“To be involved in that and see it grow 

to where it is now with TV rights and 

all that sort of stuff, has been very, very 

exciting for domestic cricketers. 

“It gives us a little taste of international 

cricket.” 

Crowds have continued to grow, 

from an average of 10,517 spectators 

in BBL01 to 13,776 last year in 

the new redeveloped Blundstone 

Arena. 

Young domestic players on the 

the services of one of the world’s great 

batsmen, Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara. 

“If you can see the absolute best – Ricky 

and Kumar – and see how they train from 

a young age, it opens your eyes to how 

hard you have to work,” Paine said. 

“You can be told by coaches but until 

you see the effort those guys train at, you 

don’t quite believe it. 

“For our young Tassie cricketers to 

see Ricky, to see Kumar this summer, is 

actually a huge advantage at that age to 

be training alongside the world’s best.” 

On field, the “Cane Train” has rumbled 

into the semi-finals on two of the four 

seasons, making the final in Perth in 

BBL03 after upsetting Eddie McGuire’s 

previously unbeaten Melbourne Stars at 

the MCG. 

Although they lost the final to the Perth 

Scorchers, by making the final Hobart 

was able to take its cricket onto the world 

stage via the Champions League 

in India. 

eventual winner the Kolkata Knight 

Riders. 

“That was a huge deal,” Paine said. 

“When we qualified for that the 

celebrations were enormous. 

“All the guys whether they were from 

Hobart or not were extremely proud to 

be there representing Hobart and Tassie 

cricket. 

“For the Tassie and Hobart guys 

who have been there from the start – 

myself, Jon Wells, Xavier Doherty, Ben 

Hilfenhaus – it was a huge thrill to play 

for our association and franchise on the 

world stage.” 

at the WACA Ground, Perth, in 2011. Picture: 

DANIEL WILKINS. 

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19

Tasmanian captain Jack Simmons holding the 

Gillette Cup trophy after the victory over Western 

Australia at the TCA Ground in Hobart in 1979. 


Cricket Tasmania chairman Tony Harrison 

congratulates Ricky Ponting after the 2012-13 

Sheffield Shield final. 

Picture: Cricket Tasmania 

The Tigers celebrate after their Pura Cup final win in 2007. Picture: LEIGH WINBURN 

Easybeats 

no more 

THERE were some bleak, dark days 

when Tasmania was first admitted 

to the Sheffield Shield competition 

but those seem a distant memory as the 

state grew into one of the powerhouses of 

the world’s toughest domestic competition. 

Under the coaching of Tim Coyle and 

the captaincy of Dan Marsh and George 

Bailey, the Blundstone Arena trophy 

cabinet has filled rapidly in recent seasons 

in what can only be described as the 

golden era of Tasmanian cricket. 

Despite Tasmania’s long wait to be 

included in the national competitions, 

success with the white ball did not take 

long. The Tigers came close to a maiden 

title in 1978, making the Gillette Cup final 

against Western Australia at the WACA. 

The Tigers made 184, but lost the match 

by seven wickets with two overs to spare 

to the reigning champions. 

A year later, this time at the TCA 

Ground in front of over 10,000 people, 

it was a different story. The Tigers made 

184, and then bowled out the reigning 

champions for 133 to claim their first 

domestic title. Tigers skipper Jack 

Simmons took the man of the match 

honours, with 55 not out and 4-17. 

It was a long time between drinks 

before the Tigers saluted again. 

Despite making the final of the 

Pura Cup (as the Sheffield Shield was 

rebranded between 1999 and 2008) on 

three occasions, Tasmania was without a 

national win since the Gillette Cup. 

This changed in 2005, when the Tigers 

travelled to the ‘Gabba to claim the ING 

Cup. 

The Tigers had lost to Queensland on 

both occasions during the season, and 

went in as underdogs. However, the Tigers 

bowlers held the Bulls to 246, with pace 

trio Adam Griffith, Brett Geeves and 

Damien Wright all claiming two tickets. 

From there, the Tigers took control. Half 

centuries to Michael Dighton and captain 

Dan Marsh, and an unbeaten 47 by import 

Michael Bevan saw the Tigers take a 

seven-wicket win. 

March 23, 2007 will go down in history 

as arguably the most important day in the 

history of Tasmanian cricket. 

On this day, Tasmania finally arrived in 

Australian cricket, claiming their maiden 

first-class victory, winning the 2006-07 

Pura Cup. 

In a special match from Bellerive Oval 

against New South Wales, the Tigers 

claimed a phenomenal victory by 421 

runs. Man of the Match Luke Butterworth 

guided the Tigers throughout the match, 

with four wickets and scores of 66 and 

106. 

Wicketkeeper Sean Clingeleffer also 

added a second innings century to the 

team, while Damien Wright added 67 

and 47 runs and took eight wickets for 

the match. Wright’s five final day wickets 

ended the game, and as he looked to the 

heavens in memory of his best mate, fallen 

Tiger Scott Mason, Tasmania had their 

first red ball title sewn up. 

Tasmania claimed its third one day title, 

winning the 07-08 Ford Ranger Cup at 

Bellerive Oval over Victoria in February 

2008. Tasmania bowled exceptionally 

in the morning session, dismissing the 

Bushrangers for just 158 in 37.3 overs, with 

Xavier Doherty claiming four wickets, 

while Geeves and Hilfenhaus claimed 

three apiece. However, the weather set 

in, and Tasmania was forced to face a 

reduced target of 131, with 31 overs to 

complete the chase. Through some tight 

bowling from the Bushrangers, the chase 

became a real challenge for the Tigers. 

A steadying 37 not out from Travis Birt 

saved the Tigers, who claimed a onewicket 

victory with just five balls to spare. 

Tasmania and Victoria continued their 

rivalry in the 09-10 series, culminating in 

the Ford Ranger Cup Final at the MCG in 

February 2010. After a strong start, that 

saw wicketkeeper Tim Paine make an 

outstanding century, and opening partner 

Michael Dighton make 80, the Tigers were 

well on their way to another title, making 

6-304. Gerard Denton was the hero for 

the Tigers with the ball, claiming five 

Victorian wickets, including both openers, 

and danger man Brad Hodge. With a side 

that featured six future Australian players, 

the Tigers claimed their fourth one day 

title by 110 runs. 

In March 2011, the actual Sheffield 

Shield trophy made its first appearance 

in the Bellerive trophy cabinet. Skipper 

Batsmen Ben Hilfenhaus, left, and Travis Birt, 

right, leave the ground carrying their souvenir 

stumps, and applauded by fellow teammates 

after the 2008 Ford Ranger Cup win. Picture: 

LEIGH WINBURN 

George Bailey chose to send NSW in, 

with a Phil Hughes century and a Simon 

Katich 96 taking the Blues to 440. Former 

New South Welshman Ed Cowan, who 

had been on the losing end of Tasmania’s 

first red ball triumph in 2007, made an 

exceptional 133, and a Luke Butterworth 

88 took the Tigers to 453. NSW made the 

choice to declare for just 215 in an attempt 

to gain a result, but an Alex Doolan 65 

and 44 from Mark Cosgrove saw the 

Tigers make the required runs, finishing 

on 3-203 to deliver the Tigers a second 

red-ball title. 

Tasmania lost the 2011-12 shield final 

to Queensland, but returned the favour 

in 2012-13 at the rechristened Blundstone 

Arena. 

With the Tigers batting first, young 

opener Jordan Silk announced himself to 

the cricketing world, with 108 in his first 

shield final, while finals specialist Luke 

Skipper Daniel Marsh holds the ING Cup 

trophy after Tasmania’s win over Queensland 

in 2005. Picture: DAVID KAPERNICK 

Butterworth made 89 as the Tigers piled 

on 419. With Evan Gulbis taking four 

wickets, the Bulls were limited to 225. 

In the second innings wicket keeper 

Tim Paine reminded the nation of his gifts 

with the bat, scoring a strong 87, while 

young Tiger James Faulkner made 89, just 

months before he would make his Test 

debut. Queensland ended on 6-183 when 

the match ended in a draw, giving the 

Tigers a third title, and a second in three 

years. 

This was a fitting farewell for the state’s 

greatest cricketer Ricky Ponting, who 

played his final match for Tasmania, 

having retired from test cricket late in 

2012. Ponting made 911 runs at 75.92 

during the season, claiming the domestic 

player of the year award in his final season 

for his beloved state. 

The Tasmanian team after winning the Sheffield Shield at at Bellerive Oval in 2011. 


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21

The ICC Cricket World Cup is one 

of the biggest sporting events 

in the world and the eyes of the 

globe were on Hobart’s further-developed 

Blundstone Arena in March 2015 when 

the venue unveiled its new facilities and 

hosted three matches. 

With thousands of visitors to Tasmanian 

shores and a mass television audience, it 

was all hands on deck as Cricket Tasmania 

prepared for the pinnacle of world cricket 

to arrive on its doorstep. 

As Tasmania’s home of cricket, 

Blundstone Arena has always been 

described as one of the most picturesque 

grounds in the world and following major 

further development over the past two 

years its credentials have continued to 

soar. 

It is now one of the best boutique 

sporting grounds in the world, hosting not 

only sport but a variety of events on and 

off the field. 

The world had the opportunity to see 

what all the fuss was about when the 

venue played host to cricket’s elite and 

thousands of fans from visiting nations 

including Ireland, Scotland, Zimbabwe 

and Sri Lanka as part of the Cricket World 

Cup. 

More than 400 staff worked on the 

major further development which started 

in June 2013. 

The addition of the new Ricky Ponting 

Stand on the western side of the ground 

saw an additional 4454 seats, increasing 

the ground’s capacity to 19,500. 

Another highlight is a 500-seat function 

area, with views of the scenic River 

Derwent. Adding to this, the stand boasts 

an array of corporate and media suites 

and first-class player facilities including 

10-person ice baths. 

“We believe we have designed the best 

boutique sporting ground, probably in the 

world, certainly in Australia,” Blundstone 

Arena general manager Stephen 

McMullen said. 

“The World Cup was one of the reasons 

for the development, to be one of the key 

grounds,” McMullen said. 

With the ground hosting three World 

Cup matches in seven days, Cricket 

Tasmania staff were hard at work to 

ensure one of the biggest weeks on the 

cricket calendar ran smoothly. 

Perhaps one of the busiest was Cricket 

Tasmania curator Marcus Pamplin, the 

man in charge of making sure the ground 

looks its best. 

EYES OF THE WORLD 

ON BLUNDSTONE 

ARENA 

Pamplin had prepared pitches and 

ground for some major matches in 

Australia but admitted three matches in 

one week was a big task for him and his 

three-man team. 

“We re-seeded everything after the last 

Sheffield Shield match so that the ground 

would present really well,” Pamplin said. 

“In the lead up we had to fertilise, 

groom the ground, pattern it and make it 

‘schmick’ for our game days.” 

Alongside ensuring the main arena is 

up to his high standards, Pamplin and 

his team also got the practice wickets 

prepared. 

“We had full practice wickets brought 

up at each table. Eight wickets went in, so 

it was a busy time”. 

Another busy staff member was 

Blundstone Arena chef Oli Mellers. 

Mellers led a team of 10-14 chefs during 

the Cricket World Cup. The team fed close 

to 7000 mouths from the players to the 

VIP guests. 

“This was probably one of the most 

planned events I have ever done,” Mellers 

said. “A Big Bash League match is fast 

and furious but the CWC was absolute 

madness.” 

The World Cup was the first time 

Mellers and his team had worked 

out of the new commercial kitchen, 

another highlight of the ground’s further 

development. 

“The equipment in the new space is 

world-class and we can be incredibly 

productive. The food we were able to 

produce out of this kitchen is twice as 

good,” Mellers said 

As with the majority of his creations, 

Mellers focussed on fresh, seasonal 

Tasmanian produce and said his food was 

“traditional English County style food 

with a Tasmanian twist”. 

“As a state we have a big advantage 

with our produce so we utilised this and 

hopefully it shone for all our visitors,” 

Mellers said. 

Australia playing Scotland in the 2015 

Cricket World Cup at Bellerive. Picture: Brett 

Hemmings/Getty Images 

The worldwide media was not just 

treated to fine Tasmanian produce but 170 

print journalists and photographers plus 

TV and radio broadcasters brought the 

game to the world. 

Pre- and post-match press conferences 

were held in the new 100 seat theatrette 

in the Ricky Ponting Stand whilst print 

reporters filled the press box on the 

northern side of the ground. 

Host broadcaster Star Sports worked 

out of the studios in the newly named 

David Boon Stand (formerly the Southern 

Stand) with views of Bellerive Beach and 

the River Derwent which were beamed 

into households around the world. 

THE highlight of Cricket Tasmania 

Premier League celebrations 

for the 150th anniversary is 

the introduction of a Hall of Fame 

to recognise and celebrate the most 

outstanding performers and servants 

through the competition’s history. 

Established to coincide with 

the anniversary season in 2015/16, 

players, volunteers, umpires, coaches, 

administrators, teams and matches will be 

eligible for induction. 

When considering a CTPL Hall of Fame 

candidate’s credentials their performances 

or service within the CTPL only shall be 

considered (not representative cricket), in 

relation to: 

A CANDIDATE’S individual record, 

ability, integrity, sportsmanship and 

character. 

THE NUMBER of games played, 

coached, umpired or the years of service 

provided shall be taken into consideration, 

but shall not be conclusive in assessing a 

candidate’s eligibility 

CANDIDATES may be considered 

even if they have not retired from active 

participation in the CTPL, with the 

exception of players who must have been 

retired for a period of three years. 

It is intended the CTPL Hall of Fame 

be an elite group, with a maximum of 

three inductions per year, excluding the 

inaugural year. 

“Cricket Tasmania is delighted to be 

introducing the Hall of Fame,” Premier 

League Committee chair Belinda Jefferies 

said. 

“It will be a great method of celebrating 

the competition’s rich history with so 

many greats of the game having been 

involved on and off the field over the 150 

years,” Jefferies said. 

Greats of the competition expected to 

be considered include: 

Sir George Davies and brothers 

Edwards and Charles Butler who were 

leaders on and off the field in the early 

years as well as Charles Eady and Ken 

Burn who dominated in the late 1800s and 

early 1900s. 

Other candidates could be Colin 

Newton who claimed over 850 wickets 

WHO will make 

the hall of fame 

and scored in excess of 6000 runs by the 

early 1930s, or Ron Morrisby who scored 

over 18,000 runs either side of World War 

II. 

All-rounder Emerson Rodwell has the 

competition’s player of the year award 

named after him and another all-rounder 

is Brian Patterson who claimed over 700 

wickets and 9000 runs. 

North Hobart and Sandy Bay bowler 

Col Richardson took over 800 wickets and 

Ian Beven won four Rodwell medals in the 

1980s. 

Possible starters from more recent years 

could be Clarence duo Mark Colegrave 

and Andrew Dykes and five-time Rodwell 

Medalist Adam Polkinghorne. 

From the umpiring ranks there could 

be Jim Stevens who umpired 12 grand 

finals from the mid-1960s to early 1980s, 

while Don Heapy, Brian Pollard and Steve 

Maxwell who have all officiated over 200 

matches would come under consideration. 

The strong Glenorchy teams of the 

1950s which won seven premierships in 

nine years, New Town teams of the 1960s 

that repeated the feat, and Clarence sides 

of the 1980s which won eight titles in ten 

years will also be candidates. 

The inaugural inductees will be 

announced at the Rodwell Medal Dinner 

in March 2016. 

Another highlight of Cricket Tasmania’s 

anniversary season is the naming of 

“Teams of the Decades”. 

This recognises the greatest performers 

in each 10-year period since the 

competition’s establishment in 1866/67. 

These teams are being announced on 

a monthly basis and details of the first 

two can be found online at http://www. 

crickettas.com.au/150th/teams-of-thedecade 

Main picture: Ron Morrisby 

Top: Emerson Rodwell 

Middle: Sir George Davies 

Bottom: Charles Eady 

Pictures: CRICKET TASMANIA COLLECTION 

to Cricket tasmania on their 150 Year Anniversary 

Stanton ManageMent group were proud to be selected as Project 

Managers for the new $34m Ricky Ponting Stand and Administration Centre. 

Stanton ManageMent group specialises in procuring, cost controlling and managing 

commercial developments and construction projects. 

altustraffc.com.au 

Hobart - 2/66 Sunderland St, Moonah, Tas 7009. Phone - (03) 62741088 

Launceston - 288A Georgetown Rd, Rocherlea, Tas 7248 - (03) 6326 844 


23

Celebrating 

150Years 

of Cricket Tasmania 

MEMBERSHIP 

It’s our Birthday! 

Join as a Member Join us this season and be Why not hold 

for this special season 

a part of history 

your next event 

• Test Cricket – Australia vs West Indies 

at Tasmania’s 

• International Women’s Cricket 

Premier Venue? 

• Hobart Hurricanes 

• Weddings 

• Women’s Big Bash League 

• Events 

• Conferences 

• North Melbourne Kangaroos 

• Functions 

Junior, individual and family 

membership available 

For further information 

E: membership@crickettas.com.au 

TIGERS ROAR BOOK 

for a cricket lover 

Cost: $50 or $35 for Cricket Tasmania Members 

THANK YOU 

Contact us on 62 820 400 

Cricket Tasmania wishes to 

to reserve your copy. 

acknowledge the valuable and 

continued support of its major partners 

Stay tuned for a special painting 

celebrating 150 years of cricket in 

Tasmania to be unveiled in 

February 2016. 


For further information 

E: events@blundstonearena.com.au 

TEST MATCH 

Don’t miss Australia take 

on the West Indies at 

Blundstone Arena 

• Commonwealth Bank Test Series 

• Starts on Thursday 10th of December 2015 

Call Ticketek on 132 849, 

go to ticketek.com.au or purchase 

at Blundstone Arena, Bellerive 

crickettas.com.au | Follow us on Facebook at Cricket Tasmania or on Twitter and Instagram @crickettas

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

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