A poor quality image of the Australind Cricket Team 1898 was given to the ‘Bunbury I Remember When’ group in the late 1990s. It is interesting that the expense, time, and presumably optimism of having a group photo taken does not correspond to any newspaper articles that year. A better photo from Bunbury Historical Society shows the finer detail with the cricket equipment clearly visible as is the little boy mascot in the front row.
Although the name of the club changed, many of the cricketers themselves appear in the differently named clubs. The Australind/Wellington/Parkfield Cricket Team was originally centred around Rosamel and Parkfield in the late 1800s into the early 1900s with most of the members living along The Old Coast Road – Cathedral Avenue these days. The articles show the importance of a cricket team that brought the community together for social outings – both for men and women, and of course the kids.
Australind Cricket Club, 1898. Standing (L to R):Tom Milligan, Jim Travers, Paddy Rodgers, Jack Gibbs, Denis Rodgers, Frank Milligan. Sitting: Frank Rodgers, Herbert Piggott, Frank Travers, Len Travers (boy), Jack Hurst, George Rodgers, Jack Milligan. Photo: Courtesy of Bunbury Historical Society.
The first mention in the newspapers of the Australind Cricket Club was in March 1888.
March 1888
CRICKET. Bunbury v. Australind. A cricket match was played on Saturday, on the recreation ground, Bunbury, between the Australind Cricket Club and the Bunbury Cricket Club. Mr. T. Rodgers captained the Australind and Mr. Lowe captained the …(Southern Advertiser, 6 March 1888, p. 4.)
Australind CC names – T Rodgers, James Rodgers, F Travers, W Rodgers, S Wenn, J Fowler, D Slattery, J Sheehan, John Rodgers, W Carlyon and M Ferris.
December 1892
CRICKET CLUB BALL. The Wellington Cricket Club gave a ball last Friday evening in aid of the funds of the club, in the Rosamel Barn, which fine building was kindly lent to the club for the occasion. Dancing was commenced at eight o’clock, and although the evening was rather blustery, still a good number of young folks turned up, both from the neighborhood and surrounding districts. The barn was got in readiness by a few of the most energetic members of the club, who did wonders in transforming the barn into a very picturesque ball-room. (Bunbury Herald, 14 December 1892, p. 2.)
March 1893
CRICKET. On Saturday last a cricket match was played between the Bunbury Cricket Club and the Wellington Cricket Club resulting in an easy victory for the former by an innings and 36 runs.
Wellington Team – J Gardiner, James Rodgers, J Nettup, L Allnutt, Joe Rodgers, D Slattery, John Rodgers, Thomas Rodgers, W Clifton, M Clifton, J Travers. (Southern Times, 29 March 1893, p. 3)
October 1893
WELLINGTON CRICKET CLUB. The annual meeting of this Club was held in the Parkfield Schoolroom last Thursday evening. The weather was fine, and the attendance, considering the short notice given, and also the reaction from the wedding festivities of the previous day, was very good. Amongst those present were Messrs. J. E. M. Clifton (chair), W. Clifton, P. Rose, A. Clifton, John Rodgers, Jas. Rodgers Jr., A. J. Hamilton, Nunn, T. Milligan, M. Clifton, Jas. Rodgers and A. W. Pass. The Chairman briefly stated the objects of the meeting and called upon the Secretary, Mr. P. Rose, to read the Annual report, which was of a brief, but satisfactory character…. (Southern Times, 28 October 1893, p. 3.)
December 1893
CRICKET. BUNBURY V. AUSTRALIND. A match was played between the Bunbury and Australind Cricket Clubs on Boxing Day. The ground chosen was situated midway between Rosamel and Parkfield. Fortunately the weather, which had previously been somewhat overcast, cleared up, and a magnificent day tended somewhat considerably in enhancing the pleasures of what was in every respect a most enjoyable day’s sport. A large number of visitors from Bunbury attended the match, in which a large amount of interest was taken. In the absence of Mr. Powell, the Captain of the Bunbury Team, Mr. C. E. Spencer took that position, and winning the toss elected to send his men to the wickets first… exceedingly good game. Both he and Allnutt made matters look lively until the conclusion of the match, when Australind was declared the winner with 8 wickets to spare. For the victorious team Allnutt played the best all-round game, while for the Bunbury team J. Teede was undoubtedly first, and with practice will do credit to the team. The ground was in a very bad state, and rendered scientific bowling and fielding an impossibility. This was much to be regretted, as apart from other inconveniences it resulted in several nasty hits, in consequence of which the game had to be on one or two occasions suspended temporarily. At the conclusion of the match cheers were given for the rival teams, umpires and captains, and the game was concluded with the greatest good humour on both sides.
Midway between the second innings of the Bunbury team the match was adjourned while the cricketers partook of a sumptuous luncheon provided by the home team, and laid under a most refreshing shade just outside the boundary of the field…
In the evening an enjoyable ball was given by Mr. George Rose at Parkfield and dancing was kept up with much vigour until the early hours when the visitors returned to Bunbury after spending a most pleasant day which will be long remembered by them. The following are the scores:— … (Southern Times, 28 December 1893, p. 3.) Australind CC – J Holly, L Allnutt, F Hamilton, E Jackson, W Clifton, J Rodgers, D Slattery, J Nettup, J Rodgers, M Clifton, Jos Rodgers.
December 1893
A trophy was given by Mr. G. Hayward for the best bowling average made by a member of the Bunbury team at the match which was played at Rosamel recently between the Bunbury and Australind Cricket Clubs… (Southern Times, 30 December 1893, p. 3.)
January 1894
CRICKET. BRUNSWICK C. C. V. AUSTRALIND C. C.
The match was not commenced until past 11 o’clock owing to several little delays having occurred. The pitch was fair but there was a ring of shrub close round the wicket as two machines had come to grief trying to cut the grass. This ring of long grass made the scoring very slow.
The Australind captain won the toss and elected to send his opponents to the wicket. Allnutt and Holley, who were sent to the wickets first, played exceedingly well and were not separated until all the bowlers had been tried against them. It certainly seemed rather hard on the Australind team that the chief scoring should have been made by Allnutt, Holley and Nettup, all of whom belong to the Australind team as well as the Brunswick, but as they are really residents at the Brunswick it was only right that they should play for their own team.
At the close of the innings the teams adjourned for lunch which was provided by Mr. Rose and after stating that it is unnecessary to say that the arrangements were perfect and that a sumptuous repast was provided.
Mr. D. Eedle, J.P., the President of the Brunswick Cricket Club, proposed the health of the Australind Cricket Club and gave his experiences of cricket fifty years ago. The toast was suitably acknowledged. Mr. George Rose, J.P., the President of the Australind Cricket Club, proposed the health of the Brunswick Cricket Club in a very pleasing speech. A suitable response was made to the toast. Mr. Eedle proposed the toast of “Mrs. Rose and the ladies” and this was responded to by Mr. Hamilton in a few happy remarks. (Southern Times, 2 January 1894, p. 3.)
Brunswick CC names – Allnutt, Holley, L Crampton, Meredith, Nettup, C Offer, Wellard, Rose, Partridge, Fowler and J Crampton.
Australind CC – Jim Rodgers, Jack Rodgers, Hamilton, Thos Rodgers, Jackson, M Clifton, W Steere, Joe Rodgers, W Clifton, Denis Rodgers, McDonald.
February 1894
On Saturday a match will be played between the Bunbury Cricket Club team and a team representing the Australind Cricket Club. The home team has not yet been selected, the Committee meeting this evening for that purpose. All players are requested to be on the ground punctually as usual. (Southern Times, 15 February 1894, p. 3.)
October 1894
AUSTRALIND CRICKET CLUB. The annual meeting of this club took place in the Parkfield Schoolroom last Wednesday evening. The President, Mr. G. C. Rose J.P., occupied the chair, and there were also present Messrs. W. Rodgers, M. Clifton, John Rodgers, R. Nunn, Joe Rodgers. A. Clifton, J. Rose, D. Rodgers, P. Martin and F. Hamilton.
The annual report was read as follows:—
“Gentlemen,—When your committee submitted the last annual report they expressed their regret at being unable to record any brilliant achievements on the cricket field. This year we have a much brighter picture to present it is, in fact, our pleasing duty to inform you that the Australind Cricket Club occupies the proud position of premier club in the district. Last year the Club played one match and were defeated. This year they have played six matches, viz., 3 against Brunswick, 2 against Bunbury and 1 against Ferguson, and have only suffered one defeat by Brunswick. We feel sure the club owes its proud position to the general all round, improvement in the play of its members at this state of things is in a great measure due to the ready and methodical manner in which practice has been attended to. During the season the Club invested in a set of cricketing tools, including bats, balls, leg guards etc., which have given satisfaction. The Club was presented with a bat, wicket keeping and batting gloves by Mr. John Rickets to whom the members are also indebted for valuable object lessons in the art of wicket keeping.
The Club has also acquired a telegraph board which will be found most convenient for players as well as spectators. As usual the Club owes a deep debt of gratitude to the ladies for so thoughtfully providing refreshments for all matches played on the Club’s ground. It is quite impossible for us to over-estimate the benefits conferred on cricket by the ladies.
Amongst those who have so kindly undertaken the catering at our matches we may mention the names of the late Mrs. Clifton, Miss Rose, Miss Piggott, Miss Clifton, Mrs. Jas. Rodgers and Mrs. Thos. and M. Rodgers. We also feel sure the Club will agree that our best thanks are also due to Messrs G. Rose, J. P. and J. E. M. Clifton, who have done so much to entertain visiting teams.
The thanks of the Club are also due to Misses Rose and E. Waldeck who very kindly presented the Club with a flag. We record with regret the departure from amongst us of our much respected Secretary, Mr. Percy Rose, who “seeks fresh fields and pastures new” in Kimberley where we (still hope to hear of him wielding the pen, if not the willow, in the interests of the grand old game. We append the batting and bowling averages for the past season from which it will be seen that in batting L. Allnutt heads the list with the fine average of 32 runs per innings. The bowling averages proclaim the Australind Cricket Club a bowling team. Jas. Rodgers heads the list with an average of 3 runs per wicket, Slattery being second a few points behind.
We are glad to announce that in spite of heavy expenses during the season the Club still has a substantial balance on the right side.
This report together with a somewhat lengthy one from the Captain and also the Treasurer’s balance sheet showing a credit balance of £1 5s. 6d. were adopted. The election of office bearers was then proceeded with and resulted as follows:—President, Mr. G. C. Rose, J.P., Vice President Mr. J. E. M. Clifton ; Treasurer, Mr. A. Clifton ; Secretary Mr. Jeff Rose; Committee, Messrs M. Clifton, W. Rodgers. Thos. Rodgers, W. Clifton, and Jno. Rodgers. It was proposed to appoint a Captain for the season but after some discussion it was decided to adhere to the practice in vogue last season viz., to elect one at the commencement of each match. It was decided to appoint a practice captain and Mr. F. J. Hamilton was elected to fill the post.
A long discussion took place on a letter from the Bunbury Club re the formation of a Cricket Association and it was eventually decided to request fuller information on the subject and also to recommend the advisability of holding a conference of the clubs interested. In the event of this being agreed to, it was decided to send delegates.
Mr. A. Clifton proposed that the club celebrate its anniversary by holding a dance at an early date. It was decided that a sub-committee consisting of Messrs A. Clifton, W. Rodgers, and F. Hamilton be appointed to enquire into this and other matters and to report at an early date. After a long discussion on various minor subjects the meeting closed. (Southern Times, 18 October 1894, p. 3.)
January 1895
A cricket match was played on the Recreation ground last Saturday between the Australind Cricket Club and the Bunbury Temperance Cricket Club and resulted in an easy win for the former. (Southern Times, 22 January 1895, p. 3.)
Australind CC – L Allnutt, H Holly, J Rodgers, M Clifton, W Clifton, F Hamilton, Cumble, T Rodgers, J Rodgers, A Clifton, F Martin
February 1895
Will you please convey the best thanks of the Wellington cricketers to the ladies of Bunbury who so kindly and thoughtfully provided afternoon tea in such sumptuous style last Saturday. This hospitality was quite unexpected, and therefore all the more acceptable, and augurs well for the future of the game when we find the ladies coming so nobly to the fore. I can only express the hope that the patronage of the fair sex at any future matches we may have will be a leading characteristic. (Bunbury Herald, 23 February 1895, p. 2)
April 1895
BUNBURY V. WELLINGTON. SECOND TEST MATCH.
The second test match between the representatives of the Bunbury and Wellington Cricket Clubs took place on the Recreation Ground, Bunbury, on Saturday last. The day was in every way suited to the game and a thoroughly enjoyable day’s sport was held. The contest was as usual characterised by many courtesies between the teams and both visitors and vanquished parted in good humour, the first named in high spirits and the second, no doubt, determined to turn the tables next time…. (Southern Times, 9 April 1895, p. 3.)
October 1895
The annual meeting of the Australind Cricket Club was held in the Parkfield Schoolroom last week. There was a fair attendance of members and Mr. Hamilton was voted to the Chair.
The annual report was read by the Secretary, Mr. Jeff Rose, and after some discussion was adopted. The Treasurer, Mr. W. Clifton, announced that there was a small balance to the credit of the Club. The Committee reported that in consequence of so many members leaving the district, and also in view of the formation of an Association it was advisable that the club should amalgamate with the Brunswick. The idea seemed to meet with general approval. The Chairman stated that he and Mr. Clifton had attended the Brunswick meeting and he gave information respecting the rules, financial position etc., of that club. It was resolved to disband the Australind Club with a view to the members joining the Brunswick Club.
Hearty votes of thanks were passed to Miss Buchanan for the use of the school for meetings, to the past office bearers and to the captain. Several members spoke in high terms of praise at the way the affairs of the Club had been managed…(Southern Times, 26 October 1895, p. 3.)
September 1897
A ball and social evening will be held at the Brunswick Agricultural Hall tomorrow (Wednesday.) The medals won by the members of the Wellington district cricket team will be distributed at seven o’clock, and the cup will be also handed over. The train service between Bunbury and Brunswick is very convenient. Visitors may leave Bunbury at 4.45 p.m. and return by the 10.30 train. We have been asked by Mr. R. H. Rose, Jr., J.P., to intimate to intending visitors from Bunbury that will be provided for them on their arrival at the Brunswick. The proceeds will be devoted to the Brunswick Cricket Club. (Bunbury Herald, 14 September 1897, p. 3.)
September 1897
BALL AT BUNBURY [sic]
On the 15th inst a ball was held at the Brunswick Agricultural Hall, for the purpose of commemorating the presentation of the Parliamentary Cup to the Wellington cricket team. This valuable trophy was presented by the members of Parliament of the south-west to local cricketers in order to revive the spirit of friendly rivalry between the various cricketing clubs of the south-west. Mr. W. Reading, chairman of the Brunswick Roads Board, presided. Mr. Stafford, captain of the Bunbury team, which held the cup last year, in a suitable speech, handed over the trophy to Mr. Paisley, secretary of the cup committee, regretting that his club had lost possession of it for a season, but heartily congratulated the Wellington Club on its victory. Mr. Paisley, in handing the cup to the chairman, referred to the spirit of emulation which it had been the means of reviving in south-western cricket, and spoke hopefully that the forth-coming season would see more interest taken in cricket than before. The Chairman, in handing the cup to Mr. Rose, captain of the Wellington team, thought that it redounded to the credit of the Wellington team that they had been able to score such a success over their formidable rivals. The Cup had to be won three times consecutively, or four times in all, and he hoped that it would be long before the conditions were complied with, as the pleasure of cricket was not in the victory but in the pursuit of it. He concluded by a happy reference to the ladies of the district and the interest which they evinced in the game, Mr. Rose, captain of the Wellington team, suitably acknowledged receipt of the cup, and said that the team would make a hard fight to retain it. Subsequently the members of the team were decorated with silver medals commemorative of their connection with the cup team, and the captain received a gold medal. (Western Mail, 24 September 1897, p. 38.)
December 1897
MATCH AT BUNBURY. BUNBURY, December 28.
A combined Bunbury and Wellington cricket team played the Karrakattas to-day. The combined men went to the wickets first, and scored 48 runs, Karrakatta replying with 254 runs. Bunbury made 88 in the second innings, Karrakatta thus winning by an innings and 118 runs. (Western Mail, 31 December 1897, p. 33.)
February 1900
A SILENT Tribute. When the Nelson and Wellington cricket teams faced each other on Tuesday last to try conclusions for the honor of holding this season’s Parliamentary Cup they each wore an armlet of crape as a silent tribute of respect for the departed captain of the Brunswick Cricket Club, Mr R. H. Rose, jun, J.P, who died recently. Mr Rose has held the position of captain of the Brunswick Cricket Club for many years, and was skipper of the Wellington team which for two years carried off the Parliamentary Cup that for two years graced the sideboard at Roelands, the residence of the deceased. Many a keen contest has he captained to success on the cricket ground at the Brunswick, and his genial face will long linger in the minds of those who were present on those occasions. (Southern Times, 8 February 1900, p. 3.)
February 1906
Cricket. FERGUSON V. PARKFIELD.
A cricket match was played at the Upper Ferguson on Saturday last, between teams – representing Parkfield and Ferguson. The match was decidedly an interesting one so far as it was played. The Parkfield skipper won the toss and sent his men to the wickets, and they were not all disposed of until the neat total of 86 runs was placed to their credit… (Southern Times, 6 February 1906, p. 5.)
February 1906
Cricket. Parkfield v. Harvey.
The first cricket match this season on the Parkfield cricket ground was played last Saturday between teams representing the above clubs, and resulted in a decisive victory for the home team by an innings and 58 runs.
The Parkfield cricket authorities have recently been improving their ground, they have had a new concrete pitch put down and they have also done a bit of levelling; their ground just now is splendidly covered with couch grass and, taken all round, there is not a better cricket ground in the South-west. Another improvement noticeable at Parkfield is a telegraph board — an innovation in these parts — and one that must be appreciated by both fieldsmen and spectators and likely to save the scorers much worry.
The Harvey representatives arrived in good time and a start was made with the game soon after 11 o’clock. The Harvey skipper (J. Grieves) having won the toss decided to bat. The innings was not an eventful one, and closed before lunch for the small total of 43, the only players to reach double figures were J. Grieves (12) and W. Clifton (10). H. Rose bowled splendidly for Parkfield, taking 7 wickets for 18 runs. G. Rodgers was the only other bowler tried and he took 4 wickets for 25 runs. The Parkfield fielding was not too good. Parkfield started their innings with P. Rodgers and M. Clifton, both of whom played good cricket, the former knocking up 56 and the latter 32, the only other men to reach doubles were Joe Rodgers (16) and W. Fisher (11). The innings closed for 142…
Messrs J. Hurst and Iles umpired the match with skill and judgment and their impartial decisions gave general satisfaction, and Messrs Beetson and Grainger kept the scores in a very neat and accurate manner. During the day refreshments were provided by the local ladies who, on this occasion, fully sustained their great reputation for entertaining. The lunch was held in the old Parkfield dairy, which has recently undergone alterations and repairs ; it made an ideal dining room, being light, roomy and delightfully cool. Amongst the ladies who took part in entertaining the visitors and others were : — Mesdames T. Dungey, W. Fisher, D. Rodgers, Briggs, and Misses Janet Clifton, Violet Clifton, Alice Clifton, and Ellie Clifton.
PARKFIELD. P. Rodgers, M. Clifton, A. Crampton, W. Gardiner, H. Rose, W. Fisher, D. Rodgers. Joe Rodgers, G. Rodgers, T. Dungey, G. Pearce, F. Rodgers. (Bunbury Herald, 23 February 1906, p. 3.)
March 1906
CRICKET. North Perth v. Parkfield. The cricket team which is to play against North Perth at Parkfield, on Easter Monday, is to represent the cricketing strength of the Wellington district and will be chosen from the following :— Messrs Muldoon, A. Smith, C. Heppingstone, Metcalf, Bestwick, J. Crampton (Brunswick) M. Gardiner, H. Gibbs and H. Gardiner, (Ferguson) H. Rose, T. Dungey, P. Rodgers, Jas. Rodgers, Geo. Rodgers, M. Clifton, A. Fisher (Parkfield), and J. Taylor, (Yarloop). The final selection will be made by Messrs Muldoon and H. Rose at an early date. (Bunbury Herald, 30 March 1906, p. 2.)
April 1906
Bunbury v. Parkfield. The Parkfield Cricket Team, who have an unbeaten record with the country clubs this season, will try conclusions with the Bunbury Cricket Club to-morrow. The latter team are specially requested to be ready to start at 2 p.m. sharp. Bunbury team will be chosen from Delohrey, Easthaugh, Prain, Chappel, Hannan, Thomas, Hands, Shaw, Richardson, Hardwick, Loveridge, Tiller, Neave, and Beer. (Bunbury Herald, 6 April 1906, p. 2.)
April 1906
A VISIT TO PARKFIELD. With the North Perth Cricketers. The North Perth cricketers, having arranged to pay a visit to Parkfield on Easter Monday, two men, impelled as much by a desire to recover from the effects of the outburst of the dazzling demonstration as by an inherent love of the grand old game of cricket, decided to accompany the metropolitan cracks into the fastnesses of the early and late Roses. One of the two pilgrims mentioned was cricketer Frank Prain, the other, of course being the representative of this paper. It is only reckoned to be fourteen miles to Parkfield, but for purposes of calculation in gauging distance by the time ordinarily occupied in covering this mileage per livery horse and trap it had better be set down as twenty miles; thanks to the state of the road beyond Collie bridge. It is at this point the traveller leaves the dominion of the Bunbury Suburban Board and enters upon the territory of the neighboring board of Brunswick…
Wellington Team: A Smith, P Rodgers, H Gibbs, Rose, Heppingstone, J Rodgers, Muldoon, Bestwick, Crmpton, Dungey, G Rodgers, Gardiner. (Bunbury Herald, 20 April 1906, p. 3.)
September 1906
CRICKET. The annual meeting of the Parkfield Cricket Club was held at Parkfield last Saturday evening, and in spite of the inclement weather the attendance was very good. Mr F. Hamilton was voted to the chair. The secretary (Mr T. Dungey) read the annual report and balance sheet as follows : — … (Bunbury Herald, 21 September 1906, p. 3.)
October 1907
CRICKET. THE PARKFIELD CLUB ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Parkfield Cricket Club was held at Parkfield last Saturday evening. There was a fair attendance, and Mr F. Hamilton was voted to the chair. The report and balance sheet (the latter showing a credit of over £3) was read and adopted. The following office-bearers were duly elected for the coming season :— President, Mr. G. C. Rose ; vice-presidents, Messrs W. Reading, Beigel, Holley, T. Rodgers, A. Jones, E. H Zollner and J. Fletcher ; secretary and treasurer, Mr T. A. Dungey; selection committee, Messrs P. Rodgers, M. Clifton and F. J. Hamilton. Mr John Rodgers offered a prize of £1 to the first batsman making a single innings score of 100 or over. Hearty votes of thanks to past office-bearers and ladies were carried. The prizes for batting, bowling and catching were awarded to Messrs G. Rodgers, J. Nettup and W. Clifton respectively.
Annual Report. The chairman then read the report on the previous season’s doings. The club had again had a very prosperous season. During the past season twelve matches had been played, ten won and two lost, the victories being against Harvey (three), Brunswick (two), Yarloop, Collie, South Bunbury, Brookhampton, and Preston Brookhampton combined. Both defeats were sustained at the hands of Roelands. Highest innings for the season, 209, made against Brunswick; lowest, 58, against. Roelands. Highest total made against 120, put up by Roelands, and the lowest, 52, made by Harvey. In the fifteen innings played, 1765 runs were scored, showing an average of 117 runs per innings, the total runs against being 1176, an average of 78 (Bunbury Herald, 7 October 1907, p. 3.)
February 1907
On Saturday, the 9 th inst., the members of the Parkfield Cricket Club journeyed to Collie to try conclusions with a combined local eleven in a friendly game. The visitors arrived by the 11.20 a.m. train and occupied the interval which intervened before lunch, in making a brief inspection of the town, with which they expressed themselves as agreeably surprised. The game was commenced at 1.30, Collie assuming the defensive, to the bowling of Collier and Rogers. Both Byers and Willis made a good stand, the former being eventually run out, while the latter scored a creditable 17. Evans and Rowston did not fare so well. Strudwick compiled a useful 18 in good, style before he was disposed of and Scandrett secured only one run less. The rest of the scoring was poor excepting Whitcombe’s display for 15; though on the whole the local men shaped much better than in their match against Brunswick, despite the fact that Camm and Broadfoot were absentees. The innings closed for 87, Clifford and Dungey securing most of the wickets. During the recess the visitors were entertained.
PARKFIELD TEAM: P Rogers, T Dungey, G Rogers, W Clifford, M Clifton, A Fisher, F Hamilton, G Pearce, F Rodgers, W Gardiner, D Rogers. (Collie Miner, 16 February 1907, p. 3.)
October 1908
SPORTING. Cricket. A cricket association has been formed under the title of the Wellington Cricket Association, the clubs interested being Roelands, Harvey, Cookernup and Yarloop. At a meeting of delegates held on the 3rd inst, the following gentlemen were elected office-bearers: – Patron, Dr Hackett, M.L.C.; president, Mr H. McNeill ; vice-presidents, Messrs E. M. Clarke, T. Hayward, P. Ryan, W. B. Castieau and R. Driver ; secretary and treasurer, Mr W. P. Foley. The first round of matches will commence next Saturday with Roelands and Yarloop, at Yarloop, and Cookernup and Harvey, at Harvey. Much enthusiasm is being manifested by the various clubs. (Bunbury Herald, 8 October 1908, p. 3.)
Over the years the association name changed as did the towns that participated in the competition.
From 1921 to 1950 Australind was part of the Bunbury Road Board. On 1 December 1946 FJ Withers, MLA for Bunbury, opened the Australind Recreation Ground/Sports Ground, the site of the Shire Offices in 2024. The newly formed Australind Cricket team opened the season with a picnic match against the RSL.
December 1946
Bunbury Road Board. SPORTS GROUND AND OTHER MATTERS. A request by Mr. G. W. Moore, secretary of the Australind Cricket Club, to erect conveniences, a shelter and fire places at the new sports ground was favourably commented on by members of the Bunbury Road Board at their last meeting. A good deal of work had been put in by members of the cricket club in preparing the ground, said Mr. Anderson, and they deserved every encouragement. Members decided that the board should offer what assistance it could afford. Mr. F. Guthrie presided at the meeting, and reported on the opening of the ground by Mr. F. J. Withers on Sunday, December 1. (South Western Times, 19 December 1946, p. 10.)
December 1946
Australind Sports Ground Opened. POLICY OF ESTABLISHING COMMUNITY CENTRES
Over a hundred years after it was planned as a “model city,” the old settlement at Australind outside Bunbury, officially opened its first sports oval on Sunday last. Mr. F. J. Withers, M.LA., performed the ceremony, before a large crowd of Australind and Bunbury residents. The secretary of the Bunbury Road Board (Mr. H. M. Anderson) in introducing the chairman (Mr. F. Guthrie) spoke of the board’s desire to foster the establishment of community centres in Australind. The opening of this sports ground, said Mr. Anderson, was the fore-runner of many amenities, which in time would be sponsored by the Bunbury Roads Board and Bunbury Rural Youth Committee. Such other facilities as workshops, a library, and. a hall for community gatherings were planned, he said, and although board resources would not permit of any great expenditure in the near future, plans were in mind and when the board was in a position to go ahead with them, the work would be done. The desire of all, said Mr. Anderson, was to retain the peaceful rustic atmosphere of the old settlement. “We have in this sports ground,” he said, “an ideal setting for a typical “village green.” The chairman of the Bunbury Road Board (Mr. F. Guthrie) confirmed the determination of the Bunbury Road Board to carry on with the plans touched upon by Mr Anderson, and called upon Mr. Withers to declare the new ground open. Mr. Withers spoke in reminiscent mood of the days when Australind settlers gathered for their weekly cricket matches at the old Brunswick bridge. It always gave him a pleasant feeling, he said, when he looked back upon his boyhood days among the people of the district and remembered the kindnesses that were showered upon him. Mr. Withers expressed a sincere desire to see Australind someday grow into the city it was first planned to be. It was only a short time ago during the Centenary celebrations, that the settlers had gathered together to unveil a memorial to the foundation of the settlement.
These people now must feel gratified to know that the Bunbury Road Board and Youth Committee were doing something toward providing the district residents with the sporting facilities which have been lacking in the past. Mr. Withers said he had much pleasure in declaring the sports ground open. A vote of thanks was moved by Mr. J. Kirke, who spoke highly of the potentialities of Australind as a picnic and tourist resort. There were great possibilities in the district, he said, and he thought that the men who had, put so much effort into providing the people with such a ground should be highly commended. On behalf of the citizens of Australind, Mr. W. Bonny, president of the Australind Cricket Club, expressed gratitude to the Bunbury Road Board for making the ground available, and for the help they had rendered in its establishment as a sports oval. Such foresight was needed, he said, and he expressed the keen desire of all the residents for more amenities for the youth of the district. After Mr. Bonny had spoken, Mr. Withers called for donations to further the work of the men who had prepared the ground, and in passing his hat collected a sum of £9/13/9, which was handed over to Mr. Bonny.
R.S.L. WIN CRICKET MATCH To mark the opening of the ground, the newly-formed Australind cricket team commenced its season with a picnic match against the R.S.L. Spectators were treated to a bright display during the afternoon, and saw the home side defeated by 36 runs. The visitors opened first with Shenfield and Freeman facing the bowlers. Freeman’s wicket fell with the score at three, and shortly afterwards Pickersgill followed him to the benches. A pleasing display of hard-hitting by J. Crabbe, however, had the crowd on its toes, and the score mounted. Crabbe knocked three sixes, and a four off one over, and continued to score 42 with five “big” hits. He retired with Shenfield, who had batted steadily for 29, and wickets fell more cheaply, until King steadied the side. He too retired at 20, and the last batsmen were still at the wickets at the end of the time limit. R.S.L. had scored 118 during its innings. Australind began badly when R. Taylor was caught before opening his account, but when Atherton was joined by Bonny, the R.S.L. bowlers were cavalierly treated. Eventually, when Mawdesley was brought on, his first fast ball beat Atherton, who had scored 31. Moore failed to take the strike and was clean bowled by Mawdesley’s next ball. A dull display followed with the visiting bowlers tying the batsmen down. The innings closed when Anderson captured his third wicket for runs. Scores: … (South Western Times, 5 December 1946, p. 11)
August 1947
AUSTRALIND CRICKET CLUB. A GENERAL MEETING of the Australind Cricket Club will be held at the AUSTRALIND RECREATION GROUND on SUNDAY, AUGUST 17th, 1947, at 2 p.m. All members and others interested in the Club’s activities are asked to attend. G. W. D. MOORE, Hon. Secretary. (South Western Times, 14 August 1947, p. 16.)
February 1949
Australind v. Ferguson. Australind Cricket Team continued their run of victories when they defeated Ferguson by 76 runs in a picnic match at Australind on Sunday…. (South Western Times, 3 February 1949, p. 3.)
February 1949
SOUTH-WEST DAIRY FARMERS v. AUSTRALIND. A good match was witnessed on Sunday, February 13, when the Australind cricket team played the South West Dairy Farmers on the west pitch of the recreation ground. Bunbury scored a decisive victory, beating Australind by 27 runs on the first innings. Best batsman for the factory was Captain John Deering, who made 35 in vigorous style. B. Mason batted steadily and stubbornly for 31. Australind’s best bowler was Ron Travers, who succeeded in taking 4 for 21. Bill Bonny made top score for Australind with 16—two sixes and a four; the team would have liked to have seen him bat for two or more hours. (South Western Times, 17 February 1949, p. 11.)
It is a fitting end to the article with the death of Frank Travers, an original member of the Australind Cricket Team.
March 1953
AUSTRALIND PIONEER SETTLER PASSES. Mr. Francis Travers, who was among the first of the pioneer settlers at Australind, died in St. John of God Hospital, Bunbury, on Sunday, February 22, aged 84 years.
The late Mr. Travers was born at Australind when this State was in its infancy. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Francis Travers, senr., came to Australia from Ireland on the sailing ship Trusty, from which they disembarked at the Australind settlement. At the age of 17, Mr. Travers was apprenticed to the late Mr. Hairy Trigwell, to learn the blacksmithing trade. However, he found it difficult to concentrate at this particular work and he returned to Australind, where he contracted for a few years. He later settled on the land, and turned his attentions to mixed farming. He continued to work his farm until a few years ago, when he retired from active work because of his declining health. The late Mr. Travers took a keen interest in political affairs. His wide knowledge and love of reading enabled him to become well versed in topical items, which he discussed fully with his family and friends. A keen cricketing enthusiast, the late Mr. Travers was one of the original members of the Australind cricket team… (South Western Times, 5 March 1953, p. 16.)
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