PAOCCC remains an active and vibrant Old Scholars Club, again entering five teams and having some 102 players represent the club in season 2009/10. The Club has won 7 premierships in the last 7 years. The 7 before that took some 69 years to achieve, so the Club is obviously doing a lot of things right.

The Club’s playing stocks have never been stronger. In season 2009/10 our A Grade took out the A1 Premier Grade Premiership, the highest level of competition in which our club can compete, and an accomplishment that we have not achieved for 33 years. This was the culmination of strong performances in this grade over the past few seasons, and after another minor premiership was just reward. With a young side, we look forward to continued success.

In addition to the premiership, the side also received the inaugural Jeff Emmel Spirit of Cricket Award – the good guys do sometimes win!

Our B Grade was challenged after being promoted to A3, performing strongly until Christmas but then fell away in the second half of the year.

Our C, D and E Grades all played finals cricket after excellent performances throughout the year. Unfortunately, these performances could not be repeated semi-final weekend, with the C and D grades not performing batting first, and the E grade falling short chasing a big total.

Not only did we perform well as teams, but some individuals had exceptional seasons, in particular:

• Redman Trophy: Chris Drew
• Moffat Award for Best Clubman: Simon Butler
• Mark Schwarz Award for Best 21 and Under Player: Hamish Eske
• Player of the Finals: Ben Hook
• A-Grade Batting, Ted Norman Cup: Sam Hurburgh (454)
• A-Grade Bowling, Murray M. Wellington Award for A-Grade Bowling: Chris Drew (30)
• Olsson Family Fielding Award: Sam Tyler

We also had 7 centuries, a 7 for 7 (Andrew Heitmann) and a hat trick (Sam Richardson) during the year.

PAOCCC continues to be active off the field with social events, a Sports Quiz and Fantasy Competition, all communicated via an impressive website (www.paoccc.asn.au).

We look forward to defending our A1 Premier Grade flag in season 2010/11 under newly appointed Club Coach Ben Hook. Ben replaces Sam Turner who, after four years as Club Coach, has accepted the Head Coaching role with Adelaide District Cricket Club.

The matches are on Saturday afternoons from October to March and training is Tuesday and Thursday nights at the PAC Back Oval. All new players are welcome.

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