As the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) nears its 185th anniversary, members of the MCC’s 14 Sporting Sections have come together to reflect and celebrate another incredible year, with thousands of participants and volunteers proudly representing the red, white and blue across 13 sports.
Across each sporting section, players, coaches, mentors, and volunteers share the same sentiment when preparing to pull on the colours of the MCC – they are separated by sporting codes, but united by the one Club.
Each person who represents the MCC is inspired by the past, and proud to lead the way for future generations.
Held in the Members’ Dining Room at the MCG, representatives from each sport shared invaluable insight throughout the night about each of their own communities – their sense of home within a sporting club, and the people that contribute to a strong and united culture.
This was also the first opportunity for the sporting sections to celebrate the inaugural Hockey Men’s Premier League Premiership as a collective.
A member of the premiership side, Tony Wilson, spoke of the significance of being able to achieve premiership success having been within reach for a number of years, finally becoming a reality in what was a memorable victory.
Kyle Williamson (Cricket) relived the Men’s 1st XI Premiership against Carlton, going back through the journey that led to an unforgettable victory against Carlton, before looking ahead to an exciting summer of cricket for the Club including the return of Premier cricket to the MCG for both MCC Men’s and Women’s teams.
Murray Noble (Baseball) and John Kaloger (Bowls) spoke of upgrades to their sporting facilities and the positive impact for all involved, while Johanna Dash (Netball) announced the incredible achievements of Alex Ball and Jen Barrett who have each reached a milestone of 300 games.
The ability to travel internationally and represent the Club remains a clear highlight for many, with Kate Leeming (Real Tennis) acknowledging this unique opportunity with the section having toured the UK this year.
Overseas representation extended to the Croquet section, with Lachlan Berryman able to share his memorable experience after competing at the World Croquet Championships in England.
Competing at the Olympics was a key talking point for numerous sections, with James Willett (Target Shooting), who has competed at both the Rio and Tokyo Olympic Games, able to encourage younger competitors commencing their own journeys.
The future looks bright for all sections, with emerging talent evident among all sports, highlighted by Vanessa Pickerd (Squash) and echoed by Steven Stojkos (Lacrosse) who spoke of strong representation at the U18 National Championships.
Premier League Tennis coach Kane Dewhurst pointed to a number of younger players who are primed to have long and successful careers, with the junior tennis program an integral part of the section’s future growth.
A member of the premiership side, Tony Wilson, spoke of the significance of being able to achieve premiership success having been within reach for a number of years, finally becoming a reality in what was a memorable victory.
Kyle Williamson (Cricket) relived the Men’s 1st XI Premiership against Carlton, going back through the journey that led to an unforgettable victory against Carlton, before looking ahead to an exciting summer of cricket for the Club including the return of Premier cricket to the MCG for both MCC Men’s and Women’s teams.
Murray Noble (Baseball) and John Kaloger (Bowls) spoke of upgrades to their sporting facilities and the positive impact for all involved, while Johanna Dash (Netball) announced the incredible achievements of Alex Ball and Jen Barrett who have each reached a milestone of 300 games.
The ability to travel internationally and represent the Club remains a clear highlight for many, with Kate Leeming (Real Tennis) acknowledging this unique opportunity with the section having toured the UK this year.
Overseas representation extended to the Croquet section, with Lachlan Berryman able to share his memorable experience after competing at the World Croquet Championships in England.
Competing at the Olympics was a key talking point for numerous sections, with James Willett (Target Shooting), who has competed at both the Rio and Tokyo Olympic Games, able to encourage younger competitors commencing their own journeys.
The future looks bright for all sections, with emerging talent evident among all sports, highlighted by Vanessa Pickerd (Squash) and echoed by Steven Stojkos (Lacrosse) who spoke of strong representation at the U18 National Championships.
Premier League Tennis coach Kane Dewhurst pointed to a number of younger players who are primed to have long and successful careers, with the junior tennis program an integral part of the section’s future growth.
MCC Women’s Football continues to evolve and build on its solid foundations, and despite not being able to recreate the on-field success of the previous season, Chenayde Reid spoke of a united team who will continue to draw inspiration from the Melbourne Football Club’s AFLW side.
Marcus Wagner from the Melbourne Football Club (MFC) discussed both the Men’s and Women’s programs and praised the synergy between MFC and the MCC in fostering talent and continuing to support the development of all teams to ensure sustained success.
While the Club is celebrating its own milestone, MCC Golf is preparing for additional celebrations in recognition of its 25th anniversary having evolved from one of the Club’s special interest groups into a sporting section. Rodney Miller was evidently proud to speak about the milestone in front of hundreds of the Club’s most dedicated contributors and supporters.
The following members were awarded a special Club tie and pin having achieved a high level of service to one or more of the Sporting Sections:
With more than thirty years of exceptional service as a player, coach and administrator to MCC Cricket, Michael Sholly, was awarded the prestigious Hans Ebeling Award by MCC President Fred Oldfield in recognition of outstanding service to the Club.
In accepting the award, Michael told guests how he unexpectedly landed as a Melbourne cricketer – a phone call confirming his selection in the team marked the start of his MCC journey - the rest is history.
He enjoyed an impressive playing career in which he played 267 First XI matches (97 at Melbourne University CC, 170 at Melbourne CC), which placed him in the top echelon of games played in the history of the competition.
Marcus Wagner from the Melbourne Football Club (MFC) discussed both the Men’s and Women’s programs and praised the synergy between MFC and the MCC in fostering talent and continuing to support the development of all teams to ensure sustained success.
While the Club is celebrating its own milestone, MCC Golf is preparing for additional celebrations in recognition of its 25th anniversary having evolved from one of the Club’s special interest groups into a sporting section. Rodney Miller was evidently proud to speak about the milestone in front of hundreds of the Club’s most dedicated contributors and supporters.
The following members were awarded a special Club tie and pin having achieved a high level of service to one or more of the Sporting Sections:
- Andrew Gould – Real Tennis
- Terrence Preston – Target Shooting
- Andrew Marshall – Target Shooting/Bowls
- Gary March – Hockey/Bowls
- Stan Bates – Golf
- John Webster – Golf/Squash
- Benjamin Stirling – Hockey
- Jake Melksham – Melbourne Football Club
- Michael Hibberd – Melbourne Football Club
- Bailey Fritsch – Melbourne Football Club
- Zoe Hives – Tennis
With more than thirty years of exceptional service as a player, coach and administrator to MCC Cricket, Michael Sholly, was awarded the prestigious Hans Ebeling Award by MCC President Fred Oldfield in recognition of outstanding service to the Club.
In accepting the award, Michael told guests how he unexpectedly landed as a Melbourne cricketer – a phone call confirming his selection in the team marked the start of his MCC journey - the rest is history.
He enjoyed an impressive playing career in which he played 267 First XI matches (97 at Melbourne University CC, 170 at Melbourne CC), which placed him in the top echelon of games played in the history of the competition.
His on-field exploits were punctuated by success. He played in four First XI premierships at Melbourne, the first of which was as young player where he famously scored 150 in the Final at the Albert Ground, a venue that soon became his second home. He played in two subsequent flags as Captain/Coach and another as Player/Coach.
Michael’s legacy has been to foster a positive, successful culture and environment throughout each of the various leadership positions he has held, the result of which has led to the Club being universally admired and respected in Victorian cricket. Importantly, he has played a key role in helping countless individuals to develop, flourish and further their careers in Premier cricket and above, both on the field and off.
Following his playing and coaching career, Michael has been a highly valued and respected member of the MCC Cricket Sub-Committee since 2007, a position he still holds.
With a change to the administrative structure of MCC Cricket, Michael was appointed the inaugural Chair of the Premier Cricket Committee, a position he held for 11 years. This role allowed for greater oversight and a more hands-on management of the Premier Cricket arm of the MCC and Michael’s steady hand and strong leadership were features of his time at the helm. He continues to serve on this committee.
He continues to serve the Club as Chair of Selectors for the Premier Men’s teams and as Chair of the XXIX Club. He has toured widely as a player – both regionally and internationally, and has been a passionate ambassador for the Club and the game he holds so dear.
In accepting this award, Michael spoke of his unwavering loyalty to the MCC.
"I love the Club, and I’ve enjoyed every minute I’ve had involved with the MCC - it’s given me so many incredible worldwide experiences.”
There have been few in the history of MCC Cricket who have provided service of such quality, dedication, vision, leadership and enthusiasm as Michael Sholly has over an enduring period. His legacy extends across multiple areas and his impact on hundreds of players, officials and volunteers has been immense.
Michael’s legacy has been to foster a positive, successful culture and environment throughout each of the various leadership positions he has held, the result of which has led to the Club being universally admired and respected in Victorian cricket. Importantly, he has played a key role in helping countless individuals to develop, flourish and further their careers in Premier cricket and above, both on the field and off.
Following his playing and coaching career, Michael has been a highly valued and respected member of the MCC Cricket Sub-Committee since 2007, a position he still holds.
With a change to the administrative structure of MCC Cricket, Michael was appointed the inaugural Chair of the Premier Cricket Committee, a position he held for 11 years. This role allowed for greater oversight and a more hands-on management of the Premier Cricket arm of the MCC and Michael’s steady hand and strong leadership were features of his time at the helm. He continues to serve on this committee.
He continues to serve the Club as Chair of Selectors for the Premier Men’s teams and as Chair of the XXIX Club. He has toured widely as a player – both regionally and internationally, and has been a passionate ambassador for the Club and the game he holds so dear.
In accepting this award, Michael spoke of his unwavering loyalty to the MCC.
"I love the Club, and I’ve enjoyed every minute I’ve had involved with the MCC - it’s given me so many incredible worldwide experiences.”
There have been few in the history of MCC Cricket who have provided service of such quality, dedication, vision, leadership and enthusiasm as Michael Sholly has over an enduring period. His legacy extends across multiple areas and his impact on hundreds of players, officials and volunteers has been immense.