BLAST FROM THE PAST
Chris Stewart from Lockington wrote in.
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“I have uncovered a photograph of the cricket team that represented the local zone at the Victorian Cricket Association Country Zone Championship.
“The story of the photo is that the 1983 drought-like conditions affected the running of the normal Country Cricket Week held in Melbourne, therefore cancelling the week of cricket.
“A decision was made to hold a Country Zone Cricket Week in the Mildura area. Most of the country zones played in the competition which proved to be a huge success.
“Several local towns around Mildura made their venues available to accommodate all teams.
“The Goulburn Murray zone team comprised cricketers from the Echuca, Shepparton, Rochester and Murray associations.”
The picture features, back row, from left, Bruce Fuller, Lloyd Rosenow, David Jackson, Graham Turner, Greg Thompson, Brian Harper and Chris Stewart (scorer); Front row, from left, Eddie Grace (manager), Jim Hartshorn, Stephen Bubb, Gary Larcombe, David Lanyon, David Major (captain) and Max Connor.
Chris continues on.
“People would recall the huge dust storm that enveloped the whole of Victoria on the Wednesday of that week. G/M was playing at Wentworth and the game was stopped for a time while the dust cleared.
“The batsmen could hardly see each other, rather than spot the ball.
“At the end of the week, the Goulburn Murray team finished in second place behind the Ballarat Zone by just 0.6 per cent. The team started the week well on Monday at Red Cliffs when they dismissed the Bendigo/Loddon Zone for just 48 runs.
“Hartshorn and Turner shared the wickets.”
SHOWSTOPPER
Moama Anglican Grammar Year 11 student Isabelle Barber shone on the stage as RocKwiz visited Swan Hill last Saturday night.
Isabelle wowed the crowd with her rendition of I Will Survive in the show’s Contestant Karaoke competition.
Head over to the RocKwiz Facebook page to check out Isabelle’s performance.
VALE RON JOSEPH
North Melbourne Football Club is mourning one of its most legendary figures.
Ron Joseph played a major role in the Kangaroos’ emergence in the 1970s, which culminated in the club’s maiden premiership in 1975.
He was first appointed club secretary in 1964 and had three stints in the position, spanning more than 20 years.
Joseph was instrumental in bringing champion players Malcolm Blight, Doug Wade, Barry Cable and the Krakouer brothers to Arden St, alongside super coach Ron Barassi in 1973.
In the 1990s he joined the Sydney Swans, helping to turn the club around from easybeats to one of the competition’s leading lights.
Joseph’s tenure was highlighted by the signature of Tony Lockett from St Kilda.
He also served as a football manager and was on North Melbourne’s board for three years.
VALE TERRY NORRIS
Veteran Australian actor Terry Norris died earlier this week at the age of 92.
Mr Norris was one of Australia’s most experienced character actors.
He won a Silver Logie as Best Supporting Actor for his work as Senior Sargent Eric O’Reilly on the hit show Cop Shop.
Mr Norris, who had more than 80 screen credits, had guest roles in shows such as Blue Heelers, Stingers, Hawke, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries and Changi.
In 1982, he took a break from acting, spending 10 years in Victorian parliament, including a period as deputy speaker.
He was the State Member for Noble Park from 1982 to 1985 and then the State Member for Dandenong from 1985 to 1992.
Mr Norris returned to acting and in more recent years was known for his appearances on Jack Irish as Eric Tanner.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, fellow actor Julia Blake and daughters Sarah and Jane.
EVER WANTED TO DRIVE A BUS?
Dysons are on the lookout for several casual, part-time and full-time bus drivers from the company’s Moama depot.
The vacant roles cover school runs, V/Line and charter work.
You will require or be prepared to obtain a medium or heavy vehicle licence, Victorian Drivers Certificate and Working With Children check.
Each of the positions have an immediate start date.
For more information, contact Dysons on 9463 3999 or email Matthew Squires at regionalcareers@dysongroup.com.au
WINNING REWARD
Fresh from winning the NSW Open and taking out the Order of Merit title on the PGA Tour of Australia, winner David Micheluzzi was asked what he was now looking forward to.
“Some KFC,” was the reply.
The Victorian is one of the emerging stars of Australian golf and would have no problems upsizing his order after claiming the $72,000 first-prize cheque.
TIP OF THE WEEKEND
The tough recent run continued with Alligator Blood running a game fourth in the All-Star Mile after a far from ideal run in transit.
After some time in the naughty corner and studiously studying the form on Wednesday night, I’ve come up with Merry Mac Boy at Morphettville Parks on Saturday (Race 4, No.2). Fingers crossed he can give us a good sight.
FAST FIVE QUIZ
1. Which four clubs won their first game under new coaches in the opening round of the AFL season?
2. On the periodic table, K is what element?
3. What would you do with a blancmange - a) wear it, b) drink it, c) eat it?
4. Which luxury car company produces the Huracan model?
5. How many stars are on the New Zealand flag?
JOKE OF THE WEEK
What can one catch that is not thrown? A cold.
FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS
Jim Parsons, actor, 50; The Undertaker, wrestler, 58; Jessica Chastain, actor, 46; Alan Sugar, entrepreneur, 76; Alyson Hannigan, actor, 49; Alyssa Healy, cricketer, 33; Darren Lockyer, rugby league legend, 46; Glenn Archer, footballer, 50; Libbi Gorr, broadcaster, 58.
FINALLY
Well done to all the volunteers behind-the-scenes who played their parts in ensuring a successful 2023 Play Today NSW Open at Rich River Golf Club last weekend. Next year’s event is off to Murray Downs Golf Club near Swan Hill. This year’s event will be a hard act to follow.
FAST FIVE QUIZ ANSWERS
1. St Kilda, GWS, North Melbourne and Essendon. 2. Potassium. 3. Eat it. 4. Lamborghini. 5. Four.
Gregor Mactaggart is the editor of the Riverine Herald.