Foster and Glen Alvie Cricket Clubs recognise committed servants

A TRIO of loyal club servants will be celebrated during this weekend’s ‘Recognition Round’ of Leongatha and District Cricket Association (LDCA) action.

The round acknowledges the importance of committed volunteers to the success of sporting competitions and clubs.

Each season a couple of LDCA clubs are invited to nominate someone who has significantly contributed to their organisation, with Glen Alvie and Foster afforded that opportunity this time.

Foster put forward good mates Tim Garvey and Paul Jervies who both began representing the Tigers in the 1980s when aged 12.

Their onfield and administrative contributions since saw them simultaneously awarded life memberships of the club.

Tim has played in a couple of Foster premiership sides, one as captain.

Paul has also featured in a couple of premierships, getting to play alongside son Dalton in those games.

Both Tim and Paul have been strongly involved off-field as Foster Cricket Club committee members, with Paul previously being president.

Glen Alvie has selected Russell ‘Russ’ Matthews as its Recognition Round representative, acknowledging his enduring involvement in local cricket that began in the late 1960s when he started watching his dad Elwyn ‘Hook’ Matthews represent Glen Alvie.

Russ was aged about five at the time and his increasing interest in cricket eventually led him to start playing juniors for Blackwood Colts.

He made his A grade debut in the challenging role of opening batsman at age 17 and went on to represent Glen Alvie at various levels over 45 years.

Russ’ career highlights included playing in two Glen Alvie premierships

He was also jointly awarded Glen Alvie’s inaugural Rex Thorn Medal for the most valuable player in any grade for the 2007/8 season, as well as picking up three batting awards, and fielding awards during his club career.

While praising his extensive onfield contribution, the club said his greatest impact on local cricket has been made through his commitment to administrative responsibilities for Glen Alvie Cricket Club and the LDCA.

Russ remains on the Glen Alvie Cricket Club committee he originally joined in the late 1980s.

He served as club president for four years.

Russ has been part of the LDCA Committee of Management since 2005, including 11 consecutive years as president, and has also served as the LDCA representative to the Region 7 Gippsland Committee of Management, including a couple of years as vice president.

Russ is a life member of Glen Alvie Cricket Club and the LDCA.