Koonwarra L/RSL 30-year amalgamation anniversary

ON FEBRUARY 22, the Koonwarra Leongatha RSL Cricket Club proudly celebrated 30 years since the successful amalgamation of two great clubs. Held at the Dakers Centre, with doors opening at 7 PM, the night was a fantastic gathering of past and present players, supporters, and community members.

Many greats of the club came down to enjoy the night, revel in the company of their fellow teammates, and impart knowledge onto the younger generation, which made up a significant part of the attendance. The evening was expertly hosted by Sam Hughes, who provided plenty of laughter and entertainment throughout the night. A highlight of his MC duties was presenting the statistical leaders since the merger, delivering the numbers with his signature humor and ensuring plenty of laughs along the way.

A lineup of special guest speakers shared memorable stories and reflections on the club’s journey. Glenn Matthies, a key event organiser and club great, entertained the crowd with his humor, while Nick Arnup, the present-day president, provided insight into the ins and outs of today’s club, highlighting how far we have come and key improvements that have been implemented, as well as those on the horizon. Geoff Holland, the club’s first-ever president, reflected on the early days of the merger and spoke about how far he has watched the club grow over the years. 

John Schelling, president of the league, spoke not only about the club’s impact on the league but also about its ability to bring the community together. He also highlighted how the club’s development pathways are nothing short of supreme, noting the success of players like Sam Hughes, Lachie Sperling, Harry Hoekstra, and Chelsea Moscript, who have all gone on to play at a very high level. He emphasised that their achievements are not just a testament to their talent and hard work but also to the strong pathways the club has helped put in place.

Shane Moore, widely regarded as one of the best cricketers the club has ever seen, reflected on his days with Leongatha RSL and post-merger. He touched on how both teams had to put their pride aside and search for equality in the amalgamation to build the strong foundation and future the club enjoys today.

A display of memorabilia highlighted the club’s rich history, reminding everyone of the dedication, achievements, and community spirit that have shaped its success.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making this milestone event so special. Here’s to many more years of cricketing excellence and camaraderie at Koonwarra Leongatha RSL Cricket Club!