It’s been three weeks now, but the memory is still strong. Four in a row for the twos, and a flag for the threes under a 
new skipper. If you ask Greg Cull, he’ll tell you five is on the cards. As one of only two players 
to play in all four premierships in the twos – the other being Colin Orchard – he has a good read on these things and I wouldn’t rule it out. Similarly, debut skipper Kiel Johnsen is hungry for another. Chasing that euphoria is what this game is all about.
Disappointment for the ones and fours, who both showed so much promise throughout the season. And the fives again showed signs of dominance at times this year. But perhaps one of the most pleasing aspects of 2018-19 is the continued development of youth at MACC. I can’t think of a time where the club had such a strong crop of players between 14 and 30 years of age. The odd smattering of borderline geriatrics – myself included – rounding out the XIs.
Saturday night was a chance to celebrate the year. Not just reflecting on the achievements, but also acknowledging massive contributions to MACC. 400 games to Lukey Pich and 200 for Colin Orchard (including those 4 2nd XI flags in a row and a Dunstan flag a few seasons back).
Life Membership – Phil Woods 
As the highest individual distinction at MACC, Life Membership announcements are always a highlight of end of season presentations at MACC. And this year was no exception.
Phil first played at MACC in 1990-91, and played his most recent game for the club in 2013-14. He played 183 games for MACC making 2904 runs at an average of 21.20 (HS 79). He took 106 catches – predominantly as a wicket keeper – claimed 22 run outs and 13 stumpings. Also, despite what some might say, Phil did some damage with the ball in hand, taking 39 wickets at an 
average of 31.23, with best figures of 3/5. He was part of the back-to-back Dunstan premiership sides of 97/98 & 98/99 and has been described at the “ultimate team man.”
However, it is Phil’s off-field contribution that makes him stand out from the crowd. Seven seasons coaching at junior level, an integral member of the Ladies Luncheon Team, and a huge support of MACC overseas players across a number of seasons have been pivotal for the club’s recent success. Phil is also first to volunteer his time/assistance in whatever capacity is needed, and in 2018/19 has been a huge support for Jack Wright when inconvenienced. But overall, Phil is an excellent people person, who listens intently and has made newcomers feel welcome at MACC during his 30 year involvement with the club.
Congratulations Phil!
Team Awards
Below is a list of award winners for each team across the seniors and veterans. Brett Watkins’ dominance in the ones is one of the highlights. It is also fantastic to see the leadership strength in the twos, threes and fives where captains took home an award for on-field performances. Rufus McLean’s performances in the fives as a 15 year-old are impressive and warrant higher selection in 2019/20. It’s also hard to skip over Andrew Padbury’s impressive season as a middle order batsman in Dunstan shield.
First XI
Batting Average (MK Ruljancich Trophy) – Andrew Padbury
Bowling Average (Andrews-King Trophy) – Brett Watkins
MACC Garnie King Trophy – Brett Watkins
HJR Welch Allrounder Award (for ones & twos) – Brett Watkins
Second XI
Batting Average (NR Ronaldson Trophy) – Nat Cutts
Bowling Average (HM Jones Trophy) – Luke Fernandes
Third XI
Batting Average (RIG Harding Trophy) – Michael Minz
Bowling Average (JM Mollison Trophy) – Kiel Johnsen
Fourth XI
Batting Average (CL Jennings Trophy) – Jeff Mollison
Bowling Average – Craig Volmer
Fifth XI
Batting Average – Angus McLean
Bowling Average – Rufus McLean
GD Mair Allrounder Awards (3s, 4s & 5s) – Angus McLean
Vets Gold
Batting Average – Brad Woolhouse
Bowling Average – Matthew Quinn
Vets Red
Batting Average – Aaron White
Bowling Average – Nick Tribe
Vets Purple
Batting Average – Wayne Hawkins
Bowling Average – Andrew Youren
AF Dwyer Allrounder Award (for veterans) – Wayne Hawkins
General
Best Clubman (GG Amstrong Trophy) – Daniel Bonnett
Best Player Under 21 (J Hoare Memorial Cup) – Jack Woods
400 Games – Luck Pich
200 Games – Colin Orchard
100 Games – Rob Carruthers, David Corrigan, Luke Galtieri & James Guley
Overall, it was a fantastic night. A big thank you to Chris Jackson for organising the event at the stunning setting of Kew Golf Club, and to Ben Howes who did an amazing job as MC. Also, a big thanks to my substitute photographer for the night – Kiel Johnsen – who was able to capture all the moments above.
A few more snaps from the night!
And the award for best image of 2018/19 goes to… Kiel Johnsen, with this cracker!
