The club championship has been given extra significance in 2018-2019 with Newcastle District Cricket Association naming the trophy after late Test player Robert “Dutchy” Holland.
The new silverware was unveiled at the season launch in Honeysuckle on Wednesday night and the initiative was welcomed by club representatives.
SEASON PREVIEW: Ins, outs and predictions for 2018-2019
District chairman Paul Marjoribanks said it was simply the right fit.
“We have honoured Robert [Holland] because he was involved with cricket at all levels and we thought it was a fairly fitting tribute to name the club championship after him,” Marjoribanks said.
“All grades, curating, everything. He was total a club man. That’s what he was about and that’s why we have rebadged it.”
NDCA followed up with an official announcement on social media on Thursday.
“Whilst Robert was a high achiever and played at the elite level, his greatest legacy lives on through the time he gave to club cricket,” the statement read.
“Not only as a player but the co-founder of Southern Lakes Junior Cricket and tireless hours in administration and volunteer work.
“To win a club championship takes an effort from everyone at your club; coaches, players, administrators, curators, scorers, selectors, canteen operators and the list goes on.
“This trophy reflects Robert’s legacy, he never left a stone unturned and played a hand in every role imaginable at a club.”
Charlestown are the current holders of the club championship crown while Holland’s beloved Toronto clinched the two prior titles.
The almost 100-year honour roll, starting in 1923, has been included as part of the trophy design with club names engraved on a black backing wrapped around a hexagon-shaped, wooden base. On top sits the silver NDCA Robert “Dutchy” Holland OAM Club Championship cup. A bronzed photograph of the Australia, NSW and Newcastle representative leg-spinner, who died last year, features on a small plaque.
Points from all grades, starting with firsts on Saturday, are accumulated throughout the summer to win the prestigious prize.
Meanwhile, Cardiff-Boolaroo may not be using new home base Pasterfield until November with Lake Macquarie City Council saying the ground itself was not yet at a satisfactory standard for playing games.
Cardiff were scheduled to host Saturday’s first grade season opener at the Cameron Park venue, but have instead relocated the 40-over fixture against Hamilton-Wickham to Cardiff No.2.
Next weekend’s Regional Bash T20 representative match will likely be transferred to Waratah Oval.
