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.
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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.
