The club has a long and rich history, which includes 19 premierships in two district cricket associations – Rutherglen (1948 to 1991) and Brocklesby (1991 to 2018).
The reunion’s chief organiser, Pat Mitchell, was a club member for 25 years and a captain of the senior A Grade team.
“We are expecting anywhere up to 80 people and if attendees could RSVP to the event on Facebook it would help us with catering,” he said.
“It would be great to have people bring old memorabilia, share stories and reunite with old team mates and friends.”
Pat remembers seeing the memorabilia on the club room walls as a junior and always wanted to have his photo on the wall.
“Making a permanent mark on the history at the club was certainly an ambition. I was lucky enough to be a part of three A grade premierships from 2007/08 to 2011/12,” the 35-year-old construction coordinator with Hadar in Albury said.
“Unfortunately due to player numbers dwindling and the general decline of population in rural areas, the club was forced to close after making an A grade grand final in its final season.”
Doug Lavis was the best cricketer Pat played with. “His ability to swing the ball both ways and his batting were great to watch,” he said.
“Against Brocklesby in season 2009-2010, I remember Doug hit a 3 off the last remaining ball of our innings to make 201 not out. Incredible. He did make a duck in one of our winning grand finals, we won’t let him forget that!”
Many highlights and surprises will be recalled at the reunion. Pat mentioned the unexpected turn of events in the 2010/11 season.
Balldale missed the finals after a poor home and away season which was also hampered by a wet summer.
Jindera had played an ineligible player in the last game of the year and was stripped of ladder points, meaning Balldale leapfrogged them and filled the last spot in the finals.
“Having pulled a team together on short notice and with no training sessions, Balldale had to defeat Rand with only 10 eligible players. Rand had beaten Balldale 10/200 vs 10/110 and 6/30 the week prior. Balldale won in a low scoring affair,” Pat said.
“Balldale then faced Brocklesby who were undefeated, gaining their opening batsman back for a full team of 11.
“In the end Balldale won comfortably to cap off an amazing fortnight.”
Club president from 2007 to 2014 Graeme Wlson said it was “a pretty successful club over the years and it was a shame numbers dropped off”. He rated Keith Mills as “probably the best cricketer I played with at Balldale”.
Gwen Mills and family members have been a big part of the club’s history.“I still follow cricket. I’m a sports nut - I like sport.” Gwen said.
The 86-year-old fondly remembers the many Saturdays following Balldale in cricket and the afternoon teas. She instantly recalled one lighter moment. “There was one day we sent David McCooke off to get a cake in a suit case,” Gwen said. “Well he returned holding on the handles instead of carrying it flat as we directed and when he opened it the cake fell out and was ruined. We said some words to him that day!”
There will be plenty more said on Saturday, October 12 starting at 2.30pm, at the Balldale Recreation Ground. Nibble and drinks will be at the 22 Oil Tree Lagoon Road ground to 5.00pm, followed by a sit-down dinner at Balldale Hotel at 5.00pm. For enquiries, contact Pat Mitchell on 0429 404 654.
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