South Road Cricket Club

South Road Cricket Club

2013-2014 Presidents Report

It has been a humbling opportunity to serve as President of the South Road Cricket Club. Not only do you get an appreciation of the current members and the great culture we have now, but you get a whole new understanding of what has come before you. South Road has a grand and storied history which we all get to be a part of. Previous committees, Presidents and club men have positioned South Road as a club to be envied not only for their on-field success but for outstanding administration, mateship and community spirit.
The committee this year of Chris Farrant (Vice President), Poul Petersen (Secretary), Grant Coles (Treasurer), Shaun Krutli, Matt Potts, Nikki Hutchinson, David Roberts, Gary Potts, Dan Vertue and Geoff Purcell have been outstanding. At the beginning of the season we sat down and discussed the position and direction of the club. We viewed our strengths, amongst other things, as club culture, community involvement and on field success. We decided to target these areas whilst improving the club as a whole. The committee has not had an easy task running such a successful club, late nights at committee meetings, thorough event planning & execution and dedication to enjoyable trainings and games have taken a great deal of hard work and preparation. I would like to thank the committee as a whole for their dedication throughout the season. Their hard work, building on the hard work of previous committees, has this club in a great position moving forward. It has been much appreciated by the club and myself.
Something South Road prides itself on is the positive influence we have in the community. In previous years it has been a key aim of the club hold events benefiting charitable causes. In the past two seasons we have been able to raise thousands of dollars for various charities. This year, we are proud to say that legacy has continued with our charitable events raising over $15,000 for the Movember Foundation, Flinders’ Paediatric Ward and Leukaemia Foundation. This now takes our tally well over $30,000 in three years. The hard work and passion with which these events are ran and supported by the club is truly humbling. We introduced two new events this year, the first annual Roadies Golf Day and our Roadettes Ladies Day, which accompanied our other events Mouse Cup, World’s Greatest Shave T20 day and Quiz Night. I would like to thank all that had a hand in these events from those that organized and volunteered to those that came along and enjoyed the functions. I would like to make special mention of Adam Willson, Darren Williams, David Roberts, Grant Coles, Ben Gage, Kristin Potts and Chris Farrant for their extraordinary efforts this season.
This season we were proud to launch the “Roadette” Membership. A membership just for the wives and girlfriends of the players. The committee wanted to recognise and celebrate the wonderful partners our players have, including them in the club and encouraging a family friendly atmosphere. Our very first Ladies Day was a huge success which we hope to build on in the coming years. It has been a pleasure to see more and more partners and kids around the club at events and presentation nights. Recognition must go to Kristin Potts, Matt Potts and Nikki Hutchinson for their efforts establishing the Roadettes.
On the field it has been a great year for the club. At the start of the season the committee, along with Club Coach and A Grade Skipper Shaun Krutli established a goal to win six premierships. We wanted to win every grade and take out the T20 comp. To do this we knew it would take dedication, persistence and a great support team of captains, players and co-ordinators. It is a credit to Shaun, Greg Anderson and the Captains that our performances reflected the ambitions we set out at the start of the season. Through the hard work of these boys and the players we managed to secure 4 finals teams, including our Section 2 premiership along with a T20 flag. There were some outstanding individual and team efforts throughout the season, well done to the entire club for their success. Thanks to Shaun, Greg and the Captains for leading our playing group, you have been outstanding.
It is impossible to operate a successful club without the support of our valuable sponsors. Thanks very much to Upside, Vertex, McDonald’s, Paramount Fitness, Courtesy Driving School, Nelson’s Fresh Fruit Express & Captain Chicken for their ongoing support.
Looking forward I see great things for the club, we have an excellent culture at the moment which is reflected in our club functions, on field performance and financial position. We are well placed to keep progressing onwards and upwards. I am very proud of the steps we have made as a club this year and hope this continues into next year and beyond.
I would like to thank all those who helped the club throughout the year. I was able to witness just how much is done around the club to give our members the best place to play their cricket. Countless hours are spent by volunteers to keep the club running smoothly and this is greatly appreciated.
Roadhouse!
Stefan Potts.