Our great friend CRAIG COOK lost his fight with cancer this week. He passed on September 7 surrounded by his family.
He was always very humble about his achievements. One of his finest moments came as Carlton CC’s vice president when he lured Abdul Qadir to Princess Park in 1998, the Pakistani spin legend taking 72 wickets to win the J. Ryder Medal. West Indian Carl Hooper followed the next summer… another Cook coup.
In more recent times Craig has been a weekend regular with our ACS Over 60s team, his luxuriantly flighted leg breaks always competitive, his determination and joyous love of the game always on show.
He was always keen to bowl, less so to bat – he and Dave Mac often squabbling over the non-batting duties.
Some of the tributes so far:
BOBBY HOPKINS: ‘Craig was a real gentleman and I always enjoyed watching him bowl his crafty leggies. He will be sadly missed by his many friends. RIP Craig.’
PETER HILLE: ‘Craig was a wonderful member & cricket lover – he passed away earlier this evening (peacefully with his family) after several months of cancer. A superb person who led a wonderful life.’
DAVE MCNAMARA: ‘Deeply saddened to be advised by Ross Cook that Craig passed await at 4.00 pm today. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.’
STU STOCKDALE: ‘So, so sad – Craig was my favourite guy I got to captain as I was able to get him to bowl against his will. Classic case was at Richmond only a few years ago when I asked him to bowl downwind – he seemed insulted but I explained the wind into the batters face was such that it was worth a try. Three wickets for not many later and Craig was all smiles. And we won the game. Farewell dear friend and cricket mate.’
BILL CRADDOCK: ‘Very shocked to hear of Craig’s passing. Always enjoyed his company in the field or on a few occasions having a small batting partnership together.’
It has been a sad 24 hours for our Society. Former treasurer Bruce Sivewright also passed, on Sunday. He had been ill for some time.
A great cricket and music lover, Bruce was on committee for three years, following in the footsteps of his father Hec, who was a foundation member and long time committeeman. Bruce was originally from Beaumaris and built a very fine cricket library, counting many of his childhood mates among his accountancy clients. – KP
It isn’t fair that that he should retire so early in the race
It isn’t right that we all should lose such a terrific mate
He went about his life with a quiet reassurance
And time after time delivered up a solid positive performance
I loved the way he took the ball with a glance around the field
Square leg in a bit to catch the mistimed sweep
Short cover back a stride to snare the one that steeped
An expectation that this ball was to be his best
A desire to put the eager batsman to his rest
That subtle smile that always came when the ball landed on a seam
Well done Cookie” was the jubilant on field call from all the team
We will call on him no more
In a game we all adore
It isn’t fair but we rejoice we had the chance to share
The grass and a beer with one of the best boys anywhere
A Poem from one of our members, John Smith
