History - Polwarth

A History of the Deans Marsh Cricket Club

(extracts from a book by Ron Millard)

Although cricket would of been played in the Deans Marsh district since the first settlers moved in, a club was not formed till almost the end of the 19th century. We know that the Deans Marsh Football Club (The Blood & Bandages) was formed in 1898, as was the Athletic Club, and we believe the Cricket Club would also have been formed at about this time.

It was probably around 1897 that Deans Marsh got its first sports ground - a part of Edward Mountjoy's paddock. It was just behind the 'Martians Cafe'. Most communities were granted land for a sports ground, but not Deans Marsh because the government did not intend a township to develop here. The cricket pitch was just bare ground and the equipment would have been rather crude but no doubt the game would have been enjoyed as much as it is today.
Residents would have orgainized social matches between themselves but they soon got around to arranging challenge matches against neighbouring communities. An old newspaper gives details of a match played in 1903. Winchelsea 158 (M.Dwyer 57, E.Barton 5/51) verses Deans Marsh 8/65 (S.Smith 32*).

It was not until 1921 that the community purchased the 2.8 ha at the current site on Pennyroyal Valley Road from Mr Mountjoy. (It was thought at the time that the present facility was to close to the hotel). The first earth wicket was constructed in 1922 and this was replaced in 1937 by a malthoid covered concrete pitch. The five pounds for the purchase of the malthoid was donated by Sam Clissold.

1929 - 1939

Deans Marsh played in the Polwarth Cricket Association from 1929 - 1968, against teams from Bambra, Birregurra, Barwon Downs, Forrest, Apollo Bay, Barramunga, Pennyroyal, Beech Forest, Lorne and Winchelsea.

One of the most talked about cricketers to play for Deans Marsh (pre war) was Mr Stoneman. Headmaster of the Deans Marsh school from 1920, he had previously played cricket under the captaincy of Bill Woodfull. Stories about him are legendary but it was his influence and coaching of the local boys and fostering their interest in cricket that layed the foundation for strong Deans Marsh cricket teams over the next 30 years.
Other prominent cricketers of the twenties and thirties were Len Farrell (President during this time), 'Stonewall' Anthony, Col Smith, Bob Smith, Gilbert Smith, Clarrie Schram, George Hunt, Les Clissold, Albury Clissold, Ed Clissold, Col Clissold and Eric Clissold.
Deans Marsh never won a premiership during this period. The club played Winchelsea in the final at Birregurra in 1938 and after having a first inning lead of 22 runs lost outright by 7 wickets. 
 

1945 - 1968

In the late forties Deans Marsh had a number of very good and experienced players. Take the 1945/46 team that played in the final against Colac. All the eleven players were mature cricketers, at least seven were capable of scoring centuries and the other four were useful bowlers - Eric Clissold bowled medium pace, Aubrey Clissold could bowl either left arm fast or leg spin, Ed Clissold bowled off spin and Col Clissold bowled about medium pace. Stan Crabbe was a useful medium pacer and Keith White bowled slow leg spin. Colin Smith was the wicket keeper. Things were looking good for Deans Marsh.
The club reformed after the war and the next 10 years is often referred to as the 'Goldern Era' of cricket in Deans Marsh. From 1946 to 1955 Deans Marsh fielded a 'A' and 'B' team in the Polwarth Association. During this period the 'A' team won five premierships, runners up twice and the 'B' team were runners up on three occasions, twice to the 'A' team.

Ray 'Bill' White who has been penned as the best post war batsman for Deans Marsh made his first of ten centuries playing for 'B' verses 'A' in the Grand Final of 48/49. Bill along with Ron Millard, Edgar Page, Les McKay, Les Smith, Mark Walter, Stan Crabbe, Allan Hunt and Allan McMillan were the mainstays of this period. School teacher Stuart Thompson joined the club in 1949 and proved to be a great acquisition as a player, organiser and coach.


During this period the rule stated that finals be played to the finish. Old Deans Marsh cricketers still talk about the Grand Final of 1950/51,  Deans Marsh 'A' against Barwon Downs at Winchelsea. The game was finally won by Barwon Downs on the 6th day by one wicket. Deans Marsh 'A' 115 (Eric Clissold 26, Bill White 22) & 267 (Stuart Thompson 123, Albrey Clissold 71) lost to Barwon Downs 239 (Bill White 5/42, Alan McMillan 4/95) & 9/144 (Bill White 4/58).

During the summer of 1965 the Colac Herald's sports writer Bob Harris interviewed the Secretary of the Polwarth Cricket Association, Ron Millard on his thoughts on why bowlers in the Polwarth League had been so dominate. The story highlights some of the cricketers of the era. A valuable inovation to Polwarth cricket at this time was greater involvement by the media. Doug Jennings a 3CS announcer gave the scores over the air on Saturday evenings and interviewed players and officials on his Friday night program.  (see story)

From 1956 to 1968 Deans Marsh fielded the one senior team. During this time the club lost eight semi finals. Col Smith retired after the 1956/57 grand final loss to Winchelsea. Col had played for Deans Marsh since the twenties but continued his commitment to the club until his death in 1988. He was president of the club for 53 years. Geoff Millard played his first game in 1958. He later captained the club for five seasons and was a great clubman. Dennis Smith joined the club in 1965, coming with a great reputation as a batsman having learned his cricket at Geelong Grammar School. A polished left hand batsman, he played for several years making three consecutive centuries before his call up to National Service in 1967/68 .

The club fielded a junior team from 1965 - 1968. (latter a team was combined with Forrest to form a junior side).  Alan Smith (son of Col) captained the team winning a premiership in their first season. Players to continue and play senior cricket for Deans Marsh include Andrew Stewart, Richard McKay, Nolan & Greg Swayn, Neil Berry. Tom Roscoe was the leading batsman scoring 103 versus Apollo Bay in February 1967. Hugh Stewart was the best of the bowlers turning in some remarkable bowling performances, such as 6/14 and 7/28. Social Cricket matches between the 'Young Guns' and the 'Oldies' were common during the 1960's  see Colac Herald review and scores from April 1965 game.