Adelaide University Cricket Club

Dear Blacks

I hope that this message finds you and those that you hold close safe and well.

Three months have now passed since cricket, and so many other aspects of our lives, came to a grinding halt in early-to-mid March.

Whilst many of you were understandably upset at the time given the exceptional season that we had put together, and the opportunities for success that lay before us as a Club, it was clearly in the interests of all that the decision makers “call time” on the season when they did.

It is now time to capture the momentum that we have gathered in recent seasons and to focus on Season 2020/21.  If we all work together and that little bit harder, I could not be more confident that further and greater success is just around the corner for the Blacks.  

With this goal in mind, the Club’s Executive Committee has been working harder than ever behind the scenes to ensure that the AUCC remains a strength and becomes even stronger both on and off the field this coming season and beyond.  Season 2020/21. If we all work together and that little bit harder, I could not be more confident that further and greater success is just around the corner for the Blacks.

On that note, I could not be more pleased to announce the following appointments for Season 2020/21:

Further coaching appointments will be confirmed at a later date. 

Further captaincy appointments will be confirmed at a later date.  

The continuity and stability that the re-appointment of Tom Plant (left) as our Director of Cricket and each of our Coaches brings to the Club cannot be understated. It is a testament to their loyalty and integrity that they have recommitted to the Club during this ongoing period of uncertainty, and I take this opportunity to thank each of them. The same must also be said of our Captains, and all of our senior players that have recommitted for Season 2020/21.  It is an exciting time to be a Black.  

I would also like to thank both Scott Greber and Luke Smoker for their contributions and efforts as coaches over recent seasons, and to welcome former Club Coach, Gary Hayes back to the fold. We are excited by the prospect of Gary bringing his experience and love of the game to our extensive playing list.layers that have recommitted for Season 2020/21. It is an exciting time to be a Black.

 I also wish to acknowledge the ongoing efforts and contribution of our Club Administration Manager, Martin Southern since season’s end. He has continued to provide valuable support to the Club despite the uncertainty that COVID-19 and the Club’s financial resources have had on his role. Again, this says a great deal about Martin, and the culture of our Club.

The financial impact of Covid-19 has been, and will continue to be felt throughout the sporting landscape in both the short and medium term. AUCC is not immune to this.  Although funding from CA, SACA, the ACA and Adelaide University Sport remains unclear, we are expecting a significant reduction in our annual revenue from these vital sources, placing pressure on the Club and its operations. 
 

Whilst we appreciate that many of you and your businesses have been similarly impacted, we will be calling on all Blacks to support the Club during this difficult period, whether this be by remaining or becoming a Club or player sponsor, joining our Centurion Club, attending social events, or simply coming along on game day and buying a few drinks over the Long Room bar. We will also be looking to increase the number of our volunteers who contribute to the running of the Club both on and off the field, and asking our players to contribute to the Club off as well as on the field of play. 

More information regarding Club and player sponsorship can be found here, the AUCC Centurion Club here, and how you may be able to support the Club as a volunteer here.

I would also call on all Blacks to continue supporting our Club sponsors, all of whom have been doing it tough over recent months. These sponsors are important and valued members of our Club community, and it is incumbent on us that we support them as they do us.

I also take this opportunity to thank each of my fellow Executive Committee members. We have been meeting by video conference weekly over recent months to navigate the Club through this time of uncertainty, and to ensure the AUCC remains stronger than ever. I wish to personally thank them for their patience and support through what has been, and will continue to be, a trying time.

Rest assured, pre-season training is not far away and we will be competing for success at all levels as we look to build on the achievements of last season. 

I look forward to seeing you all in coming weeks and months,

Dicko

Stephen Dickinson

Black’s Platinum Sponsor People’s Choice Credit Union have a range of options to suit your financial needs, head over to their website to check out the details.   Don’t forget to mention that you are an AUCC member. 

Due to the current situation with the COVID-19 virus and the Government's advice regarding sporting activities, Adelaide University Cricket Club is currently closed.

Dear Blacks

As you would now be aware, earlier this week Cricket Australia (CA) issued a press release recommending that all cricket cease immediately due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic. On Tuesday morning we, and all other Premier Cricket Clubs, were informed that the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) would be following this recommendation, meaning the SACA Premier Cricket finals series that were scheduled to be played over the coming fortnight would not be going ahead. We subsequently learned that the Adelaide Turf Cricket Association (ATCA) had also resolved to follow Cricket Australia’s recommendation, meaning eight of our ten sides that had qualified to play finals in their respective SACA and ATCA competitions would be deprived an opportunity to compete for grand final and premiership success.

Late yesterday, it was formally resolved by the SACA Premier Cricket Committee that premiership titles be awarded to the minor premier in each Grade. ATCA resolved likewise earlier in the week.

As you can appreciate, this has impacted heavily on our players, coaching staff, administration and volunteers all of whom have invested many, many hours of their time and energy to place our Club in a position of strength with a view to achieving on-field success in Season 2019/20. I wish to express personal thanks to all who have contributed to the Club’s improvement and success this season, and empathy to those who are feeling the burden of this most unfortunate and unprecedented situation.

Whilst recognising that our primary duty of care is to protect the safety and well-being of our players and the broader AUCC community, all efforts were made by the Club to see the various finals series proceed, however the ultimate decision was well and truly out of our hands. Importantly, we must respect the position adopted by CA, SACA and ATCA, and trust that all decisions were made after proper consideration and consultation, and in the best interests of all members of the cricket community.      

Also important is that each of us focus on what really matters at present, namely our health, safety and wellbeing, as well as that of our teammates, friends, family, colleagues and all of those we interact with. The current situation is one of uncertainty, requiring solidarity and respect of others.

Regarding solidarity, I encourage each of you to reciprocate the support our Club sponsors where you can, particularly given the tough times they are likely to experience in coming months. The Club will be adopting initiatives in coming days to encourage support of our sponsors, and I ask that you get on board. Supporting members of our AUCC family when they are in need is what it is all about.

I also encourage you to spend time with each other over coming days and weeks, subject of course to following the advice and recommendations of the medical profession and community leaders. If this means meeting in small groups and primarily communicating across social media and other platforms, so be it. It is critical that we celebrate our achievements, and also use this period to further strengthen our Club with a view to achieving continued and greater success in Season 2020/2021. 

As noted above, we have enjoyed a very successful season both on and off the field. Focussing on the latter, I wish to acknowledge and congratulate the following teams and achievements:

• SACA 1st Grade T20 Premiers
• SACA 2nd Grade Premiership
• SACA 3rd Grade T20 Premiers
• SACA 4th Grade T20 Premiers
• SACA Super Cricket T12 Premiers
• ATCA C2 Premiers
• SVCA Over 60’s Premiers

I also wish to acknowledge the overall success that our SACA 1stGrade has achieved this season, having finished second in the Two-Day competition, Runner-Up in the One-Day Grand Final and Runner-Up in the National T20 Competition. An exceptional season overall.

I also expect that many of our players will be receiving recognition for individual achievements and performances for Season 2019/20. All such awards will be recognised and published on the AUCC website and across all social media platforms. I take this opportunity to congratulate in advance each player that receives an individual award or recognition. It is most unfortunate that you will not be recognised at a traditional public gathering or awards dinner, however this does not detract from your achievements. You should be very proud.

The above demonstrates, not only a successful 2019/20 Season, but how close we are as a Club to achieve ultimate success across all Grades and formats. To each of our current players, I encourage you to take this on board and return to the training track later this year fitter, stronger and will more resolve than ever. If you do this, I can assure you that I, your Executive Committee, your coaches and all members of the AUCC community will be doing all that we can to provide you with the support and resources that you need to reach your potential and experience personal, team and Club success.

To our volunteers, sponsors and supporters, thank you for your ongoing support. We could not exist and continue to improve on and off the field without you. Please take care during this difficult period, and join us again for Season 2020/21. It is and shall remain an exciting period in our Club’s development.

I conclude by thanking each member of the Executive Committee, our Club Administration Manager, Martin Southern, our coaching group, our Club leaders and others that have provided me and the Club with support and guidance throughout Season 2019/20, and over recent days. Your efforts, patience and balanced views and responses have been much appreciated.

Cheers,

Dicko