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:
Director of Cricket | Tom Plant |
Men's High Performance Coach | Ben Hilliard |
Men's Senior Development Coach | Leo Panzarino |
Men's Player Development Coach | Gary Hayes |
Women's Premier Coach | Alex Gajewska |
Women's Development Coach | David Penn |
Women's Assistant Coach | Joanne Hedges |
Junior Girls Development Coach | Duminda Kottahachchi |
Women's Specialist Coach | Lauren Ebsary |
ATCA Community Coach | Frank Sergi |
Further coaching appointments will be confirmed at a later date.
Men's 1st Grade Captain | Ben Wakim |
Men's 2nd Grade Captain | Deepak Chetry |
Men's 3rd Grade Captain | James Madden |
Men's 4th Grade Captain | Luke Smoker |
Women's Premier Captain | Amber Shelton |
Women's ATCA Captain | Lucy Martinson |
Men's ATCA LO1 Captain | Jason Turnbull |
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
AUCC
President