Team Medals

Mark first joined Baxter in 1970 and stayed until 1993, when he left to join Mount Martha as captain/coach. He returned to Baxter in 2002, initially to captain the 2nd XI but his talent and fierce competitive nature soon had him back in the ones, where he stayed until hanging up the whites in 2004.

Mark captained the 1ST XI to the 1986/87 District premiership against Frankston East and is still regarded as one of the finest opening bowlers to have represented both Baxter and the MPCA, taking over 500 wickets. A BCC life member and a winner of the E G Betts medal for the best District player.

Alan or Gilla, as he was affectionately known first played for Baxter in 1965. In his first season with the Club he played in the 1ST XI premiership team against Hastings at the MPCA headquarters in Graydens Road.

Alan played 300 plus games over more than 30 years, with a further 3 premierships. One in seconds (1968/69) and then as captain of the 3rds (1990/91 and 1992/93) Premierships aside, his 213no against Somerville seconds in 1984 was a career highlight, becoming only the third Baxter player to score a double century for the club. Although primarily a batsman and specialist slip he took great delight in snaring an occasional wicket, which he would not let pass without considerable bragging in post-match reviews.

Despite his apparent lack of pace he had tremendous concentration and courage enabling him to score many centuries and snaring countless batting trophies.

Alan served as president of the Club between 1976 and 1980 and then again from 1986 to 1988. He really enjoyed his cricket and his sense of humour was sadly missed when he decided to hang up his boots.

One story he used to sell to the younger players was how he would drive from Ocean Grove each week during the Christmas holidays to play cricket and suggested that this was the sort of commitment expected by all at Baxter. Although he did holiday at Ocean Grove, he did not let on that he also lived in Ocean Grove Mount Eliza.

Fred, whose playing career at Baxter spanned almost 30 years starting in the 60’s, was a terrific bat who scored many centuries, and a fine cover fieldsman. His 6 club premierships included 3 first XI, 1 third XI and 1 fifth XI.

For over 10 years Fred worked tirelessly as junior coordinator, promoting junior cricket, both at Baxter and at MPCA level, who he represented at board level. His work at Baxter resulted in several junior flags.

Both Fred’s sons Stuart and Peter played in Baxter’s firsts. Stuart went on to play District cricket in Melbourne and Peter opened the batting in the 1986/87 District 1ST XI premiership. All 3 are Hall Of Famers and Fred a life member.

The Harvey name became synonymous with the Baxter Cricket Club after husband Jeff joined the club in 1970. Pretty soon Marilyn was helping out wherever she could and took over the coaching of the under 12’s, where children Steve, Robert and Anthony all played. She followed the 3 boys through to the under 16’s and when their junior days ended continued on helping for a couple more years, mainly in the canteen.

She remembers fondly the times when she would load 6 or 7 juniors into her Ford Falcon and drive them to different grounds. For services to the club she was awarded life membership.

Brian Lacey was a determined and gutsy cricketer who made valuable contributions both on and off the field.

When council ordered the old nets on the number 1 oval to be removed, Brian was instrumental in providing the expertise and equipment to set up the new ones, which were situated between the number 1 and 2 ovals. A few years later he provided the equipment necessary for the removal of the old timber fence to make way for the current wire mesh fence around the main oval.

The Lacey family has been associated with Baxter since the 70’s and Brian’s 4 boys all played with the club at some stage. Along with wife Kath the Laceys are really Baxter’s first family.

Brian is a past secretary, committeeman and respected life member.