North Nowra Cambewarra Cricket Club
The Full Story

The North NowraCambewarra cricket club certainly was the brainchild of former SDCA President, and Rugby Union CC stalwart, Noel Goodger. Seeing the growth north of the bridge, he sensed the time was right to consolidate what was already in place. He had a strong ally in Ken Kennedy, who would look after the juniors, but Noel was the key driver in the formation of the club as an entity. Noel new that he needed a player of profile to lead the club and to draw players, so he enticed Alan Muggleton out of a premature retirement to be the club’s inaugural skipper. Players such as Matt Burge, Matt Lynch and Mick Davey would help form the first grade team in the first season, but unfortunately wins were scarce. The early years of the club saw first and second grades playing on the turf at Artie Smith Reserve, Bomaderry, whilst lower grades and juniors would play at grounds around North Nowra (including Drexel Park) and the Nowra High School grounds. Only one senior two day final (semi against Ulladulla) and a second grade one day final were played at that ground, unfortunately both finishing in losses. The first grade semi final in 2002/3 proved to be a demoralizing blow, when after finishing on top and hosting the semi, we would lose to Ulladulla by 2 wickets. The highlight of the match was the undefeated 85 by 15 y.o. Phillip Wells, playing in his third semi final after losses to Berry in the previous two years. The lowlight was the nine dropped catches which certainly was a major factor in that loss. This loss cost us our first chance of playing in a grand final, which was convincingly won by a strong Bomaderry combination. The Artie Smith wicket provided a very fair surface, under the care of Keith Booth, always a little life early, then flattening out to a good track after an hour or so. The painstaking efforts of Keith were recognised with a Clubman award, and his guidance in years to come would prove invaluable. However there was one match where even the best efforts couldn’t produce an even surface. Our great rival Berry chose to bat on a damp track during the 2002/3 season, and an absolute rout occurred as our bowlers, led by Steve Muller, ripped through a strong line up for only 37!! And to complete their day of woe, and prove that the track was not totally to blame, we would finish the day at 2/160 (Muggo 82 n.o) and go on to complete a comfortable win the following week. In the mid to late 1990’s it became evident that our future lay in establishing a ground at North Nowra, and Bernie Regan Reserve came into being. Initially there was one synthetic wicket to provide for thirds, fourths and juniors, and this would become our home base. Prior to this we were a bit all over the place, with our home ground in Bomaderry, our training being held at the Nowra HS nets, all whilst representing North Nowra Cambewarra. Then, with a lot of fund-raising, led by Sticks and Julianne Hickmott, a grant from NSW cricket, and a strong commitment from the committee, now under the leadership of Barry Muggleton, we pushed forward to build training nets and a turf wicket. This project really took a few years, with Alan Muggleton, myself and assistance from many others set about contracting a company, acquiring the soil and setting up a fairly rudimentary watering system to establish the wicket. The many tonnes of soils was stored free of charge by Nowra Chemicals whilst it dried out (thanks John Lamont) and the watering system, pump and roller were contributed by Shoalhaven City Council (thanks John Wells!) In 2004, we were playing and training at Bernie Regan Reserve, and were truly a North Nowra Cambewarra club. The wicket took a few years to settle in, but under Muggo’s care, the club were able to again provide a good and fair cricket wicket. While first grade was competitive, seconds and thirds were flying the flag with a good mix of experience and youth that was starting to really push through from the juniors. The first success at Bernie Regan was realised in 2006, when the second grade team, under the guidance of Mark Butler, had a dominant win over Central Districts in the one day final. Seven players had come through the junior system, including the key wicket takers in Graham Davidson, Jarrod McCann and Matt Hickmott. Whilst there were premierships and finals played by various grades over the ensuing years, including two third grade premierships under Graham Lowbridge, and another second grade one day premiership under “Banger” Bainbrigge, the ultimate success was realised last season, when first grade held out against Ex-Servos to claim their second cup in three seasons, and the first at Bernie Regan Reserve. Surprise, surprise-8 members of that team had played juniors with this club!! And the premier team of two seasons earlier, again 8 were juniors from North Nowra Cambewarra. The two third grade premiers- a total of 12 juniors across the two teams. And the seconds and fourth grade premiers separated by 10 years included no less than 11 juniors through those teams. Yes, there’s a theme alright. Great club, well led and brilliant parental support to ensure that these youngsters get a fair go. This reunion takes on more significance with the first grade successes in 2019 and 2021, under Justin Weller and Nick McDonald. Behind this success is the leadership and dedicated commitment shown by Justin, Nick, Dean Tyson, Matt Hickmott and particularly Eleysha Weller and Lisa Kennedy, who were all key contributors to not just allowing the club to survive, but to become the leading club in the SDCA. These people, plus so many others who provide invaluable support, deserve to be very proud of their efforts, and are a major part of why we are here celebrating 30 years of the NNCCC. Add to this group the incredible support of many women over the years, including in recent times Kim Webb-Wagg, Emma Wood, Jo Parsons (and the previously mentioned Lisa and Elysha.)And from earlier days the female input was very evident with Lorraine Hogg, Lynne Laughton and Thea Kennedy taking on key roles on the committee, followed by Julieanne Hickmott and Vicki Lowbridge making significant contributions over a number of years. Over the last 30 years I believe our Club has played this great game in the right spirit, providing hundreds of boys and girls with the opportunity to be involved. Parents, partners and players have all made fantastic contributions to our wonderful club, and the next 30 years looks bright for the NNCCC. WELL DONE NORTHIES.

Greg Stephenson (Life Member)