Septuagennial Team

The Septuagennial Team, meaning 70 years, is a testament to the talent and commitment that have defined our club's history. Each member of this team has demonstrated exceptional skill, sportsmanship, and leadership, making significant contributions both on and off the field. Their achievements and dedication continue to inspire future generations of cricketers at Bentleigh Uniting Cricket Club.

Septuagennial team selection criteria
• Minimum 50 games Longmuir Shield
• 25 nominations for team
• Team of 12 players (includes 12th man)
• Pick for position best suited for
• Panel of 6 selectors - P. Morgan, G. Halliday, I. Longmuir, B. Tidball, P. Milner, P. Cox (chairman)
• Meet on several occasions to nominate 25 candidates and then decide on final team of 12.

Keith Day

Right hand batsman and wicketkeeper

Keith played from 1951 to 1962 and is one of only four players in the history of the club to average in excess of 30 in Longmuir Shield. His eight centuries in Longmuir Shield is second only to Noel McPherson and included a ton in the 52/53 premiership, Worthy of a place in the TOC on his batting alone. A superb gloveman whose average dismissals of 2.3 per game is unsurpassed in the history of the club. Keith is a stand out as wicket keeper and top order batsman.

Further details on Keith's career are as follows:

105 Games (94 Shield)
3382 Runs (2860 Shield)
Highest score (130)
Centuries (9)
Av. 31.6 {30.8 Shield)
Half centuries (9)
500 or more run seasons (2)
160 Catches (151 Shield)

78 Stumpings (76 Shield)
1st Eleven Premierships (2)
1st Eleven Batting Avge. (1)
Aggregate Runs Senior (1)
1st Eleven Fielding (1)
Life Member 1955/56
CMCA Senior Side (1)

Craig Hitchcock

Right hand batsman and Right arm fast bowler

Captain of our back to back Longmuir Shield premiership team of 1994/95 and 1995/96, Hitchy always led from the front, averaging 25 with the bat and 11.3 with the ball in the first flag, and man of the match in the 95/96 final. A ferocious competitor feared by batsman, bowlers, and on occasion, umpires. The experience and proven ability he brought to our club as a former district first's player and Australian representative
at U19 level was critical in our re-emergence as a powerhouse club of the CMCA.

Further details on Craig's career are as follows:

99 Games (85 Shield)
2191 Runs (1871 Shield) - Av. 27 .0 (26.4 Shield)
Highest Score (84)
Half Centuries (16)
153 Wickets (138 Shield) - Av 15.6 (16.3 Shield)
Best Bowling Figures (7/19)
1st Eleven Batting Ave (37)
7 Wicket Innings (1)

2nd Eleven Batting Av. (15)
5 Wicket Innings (10)
Club Champion (1)
1st Eleven Captain (4)
Best Team Player (3)
1st Eleven Premierships (2)
CMCA Man of the Match Longmuir Shield Final (1)
1st Eleven Bowling Av. (3)
CMCA Longmuir Shield Grade Bowling Av. (1)

John Lilley

Right Arm Fast Bowler

The "Dennis Lillee'' of the CMCA. A master fast bowler whose control and ability to bowl leg cutters devastated opposition batsman in the Longmuir Shield for over 20 years. John started as a junior in the 1960/61 season, and played first eleven cricket as a junior. At the peak of his powers, John took an amazing 342 wickets in just seven seasons before moving to Bailey Park where he achieved similar results in helping
them to their first and only Longmuir Shield premiership and a place in their TOC. John returned and finished his career at Uniting, finally retiring in 1994/95 after 35 years of CMCA cricket.

Further details on John's career are as follows:

230 Games (131 Shield)
2963 Runs (1606 Shield) - Av 13.2 (14.3 Shield)
Highest score (94)
Half Centuries (5)
595 Wickets (432 Shield) - Av. 12.6 (12.4 Shield)
Best Bowling figures (10/49)
1st Eleven Bowling Av. (6)
2nd Eleven Batting Av. (1)
10 Wicket matches (8)
7 Wicket innings (10)
Aggregate Runs Junior (1)
5 Wicket innings (43)
Hat Tricks (1)

Aggregate Wickets Junior (2)
50 or more wicket seasons (3)
Club Champion (3)
Aggregate Wickets Senior (5)
Best Team Player (3)
1st eleven Premierships (1)
Life Member 1975/76
2nd Eleven Premierships (1)
U16 eleven Bowling Av. (2)
U16 Eleven Premierships (1)
CMCA U23 Representative (1)
CMCA Senior Representative (1)
CMCA LS Grade Bowling Average (2)

Ray Longmuir

Right hand batsman and Left arm off spin bowler

The most well known name in the history of the CMCA, Ray was a powerhouse and workhorse for the association and the club for over 40 years. Ray was also an excellent cricketer, first playing in 1938/39 before ill-health rather than old age forced his retirement in 1980/81. Ray played in a record 10 premiership sides (including 5 first eleven) and his 1027 wickets at the low average of 10. 7 is second only to his son Ian's.

Further details on Rays career are as follows:

397 Games (135 Shield)
5422 Runs (1974 Shield)
Av. 15.2 (15.8 Shield)
Highest Score (90)
Half Centuries (10)
1027 Wickets (293 Shield) - Av. 10.7 (11.4 Shield)
Best Bowling Figures (9/18)
10 Wicket Matches (8)
7 Wicket Innings (9)
5 Wicket Innings (56)
50 Or More Wicket Seasons (1)
Hat Tricks (1)

1st Eleven Premierships (5)
2nd Eleven Premierships (5)
1sts Eleven Bowling Av. (6)
2nd Eleven Bowling Av. (5)
3rds Eleven Bowling Av. (6)
2nd Eleven Captain (3)
3rd Eleven Captain (5)
Life Member 1958/59
B&DCA U23 Representative (1)
CMCA Senior Representative (1)
CMCA B Grade Batting Av. (1)
CMCA B Grade Bowling Av. (1)

Bob Tidball

Right hand batsman and Right arm leg spin bowler

Bob's career covered five decades from 1948/49 to 1980/81. Bob had phenomenal ball handling skills Which not only resulted in nearly 800 wickets for his leg spinners, but a total of 20 club and CMCA fielding awards. Ten premierships (including six first eleven), and a handy 5000 plus runs with the bat, stamps Bob as one of our greatest players.

Further details on Bob's career are as follows:

366 Games (165 Shield)
5215 Runs (2108 Shield)- Av. 14.8 (13. 7 Shield)
Highest Score (101)
Centuries (1)
Half Centuries (9)
789 Wickets (347 Shield) - Av. 13.7 (13.9 Shield)
Best Bowling Figures (8/56)
10 Wicket Matches (5)
7 Wicket Innings (7)
5 Wicket Innings (36)
Hattricks (1)
50 Or More Wicket Seasons (3)
1st Eleven Premierships (6)
2nd Eleven Premierships (2)
U16 Eleven Premierships (1)
U14 Eleven Premierships (1)
1st Eleven Captain (1)
2nd Eleven Captain (8)
3rd Eleven Captain (1)

1st Eleven Bowling Av. (2)
2nd Eleven Bowling Av. (2)
3rd Eleven Bowling Av. (1)
U16 Eleven Bowling Av. (1)
1st Eleven Batting Av. (1)
3rd Eleven Batting Av. (2)
1st Eleven Fielding (5)
2nd Eleven Fielding (7)
3rd Eleven Fielding (2)
U16 Eleven Fielding (1)
Aggregate Wickets Senior (1)
Aggregate Wickets Junior (1)
Club Best Team Player (3)
Life Member 1963/64
CMCA U21 Representative (1)
CMCA U23 Rep (Best Player) (1)
CMCA U18 Trophy (1)
CMCA Most Promising Junior (1)
CMCA Senior Representative (4)
CMCA A Grade Bowling Av. (1)
CMCA Fielding Awards (6)

Robert Klippel

Right Hand Batsman

A career that spaned from 1949/50 to 1974/75 (26 seasons). Bob played in 5 first eleven premierships including the back to back teams of 51/52 and 52/53. A big game player with 49 and 50 in the 52/53 flag, and eleven years later in 63/64 doing a similar Job in the upset win over flag favourites Bentleigh Presbyterians.

Further details on Bob's career are as follows:

266 Games (171 Shield)
5356 Runs (3031 Shield)
Av. 17.2 (14.9 Shield)
Highest Score (144)
Centuries (4)
Half Centuries (19)
75 Wickets (12 Shield) - Av. 12.2 (8.3 Shield)
Best Bowling Figures (8/29)
7 Wicket innings (1)
5 Wicket innings (2)

1st Eleven Premierships (5)
2nd Eleven Captain (1)
2nd eleven Batting Av. (1)
1st Eleven Fielding (1)
CMCA Senior Representative (4)
2nd Eleven Premierships (1)
3rd Eleven Captain (2)
3rd Eleven Batting Av. (1)
Life Member 1960/61
CMCA Senior Captain (2)

Ian Longmuir

Right hand batsman and Right arm off spin bowler

More games, more wickets, and more runs than anyone else in the history of the club and most likely the history of the association. Averaging over 30 with the bat, and 13 with the ball, Ian would get a game as either a batsman or bowler. Ian f1rst played in the 1958/59 season and 45 years later he is still playing and playing well.

Further details on Ian's career are as follows:

517 Games (314 Shield)
2nd Eleven Premierships (1)
13593 Runs (8820 Shield) - Av. 3.2 (31.7 Shield)
3rd Eleven Premierships (1)
U16 Eleven Premierships (1)
Highest Score (154)
Centuries (12)
Half Centuries (68)
500 Or More Run Seasons (5)
1sts Eleven Bowling Av. (9)
2nd Eleven Bowling Av. (5)
1137 Wickets (823 Shield) – Av. 13.2 (12.6 Shield)
10 Wicket Matches (1)
7 Wicket Innings (11)
5 Wicket Innings (58)
50 Or More Wicket Seasons (2)
Hat Tricks (1)
1st Eleven Captain (5)
2nd Eleven Captain (4)
4th Eleven Captain (1)
5th Eleven Captain (1)
1st Eleven Premierships (2)
U16 Eleven Bowling Av. (2)

1sts Eleven Batting Av. (11)
Best Bowling Figures (8/23)
2nds Eleven Batting Av. (1)
3rd Eleven Batting Av. (1)
4th Eleven Batting Av. (1)
5th Eleven Batting Av (1)
1st Eleven Fielding (1)
Aggregate Runs Senior (12)
Aggregate Wickets Senior (7)
Aggregate Wickets Junior (1)
Club Champion (8)
Best Team Player (4)
Life Member 1970/71
CMCA U16a Bowling Average (1)
CMCA U16 Representative (1)
CMCA U23 Representative (2)
CMCA U21 Representative (1)
CMCA Senior Representative (6)
Victorian U21 side 1966/67, 1967/68
CMCA Senior Captain (1)
CMCA H Grade Batting Av. (1)
CMCA G Grade Batting Av. (1)
CMCA Aggregate Runs Senior (1)
CMCA A Grade Bowling Av. (5)

Noel MacPherson

Left hand batsman and Right arm fast bowler

One of the best bowlers, batsmen, and captains in the history of the CMCA. His 7517 first eleven runs at 32.1 is the highest average in the TOC and 808 wickets at 10.2 the lowest. He also holds the highest first eleven score (192), and best senior bowling figures in an innings (10/25). Noel was captain of the first eleven for a record 14 seasons, and led the team to 5 premierships. Noel was a fierce competitor and a great thinker in the lan Chappell mould. Detailed planning and a ruthless application was Noel's successful recipe.

Further details on Noel's career are as follows:

243 Games (235 Shield)
7848 Runs (7517 Shield) - Av. 32.2 (32.1 Shield)
Highest Score (192)
Centuries (13)
Half Centuries (36)
846 Wickets (808 Shield) - Av. 10.0 (10.2 Shield)
Best Bowling Figures (10/25)
10 Wicket Matches (6)
7 Wicket Innings (10)
5 Wicket Innings (58)
Hat Tricks (1)
50 Or More Wicket Seasons (6)
500 Or More Run Seasons (4)1st Eleven Premierships (6)

50 or more wicket seasons 6
500 or more run seasons 4 1
1st eleven Premierships 6
1st eleven Captain 14
1s eleven Bowling Avge 7
2nd eleven Bowling Avge 1
1st eleven Batting Avge 8
Aggregate Wickets Senior 11 Aggregate Runs Senior 6
Life Member 1966/67
CMCA U21 Representative 1
CMCA Senior Representative 12
CMCA Senior Captain 9

George Marriott

Left hand batsman and Right arm swing bowler

George first played in the second season of the club (33/34) and retired at the end of the 59/60 season. A talented all rounder and the first of a dynasty of Marriotts and Longmuirs to play for the club. Twenty four seasons of first eleven cricket, five premierships. Took a match winning 7 for 11 in our first senior premiership, and continued to perform well in big games through out his career.

Further details on George's career are as follows:

204 Games (156 Shield)
4316 Runs (3020 Shield)
Av 18.8 (17.8 Shield)
Highest score (101)
Centuries (1)
Half centuries (15)
525 Wickets (321 Shield) - Av. 11.9 (13.7 Shield)
Best Bowling figures (8/15)
10 Wicket matches (2)
7 Wicket innings (6)

5 Wicket innings (31)
Hat-tricks (2)
1st eleven Premierships ()
1st eleven Captain (8)
1st eleven Bowling Av. (4)
1st eleven Batting Av. (3)
Aggregate Wickets Senior (3)
Aggregate Runs Senior (5)
Life Member 1953/54
CMCA Senior Representative (2)
CMCA B Grade Bowling Av. (1)

Chris Manakis

Right hand batsman

Chris enters his 20th season with the club (first played 83/84} as it's number one batsman, a title he has held for over a decade. One of only four players in the history of the club to average in excess of 30 in Longmuir Shield, at 31 years of age, Chris is at the peak of his powers. Three first eleven premierships, including a man of the match century innings in the 94/95 win, numerous batting awards, and with a recent 9th century, he may yet break Noel's long standing record of 13 centuries for the club.

Further details on Chris's career are as follows:

222 Games (149 Shield)
6551 Runs (4367 Shield) - Av. 33.8 (31.6 Shield)
Highest Score (225)
Centuries (9)
Half Centuries (35)
103 Wickets - Av. 12.7
Best Bowling Figures (6/ 35)
5 Wicket Innings (3)
Aggregate Runs Senior (3)
Club Champion (1)
1st Eleven Premierships (3)
Man Of The Match Longmuir Shield Final (1)

1st Eleven Captain (2)
U16 Eleven Captain (1)
1st Eleven Batting Av. (3)
2nd Eleven Batting Av. (2)
U16 Eleven Batting Av. (2)
U14 Eleven Batting Av. (1)
Wally Wright Award (1)
1st Eleven Fielding (1)
Life Member 2001/2002
CMCA LS Batting (1)
CMCA Senior Representative (5)
CMCA U21 Side (3)
CMCA U21 Captain (1)

Peter Milner

Right hand batsman and Left arm fast bowler

Peter "Monkey" Milner has been part of the first eleven team for 22 seasons after first playing for the club as a skinny 12 year old back in 1975/ 76. Five batting and four bowling averages for the first eleven underline ~he worth of his talented and dedicated all-rounder. Peter played a huge role in the survival of our club, the subsequent turn around and the three first eleven premierships we have enjoyed since.

Further details on Peter's career are as follows:

297 Games (214 Shield)
5120 Runs (4021 Shield)
Av. 23.4 (21.6 Shield)
Highest Score (156)
Centuries (3)
Half Centuries (27)
100 Or More Run Seasons (1)
Aggregate Runs Senior (3)
497 Wickets (334 Shield)
Average 18.5 (21.1 Shield)
Best Bowling Figures (7/29)
5 Wicket Innings (20)
U14 Eleven Captain (1)
Aggregate Wickets Senior (1)
1st Eleven Premierships (3)

Twilight Premierships (2)
1st Eleven Bowling Av. (4)
U14 Eleven Bowling Av. (1)
1st Eleven Batting Av. (5)
U16 Eleven Aggregate Runs (1)
Junior Batting Av. (2)
5 Wally Wright Trophy (1)
Club Champion (2)
Best Team Player (3)
Life Member 1991/92
1st Eleven Captain (5)
U16 Eleven Captain (1)
CMCA U21 Representative (2)
CMCA Senior Representative (3)
CMCA LS Grade Bowling Average (1)

Simon Surridge

Left arm fast bowler

The best left arm quick in the CMCA, Simon has taken more than 300 Shield wickets before the age of thirty. After first playing as an eleven year old back in 1984/85, Simon improved year by year, to become one of the associations best bowlers if not the best. Being part of the back to back premiership teams of 94/95 & 95/96, and an amazing 53 wickets in Shield at the low average of 9.7 are the highlights of Simon's career.

Further details on Simon's career are as follows:

22.2 Games (107 Shield)
1517 Runs (421 Shield)
Av. 13.8 (9.6 Shield)
Highest Score 89
Half Centuries 4
484 Wickets (302 Shield)
Average 15.8 (15.4 Shield)
Best Bowling Figures 7 /20
7 Wicket Innings (5)
5 Wicket Innings (28)
1st Eleven Premierships (2)
Club Champion (1)
Best Team Player (1)

50 Wicket Seasons (1)
Hat-Tricks (2)
Aggregate Wickets Senior (6)
Aggregate Wickets Junior (1)
1st Eleven Bowling (4)
4th Eleven Bowling (1)
U16 Eleven Bowling (2)
U14 Eleven Bowling (1)
CMCA U23 (1)
CMCA U16 Bowling Av. (1)
CMCA Senior Side (4)
CMCA LS Bowling Av. (1)
CMCA U21 Side (3)