history 

​

 

The Tyabb Cricket Club may never have come about at all except for a late change of heart by the Victorian Government in the 1880’s. The land where the club stands today was farmland owned by the O’Neill family before it was broken up in smaller lot’s in 1885.

 

The advent of the railway line was the catalyst for change,  with the original line coming from Mornington Junction (now Baxter) along Flinders Rd to Somerville and then follow down Jones Rd and along Boes Rd to Hastings. It would pass Tyabb Primary School up on Jones Rd and the line would be able to travel on mainly high ground. What made the Government of the day change to run down what was known as Stuart’s Flat is unknown, but we would not be having have our club as it is today if it had not changed course. 

​

At this time Cricket on the Peninsula was still in its infancy with clubs playing mainly social matches up until about 1890, but things changed with the railways and towns started to grow. Tyabb was one of those towns and some local minded people thought it was time that a Cricket Club

begin in the town. A meeting was called, which was held at the

newly built Railway Station and was attended by locals John H.

Thornell, Alex Mc Kirdy, John J. O’Neill, William Baker, S. Holyock

with H. Peddle the local member also in attendance. Mr J. Thornell

was elected the first President with S. Holyock as Secretary and

Mr A. Mc Kirdy as treasurer. Mr William Baker was elected captain

and so the club was born. 

​​

Over the next few weeks a side came together, and on Oct 5th 1892 Tyabb played Somerville at the Somerville ground in Lower Somerville Rd. Even though Tyabb suffered a loss the seeds were well sown and before too long the Club was arranging weekly matches playing at Coles property in Hastings Rd. Gear was purchased including wickets, two bats, a ball, keeping gloves and pads. The colours of the club were chosen as red, white and blue which soon changed to the maroon colours the club has today. 

​​

One other tradition started that year that would last almost 40 years, a social match between Tyabb and Rhyll on Phillip Island. The clubs took it in turns to host each other coming across by boat and many wonderful social occasions were held by both clubs. This seem to dissipate around the start of the second world war and was never continued. 

​​

In 1893 Mr G. G. Cole started an association with the Tyabb

club that would last until his death in 1948, with almost all of

the years spent on the cricket committee including 28 years

as President, a truly remarkable effort.  

The Club took part in the first Association run by Mr Dicker in

1896 lasting to 1903 when clubs reverted back to arranging

matches through the press. 

​​

The Tyabb Central Reserve was opened in 1905 although the cricketers had been playing on the ground for a couple of years. With a small pavilion constructed the club was now the hub of the Tyabb community along with the newly built Tyabb Hall. It would remain the clubs home for the next 72 years.

​​​

Cricket was a family affair, with the women of the club providing supper after all home games at the Tyabb Hall for the opposing teams and it was often mentioned how well clubs were proved refreshments by the Tyabb ladies after a game of cricket.

​

The Peninsula Cricket Association was formed in 1907 and Tyabb became a key player in the running of the League. In 1910/11 the first final was played for a Premiership,  Tyabb versus Frankston at the Frankston ground in the first ever Grand Final played. Tyabb lost and Frankston were Premiers in a match described by spectators as the best ever played on the Peninsula. The next season 1910/11, Tyabb took out their first Premiership by finishing with the most wins. 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​​​​

 

 

 

 

 

​

​

Tyabb for the first time ran a B grade team (seconds) which gave a lot of youngsters a game of cricket. The club was going strong and was very competitive until the First World War put a halt to proceedings in 1916.

​​

We produced some great players during this first period including William and Jack Baker, Alf Denham, Fred Mills, Herb Noble, George Slocombe Snr, Alf Young to name a few. The club also had some good administration during this time, men like G. G. Cole. H. P. Woodhouse. Fred Mills, Bert Hollier, Herb Noble, Jack Baker. Jack Grant, Alf Denham and Alf Lester.

​​

Some of the names affiliated with the Tyabb Cricket Club that served in the forces during WWI were A. Bencraft, William Denham, William Hatch, Albert Hollier, Norman Houffe, Herbert King, David Longmuir, Tom Longmuir, Horace Russell, sadly some never made it home and delivered the supreme sacrifice such as George Longmuir and H. Mills. 

 

POINTS OF INTEREST

*During the war the local press selected a team of champions from the local area from 1880 to 1918, Tyabb had 3 members chosen Herb Noble, Jack Baker and William Baker only Frankston who were a strong team had more players selected. 

*The Club remained operational through the war years playing games and holding functions within the hall to raise money for the Red Cross and Comforts Fund sending parcels to the front.

​

​

​

 

After the war the Tyabb Cricket Club was the first to arrange a match against French Island late in 1918, but it would be 1919/20 that cricket really began on the Peninsula. This was the first real boom time for cricket with new clubs forming like Langwarrin, Pearcedale, Bittern, Crib Point and Seaford and it was not long into the twenties that Tyabb was fielding two teams again. This was also the time that the two big Associations formed the NPCA catering for the northern and SPCA catering for the southern clubs. They were rivals and it would take 40 years for the two to come together to form one Association. 

​

Tyabb won their second Premiership in 1925/26 defeating Naval in an epic battle that went well into three days. After losing on the first innings by 45 runs Tyabb made a remarkable turnaround led by Fred Gregory with 62 runs leaving Navy a run chase of 139 to win. Veteran Fred Floyd known as the “manager” took 4 wickets along with a new star on the horizon Rob Storey who took 3 for,  and Tyabb had pulled off a remarkable win by 18 runs. Tyabb were now seen as the best team on the Peninsula both north and south. 

​

Due to our success, several players were lured away and the club

started to feel the pinch, as G. G. Cole finally finished his tenure of

President replaced by Herb Noble another stalwart. Several senior

players were coming to their end and due to lack of playing numbers

the seconds were dropped until 1930. The legendary Jack Baker

retired at the end of 1930/31 and was given a dinner for his service

to the District. 

Harry Denham had taken over as captain and he had Rob and Roy

Storey as his key fast bowlers and many teams struggled against

this pair. In 32/33 season Tyabb were fielding two good teams and both made final appearances.

​

In 1933/34 The game against Baxter finished in controversy that saw bad blood last between the two clubs for some years. Tyabb batted first and made 146, Baxter then were bowled out for 122 early on day two,  Tyabb batted recklessly and made only 84 in their second knock, leaving Baxter 109 runs to win outright in just under one hour. Baxter took up the challenge and at 5.59 pm with the score at 4/105 and and the last over due to be bowled Tyabb refused to bowl the over due to one umpire saying it was 6.00pm. With discussions continuing   and Baxter team furious that some of the Tyabb players had  left the ground due to the umpire’s call, the Baxter players wanted to continue to play as by the other umpires ruling. But no ball could be then found as apparently a Tyabb player had taken it off the ground with him refusing to return it. You can imagine the mayhem. Baxter appealed,  and this appeal went all the way to the Victorian Cricket Association for a ruling which made mention in the Melbourne press at the time. The ruling finally made was that the game would result in a first innings win to Tyabb, as there was some discrepancy in evidence supplied regarding the actual time the game was called off, due to the umpires unable to agree. Baxter were furious and years later it was still a sore point between the clubs.

 

Again, both A & B grade sides made it through with A grade going on to meet the very strong Bittern side with the Allen family dominant for them. Tyabb lost, but the exceptional bowling of Rob Storey taking 12 wickets in the Grand Final was outstanding. William Baker the first captain of Tyabb back in 1892 played his last game with the club after 41 years. Now in his 63rd year he did continue playing at Pearcedale, where he played several more seasons.

​

in 1938/39 saw Tyabb bring in many youngsters and under

the leadership of Harry Denham we lost the first 5 games,

but rallied well to make the finals. A good win in the semi

against Mornington saw Tyabb come up against Bittern who

were clear favourites. But this new team with plenty of spirit

would give the Bitternites what for and take out their third

pennant. A great mixture of old and new had done the trick. 

 

War then intervened for the second time.

​

During this 25 year period of Tyabb history only two President’s served G. G. Cole and Herb Noble.

Again, Tyabb had great administration during this time with Harry Denham, Arnold Noble, Jack Grant, Rob Storey, Jack Baker, Bert Noble, Ted Sara and George Slocombe. 

 

POINTS OF INTEREST

* Tyabb laid its first concrete wicket in 1928 and a matting was placed over the wicket.

* Tyabb went 23 games in a row without a loss in their 1925/26 Premiership year and into 1926/27 which is a record streak unlikely to be broken.

* Tyabb had a successful era in Country Week with the following players. Herb Noble took many Country Week teams away as manager.

* The war also interrupted and then ended the career of Ray Denham at Tyabb at just 22 years old. At that he was regarded as the brightest star bat on the Peninsula. This small, left handed batsmen would continue his career at Frankston in the sub district comp before finishing at Baxter making over 50 centuries.

* Young Charles Floyd who played in the 38/39 Premiership team was unfortunately killed whilst in the AIF training. A bright future cut short.

 

Country Week performers during this era

1924                     Harry Denham – Robert Storey

1925                     Harry Denham – Fred Gregory

1926                     David Reid – Fred Gregory – Robert Storey

1928                     Arnold Noble

1929                     Roy Storey

1930                     Roy Storey – Robert Storey

1931                     Ted Barclay

1933                     Ted Barclay

1934                     Roy Storey – Ted Barclay – Arnold Noble

1939                     Ray Denham – George Slocombe jnr

1940                     Ray Denham – George Slocombe jnr

1941                     Ray Denham

 

 

​

​

The war was over and Cricket again began and Tyabb were again one of the first clubs to show an interest arranging the reformation of the NPCA in October 1945. In only one season a second eleven was formed and Tyabb were again looking a strong combination. After reaching finals in almost every year till 1951 the seconds were dropped with many of the pre-war veterans retiring. Tyabb made the Grand Final in 1951/52 but found the unbeaten Mornington combination far too good trying to chase down 328.

 

The Noble brothers Bert and Arnold both passed away shortly

after retiring and the pair had made a great contribution to the

club, on and off the field for 40 years.  Much of the knowledge

known today about our club comes from the articles written

almost weekly by Arnold Noble to the local press about the

Tyabb District.

 In the early 1950’s, Tyabb had some prominent players in

Frank Incigneri, Laurie Denham, Modge Clarke, Kevin Hodgins

and Ron Grant to name a few. 

 

One game against Balnarring in 51/52 showed the raw ability

Frank Incigneri as he almost single handedly turned the match

and took victory from the jaws of defeat.Balnarring having batted first made 173 with Laurie Denham 6/69 and Frank Incigneri 3/40 keeping the total to reasonable amount, but Tyabb faulted badly making just 119 with Laurie Denham again with 33 the best. The game was practically over well into the second day with Balnarring at 0/46 and cruising to an easy when in s 4 over spell Frank Incigneri took an amazing 8 wickets which included a hat trick to inspire his side and open the game. Tyabb needed 138 runs to win in just over an hour, an almost impossible task.Some chance was given after Laurie Denham hit a quick fire 34 and Ron Grant 21 but wickets fell as Balnarring gained the upper hand as Tyabb fell to be 5/75 but the man of the match Frank Incigneri again came to the fore hitting 38 runs off 2 overs before he was out. With Maurice Hodgins playing an anchor Ray Judd hit the last 2 balls of the last over for boundaries to give Tyabb a most unlikely outright.

 

By the late 1950’s the club had slipped with the loss of several veteran players and were demoted to B Grade, Don Clarke one of the best of the youngsters tried his hand at Hastings whilst long time President Harry Denham retired from the role having finished a career with the Tyabb Cricket Club that spanned from 1899 to 1957 a worthy Life Member.

​

The club fell away struggling each week to field a team but through dark clouds there is always a silver lining and it came with the arrival of a new member to the club in Ken Davidson. Ken not only filled the quota of 11 for

the team but it was the right time for Tyabb to change

direction. A new breed of locals took over the running of

the club Geoff Stockton, Richard Francis, Ron Grant,

Don Prout and Edgar Slocombe along with Ken got the

club back on its feet. 

​

This had immediate success with the Seniors making the

Grand Final in 1959/60 and although not good enough on

the day to defeat French Island the club was on the right

path.By the 1961/62 season Tyabb were back to two

teams each week with both sides making the Grand Final

only to go down to Heatherhill on both accounts and with

Don Clarke back the future was bright.

​

​​In 1962/63 the biggest decision the club had made to date was taken with the decision to join the newly formed Colts Competition. This changed the whole focus of the club and the names that came and secured it’s future. From that decision, the Tyabb Cricket Club became one of the most highly rated clubs on the Peninsula for decades. Families like the Floods, Gleeson’s, Morone’s, Summers, Dyall’s, Stockton’s and Smedleys, to name but a few became key components in the coming decades of

success.

 

By the close of the 1967/68 season Tyabb had taken out a

Premiership in the under 14’s breaking a club drought of 29

years,  had also added a third senior team making it 5 sides.

The building blocks were now in place.

 

​​​​​Tyabb was run during this time by great Tyabb names in

Harry Denham, Jack Shaw, Modge Clarke, Laurie Denham,

Ron Grant, Ray Judd, Don Prout, Don Clarke, Kevin Hodgins,

Ken Davidson, Fred Gregory, Less Thornell and of course

Geoff Stockton.Again, the club could not function without

the support of the ladies who of the time like Mrs Denham,

Gwen Hodgins, Dot Davidson, Beryl Stockton, Shirley Prout and Jean Slocombe to name a few.

 

POINTS OF INTEREST

*Power was installed at the ground and pavilion by Don Prout in 1951

*Frank Incigneri was the instigator in installing practice nets along the pine trees that lined the railway south of the pavilion in 1963.

*Malthoid was laid on the Tyabb wicket in the late 1940’s and matting was discarded.

​

Country Week performers during this era

1948                     Laurie Denham

1949                     Laurie Denham – Frank Incigneri

1950                     Laurie Denham – Frank Incigneri

1951                     Laurie Denham

1953                     Laurie Denham – Frank Inigneri

1958                     Don Clarke

1965                     Don Clarke

1966                     Don Clarke

1967                     Don Clarke

 

​

​​

After the success of the under 14’s in 67/68 the club started to grow quickly and Premierships came along too. The seconds won in 1969/70 their first ever Premiership whilst the under 16’s took out the title in 70/71. With the interest in cricket growing the pressure on the club to find suitable venues was increasing with lower grade matches having to be played at Hastings second oval, and who could ever forget the crab holes, Hastings High School.

Geoff Stockton approached the Council about providing more playing surfaces in Tyabb to provide for the increase in participation. What came out of that discussion was a football team and a new reserve known as Tyabb North. By 1973, 3rds and 4ths were playing on the new ground which had just been levelled out. 

 

At this time the club embarked on a new venture in appointing a coach for the first time and Jeff Slocombe a former player appointed in 73/74. Tyabb had immediate success taking out the Premiership in both firsts and seconds in District and were promoted to the top division. Jeff was a star with both bat and ball and joining with Don Clarke already considered one of the best Tyabb had produced, the recruitment of John Phillips a top spinner and the improving Juniors -  Tyabb were strong once again. 

​

Socially the club was booming and the small clubrooms were now being filled by five teams all congregating after games often spilling out onto the grandstand. Fantastic times were had, card games were very prevalent with Ron Brearley teaching many of the youngsters the art. Who could ever forget the fishing trips, New Year Eve parties here at the Hall, the double wicket matches and of course the hole punched beer tickets. Most of these hardly used tickets went in the washing machine or left at home half used. A great revenue raiser.

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 74/75 extensions were made to the small clubs by Richard Francis and crew and this eased some of the pressure. The club was at the top of their game and making the Provincial finals in its first year and the next season took out the Premiership with many of the youngsters having an impact, with four juniors in Stephen Morone, Peter Morone, Mark Summers and Ron Gleeson playing their part. It was a fantastic effort by such a small town to now be the best on the Peninsula. 

 

The next season 76/77 the club made the big move from the Central oval to the new facilities at Tyabb North which had just been opened by club President Mick Anderson. It was a new era and even though the rooms were half the size they are today it felt like the club would never be able to fill them. Another two flags came in 77/78 with the under 16’s showing the way before the 5ths took out the title in an epic on the old ground.

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

The 80’s came along and with the under 14’s winning another Premiership in 80/81 before the Seniors won the second Provincial title in 82/83 under Jeff Slocombe in his third stint at the club. This time a new lot of juniors in Scott Morone, Jamie Flood and Darryl Stockton were part of the side. The new clubrooms were now utilised to their utmost and easily filled with celebrations as Tyabb were again top of the town. In 1985/86 the club peaked with 6 senior sides playing for the club along with 3 junior teams. A remarkable effort for the population of Tyabb.

 

It would be seconds who took out their third Premiership in 86/87 with a strong team that would have challenged many firsts teams. But the club started to feel the heat with a downturn in the economy and other interests coming to play that numbers dropped and by the end of that decade the club struggled to field 4 senior teams and junior numbers were falling.

 

The new decade saw the thirds win their first title in

91/92 and the club celebrated their century which

bought many past players back to the club to

reminisce past times and enjoy good company.

This era of Tyabb Cricket Club was its most

productive in its history but change was coming with

many of the youngsters who had come through in the

1960’s and 70’s was moving on or starting families and

a new modern era was about to hit.

​

Administration was becoming more important with the growth of the club and thanks to the following. Geoff Stockton, Don Clarke, Greg Hodgins, Ron Brearley, Chris Horton, Richard Francis, Ron Pickersgill, Mick Anderson, John Hughes, Mark Summers, Ian Summers, Joe Duyvestyn, Bert Duyvestyn, Stephen Morone, Peter Morone, Rob Summers, Ron Gleeson, Lee Murray, Mary Gleeson, Norm Lyons, Phil Smedley, Ken Davidson and many more

 

There is no doubt that the club during this time would not have been as successful as it was without the enormous input of the women of the club. In those early days to run a club was mainly men’s business with the women left to making the teas or dinners. But in the 70’s through to the 90’s it was the women who were at the forefront of the happenings of the cricket club running social events, the bar, making meals, scoring, orgainising teas and serving on committees.Ladies like Dot Davidson best scorebooks ever, Jean Slocombe, Beryl Stockton, Sandra Slocombe, Jan Slocombe, Mary Gleeson, Mere Morone, Donna Morone, Gladys Brearley and Esther Smedley were instrumental in the how the club ran and indeed the harmony that existed.

​

POINTS OF INTEREST

*The reserve changed names from Tyabb North to Bunguyan Reserve in the early 1980’s.

*Extensions to the clubrooms with extra social rooms and toilets were done in 1986 organised by Peter Morone.

*Since Jeff Slocombe took the first coaching role in 1973 the club had 9 more coaches before the end of 1992.

*In 1987 Ken Davidson finished his career with

Tyabb as both player and committee man. He

had been either President, Treasurer, Vice

President or committeeman every year since

joining Tyabb in 1959.

*Special mention must also go to Geoff Stockton

who also finished as a committeeman when the

football club started. Geoff was President 8 years

for and served on the club on committee from 57/58

to 77/78 and was instrumental in seeing the future

of the club with juniors and essential infrastructure.

Geoff still attends each week and is seen by the

current members rightly so as a living legend.

​​

Country Week selection during this period

1969                      Don Clarke

1970                      Don Clarke

1974                      Jeff Slocombe

1975                      John Phillips - Don Clarke

1976                      Jeff Slocombe – John Phillips

1977                      Jeff Slocombe 

1984                      Jeff Slocombe – Laurie Slocombe – Stephen Morone – Pat O’Keefe

1985                      Pat O’Keefe – Laurie Slocombe – Stephen Morone

1986                      Peter Morone

​​

​

​

​

Things were tough in the early 1990’s as Tyabb had to rebuild and again 5 senior teams were reached. The seconds took out the next flag in 94/95 followed by the under 14’s and the thirds again in 95/96. But it was under Ron Pickersgill in his third stint as President that Tyabb as a club had their greatest season in 1999/00. After being demoted the previous year to District, Tyabb under Scott Morone responded well winning the Premiership with stars like Jon Silva, Craig Edwards supporting a cast of great local players. The seconds, thirds and fifths also tasted success in a 4 out of 5 year. It took the 4ths another 12 months to get a Premiership but it completed the set of 5 which was nice for the club. 

 

​​​​​​With the club, back in Provincial all seemed well but the club was about to fall on difficult times once again with a number of committee changes saw the club struggle to fill 4 teams again. This also culminated in relegation to District and then Sub District in back to back years which was disappointing. The thirds 2004/05 and fourths 2005/06 took out Premierships and again in 2007/08 with the club again building to six sides and 3 junior teams. Since relegation the firsts have been unable to climb back up

the levels, but the club has turned its fortunes round

considerable. 

​

Lower grade Premierships in the fifths and sixths have

come in recent years whilst the under 16’s have taken

out the last two Premierships after the under 14’s won in

2013/14.Financially the club has never been in a stronger

position and with a return to the formula of the 1960’s with

a focus on youngsters, success is coming.

​

At the conclusion of the 2013/14 season, the club was struck

by a devastating tragedy with the loss of junior player Luke Batty, who passed away after a training session at the club. The heart-breaking incident made national headlines and deeply affected the local community and the entire country.

In the wake of the tragedy, Luke’s story brought significant attention to the issues of domestic violence and PTSD. His legacy continues to inspire positive change and awareness. To honour Luke's memory and support the cause, the club now holds an annual commemorative match against the Victorian Police — a powerful symbol of unity and remembrance.

A memorial garden was established at the reserve in Luke's honour, offering a place for reflection and remembrance. Additionally, new training nets were installed as part of the club's ongoing efforts to create a safe and supportive environment for all players.

 

The club has had 16 coaches in the last 25 years with current coach Joel Wylie the first stay into a 3rd year. Good news for Joel is that the club has always honoured their commitments and no coach has been terminated. 

As running a club in the modern era is more akin to running a business Tyabb has had many good people around the club over the past 25 seasons. People like Ron Pickersgill, Andrew Prout, Dean Meyer, Rob Flood, Ron Gleeson, David Bewley, Shane Mason, Phil Dunkley, Lee Murray, Scott Pickersgill, Ian Birch, Greg Mc Harry, Ben Webster, Sam Taranto, Brad Hodgins, Pat Matheson, Justin Hanna and Callum Morris to name some.

 

As in all the eras women have played a mighty role in the club and this has been the case with Mary Gleeson, Sandra Meyer, Andrea Holland, Kim Shand, Donna Taranto and Sharon Rus

 

​​Country Week selection during this period

2003                     Mal Coutts

​

​

​

​

The club has enjoyed sustained success in the current period, winning a total of 14 premierships across all grades, including 4 Second XI premierships and 2 Under-16 flags.

 

From the 2019/20 season, the First XI emerged as a strong contender, qualifying for five finals series in six seasons, including three grand finals. Despite consistently high performances, the elusive First XI premiership has remained just out of reach.

 

The 2019/20 season was also marked by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted community sport across the country. The senior competition’s Grand Finals were cancelled, and premierships were awarded to the highest-placed semi-final winners. As a result, the club was awarded the Second XI and Fourth XI premierships for that season.

 

In 2021/22, the club reached a new milestone by fielding a record nine senior teams, with the Ninth XI going on to win the premiership. This achievement meant that the club had, at some point, secured a premiership in every grade of senior cricket except the 7ths. Since then, the number of senior teams has consolidated to six sides, as the club continues to adapt and evolve.

 

A significant step in the club’s development came in the

2023/24 season with the launch of our first Women’s

Senior team, coached and captained by Shiromi

Wijeratne. Made up predominantly of mothers of junior

players, the team made an immediate impact. In just

their second season, they reached the Division 2

Grand Final, signalling an exciting future for women’s cricket

at the club.

​

​​​​​​​​​​​​​Throughout this period, the club has faced unforeseen

challenges, both on and off the field. Strong leadership from

the committee has helped the club remain resilient and

forward-moving, with notable contributions from Sam Taranto,

Jack Alford, Joe Di Iorio, Greg Burch, Ben Webster, Pat Mathieson, James O’Keefe, Brad Fly, and Kylie Stephens.

 

The club also acknowledges the invaluable role played by women in its continued success. Key contributors include Kylie Stephens, Bec Robinson, Bri Smith, and Shiromi Wijeratne, whose dedication and leadership have been vital in various areas of club life.

​

Country Week selection during this period

2023                      Sam Holland-Burch

2024                      Sam Holland-Burch - Lachlan Hose

2025                      Lachlan Hose

​

Premier 1st XI Representatives

2020/21                 Jess Caron                     Dandenong 

2021/22                 Nicholas Taranto            Frankston Peninsula

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​