To be held October 11 and 12, the celebrations will coincide with the first round of the 2024/2025 Murray Valley Cricket Association season for the Deniliquin Rhinos Cricket Club - Deniliquin’s only cricket team.
The Rhinos requested the opening game against Barooga be played at Deniliquin’s Memorial Park.
It is hoped the official opening of the new cricket clubrooms be held the same weekend.
Organising the reunion are current Rhinos players and committee members, along with stalwarts of the DDCA.
They hope to see many people from across the Deni and district cricket landscape attend, to celebrate Deni’s rich cricket history and join in the festivities at the new clubrooms.
Those who attend will be able to see the many improvements made to the DDCA facilities over the past 5-10 years, including the new facilities under construction to be shared with the Deniliquin Netball Association.
Early plans are for a casual Friday evening gathering, and a more formal reunion on the Saturday to coincide with the game.
DDCA life member Gerry Corrigan said to complement the weekend, organisers are seeking memorabilia that can be showcased.
They would welcome temporary loans for the weekend, or donations that could be displayed in the new clubrooms on a long-term basis.
“We’re looking for whatever, from whenever,” Corrigan said.
“Photos, scorebooks, trophies, mugs, old cricket gear, equipment, shirts, caps - anything.”
Corrigan said the display would not only celebrate local teams and players, but show how much the game has changed over the years.
“Some cricket bats were small sticks back in the day compared to the big things they have now, and we played without helmets as well,” he said.
“It would be interesting to have some of that gear brought in.
“We’re just looking for loans for the day, but if people want to donate for a future permanent display they can do that too.”
A display case is in the plans for the new clubrooms, which are due to be finished in time for the celebrations.
The new facility will also include shelter outside for spectators.
The DDCA was formed in October 1945, and it’s been more than 25 years since the organisation last held a reunion in 1998.
The celebrations will seek to recognise any past teams, players, coaches, umpires, members, supporters or volunteers from the DDCA.
Organisers have started reaching out to those who have been involved with the association, but need help in reaching more.
One of the specific milestones expected to be celebrated during the weekend is the anniversary of the Juniors’ dramatic A-grade win in the 1979-80 season.
Juniors ended their 20-year premiership drought when they defeated Town by 13 runs in what was one of history’s most dramatic and sensational finals.
Town’s gallant bid for victory in the final overs was hampered by failing light in what has been dubbed “the night final”.
Juniors amassed 170 runs in the second innings to set Town a target of 222 for victory in 135 minutes, plus 20 overs in the last hour.
Town still needed six runs an over in the final 20 overs, but, in fading light, the task was too great.
Final score: Juniors 246 and 170 def Town 195 and 208.
If you would like to be involved in the reunion, or have memorabilia you can share, contact Brad Todd on 0401 174 853, Tim Hillier on 0427 641 791 or Gerry Corrigan on 0428 267 758.
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