In Memorium Jim Hadley (May 1961 – Boxing Day 2024) – aged 63
Player Reminiscences
Greg Brooks (President CCNSW): Jim Hadley will always be remembered as a wonderful cricketer and even better human being. I first met Jim over 20 years ago. Jim brought a positive energy and a big smile to every game we played, always competitive and always looking to involve the team as a whole. On many occasions he would bat low in the order and bowl himself only at the end to ensure all team members had a fair go. He mentored many of the younger players in the C&S side, encouraging and instilling self belief. Thank you for all you did for our club Jim, Rest in Peace.
Henry Davis (current C&S player): Although it was only a few times, I had the fortune to meet and play with Jim towards the end of his lifelong cricketing career. As a fellow leg spin bowler I had heard whispers and tales of his cricketing ability throughout the years, not only with the ball but also with the bat and in the field.
Listening to him talk and watching first hand his presence on the field it was immediately clear that this was as professional and capable of a cricketer that you’d ever see. However his penchant for equality and opportunity amongst his team mates overshadowed his incredible skill, it was clear to me that Jim had completed all there was to do in the sport and his time now was clearly to give back build up those around him.
I didn’t get to play much with the great man however being around the team it was clear to me that his incredible talent for the game was surpassed by the admiration, respect and love of those who played with him. Ability and skill is one metric for greatness and remembrance however the mark and legacy he left with the team and all of those around him is the true reflection and sum of what he achieved and gave back to life. Truly a rare gem amongst men.
Adrian Hawkes (secretary CCNSW and former Masters Captain): I first met Jim Hadley when he filled in for a CCNSW Masters game probably in the late 1990s. He immediately fitted in. always modest (despite having little to be modest about), he very rarely talked about himself but always had a kind word of praise and encouragement for all his team mates and later proved an astute captain. On his day his fast wrist spinners could trouble batters of any ability and his batting was based on clean classical strokes with the full blade of the bat
Last Man Stands (Rob Stevenson): We are greatly saddened to bid farewell to one of cricket’s finest men – The one and only Jimmy Hadley – who was tragically taken away from us last month after a battle against stomach cancer. Jimmy was without doubt one of the most popular men to play cricket in Sydney. He was always the friendliest man around, constantly positive and never failed to put others first on and off the pitch. Separate to his LMS career, Jimmy was also a stalwart of the Cricketers’ Club of NSW, following on from a sterling grade cricket career with Mosman and Western Suburbs.
In 2018 Jim was selected to represent Australia over 50s in their tour of New Zealand but was injured and did not play.
Jamie Murtha (C&S team captain): I met Jim Hadley for the first time back in 2017 at Birchgrove Oval, both of us were filling in for a Primary Club fixture on the day, I remember watching him take a running catch at long on like an AFL mark; his kind nature and athleticism was particularly inspiring to me!
It wasn’t until October 2019 when I saw him again. We were both at Marrickville Park bowling individually at the nets and he asked if I wanted to bat. Jim proceeded to bowl his wrist spin variations to me with precise accuracy for the better part of an hour. One thing I hear people say about Jim was how generous he was, This was evident to me over the years that followed. Jim and I would spend hours at the nets and he was always so happy to help me with my game.
Jim introduced me to the Cricketers’ Club of NSW. He was the team captain of the Club’s City and Suburban side and fitted the role perfectly. He always seemed to get so much enjoyment from lifting others up; he was attentive, completely selfless and a natural leader. On the occasions where I got to see him bat or bowl, he would always delivery something special, be it a ripping leg break that breaks an important partnership or a massive six over long-on. He was always up for it and to this day is still probably the best cricketer I have ever known.
It was a real honor to have got to spend so much time with Jim both in the context of cricket and outside of it. Jim was a man of many talents and interests: he was a skilled surfer, incredible tennis player, avid reader, lover of music and food and so much more. Jim always had an incredible story to share, and knew how to make people feel good about themselves.
Jim had many loves in life, many of which I’ve already mentioned – but the love of Jims life was his wife Karin, the most beautiful pair to all that knew them. Jim was a man so full of life and love and he will be sorely missed forever by everyone that knew him.
I am so very glad to have met Jim and how he has helped me to learn, grow and become a better person over the past five years.
Simon Lyon former CCNSW player and Australian o60s player: The news of Jim’s passing shocked me deeply as I only heard last week
Jim and I played at Wimbledon in the late 80s under the Captaincy of WCC club legend Chris Brown. Jim was an extraordinary talent bowling his exceptional leggies and then caressing the red ball to and beyond most Club boundaries In between waiting for all our County stars to bat he and I would wander over to the tennis courts to play a couple of sets of tennis. I recall I still had a wooden racquet but Jim had the aluminum version and his top spin forehand was a thing to admire Putting those three skills together suggested to me that his talent was way beyond most of those in the Wimbledon 1st XI possibly with the exception of Steven “Hendo” Henderson
Jim kept turning up unexpectedly during my cricketing life, once at Frank Gray Oval for CCNSW vs Warringah Classics pumping straight sixes into our local creek. Then again he played for Penrith Over 65s in November 2023 under Kenny Halls bunch of bandits and excelled once more
I can only say nice things about Jim “Greystoke” Hadley as we used to call him. A wild looking man, strong with a lovely smile, chiseled face and I never heard a rough word from him. He was rarely available week after week and hence we didn’t catch up often but when we did, it was always special . I will make sure that Hendo and Simon Robbins are made aware of this tragedy and extend my condolences to the members of CCNSW who will miss him greatly
Vale Jim; it was a pleasure to have met you.
Gerard O’Shea (CCNSW C&S and Veterans Player): I was in a panic a few weeks ago because I couldn’t find my blue Cricketers’ Club cap that Jim Hadley had given to me when he invited me to join the C&S team a few years ago. My son told me to calm down and said it was probably in the car and of course it was there, thank God! I immediately rang my mate and skipper Jamie Murtha to make sure the cap Jim had given him was secure. He also told me to calm down and said that his was in a safe place for keeping.
I don’t wear my blue cap on the cricket field. I wear a helmet or white floppy to protect my flimsy Irish skin. The cap is tucked away in my cricket kit bag and will stay there for the rest of my playing days. It’s there just to take a quick peek at when I’m padding up to remind me of the faith Jim had in my ability to do a job with the bat. Thanks Jim.
Jim Robson (former UNSW First Grade and CCNSW Vintage): I played cricket against Jim Hadley a few times 40 years ago. Everyone at that time knew he was a good player and a great team man. Unfortunately he didn’t play as much first grade as he should have. At both Wests and Mosman he seemed to be “pigeon holed” as a second spinner and a No. 7/8 batter.
Our paths didn’t cross for a long time but then Mick McCormick asked me to join the CCNSW in 2018. Naturally I started to see Jim at functions and lunches for this wonderful club. Jim was wonderful to socialise with but I only played the odd game with him.
In 2019 Greg Brooks, Stuart Ridge, Joe Scarcella and I started training every Friday at Heffron Park. For men our age, we practiced very seriously. The following year Jim joined us and the seriousness and standard of this training went up another “notch”.
I was staggered how good Jim was in these training sessions. His leggies were incredibly accurate and his batting was very fluent with an outstanding sweep shot. I spoke to a fellow player from Wimbledon club in London and he was in awe of Jim’s talent.
I thought Jim was a class above the veteran cricketers I had seen throughout the country over the last 15 years. However, because of his nature he didn’t push himself and instead of batting and bowling early, often pushed the “barrow” of others. He therefore did not always turn out “star performances” although he was clearly the best in every veterans team he played in. His unselfish, caring personality of his twenties was still on display in his sixties.
Jim loved talking cricket, football and punting. It was a pleasure and honour to see him so regularly over coffee and lunch in the last year of his life. He was a special person, on and off the field. He died far too young: -RIP Jim Hadley.
Vale Alan Crompton
Ron Holmes (President CCNSW 1982-1988)
Alan left an incredible legacy at all levels of the game which included serving as Chairman of NSW Cricket before becoming Chairman of the Australian Board (now Cricket Australia).
Despite these added responsibilities, I wish to mention his enthusiastic involvement with the Cricketers’ Club of NSW. We were fellow Directors on the Board during the final years at 254 George Street in the late 70s when I got to know Alan. The Club was resurrected in 1980 in Barrack Street and in his role as Vice President Alan’s gracious support and wise advice helped me immensely in my role as President.
He was always delightful company and having managed three Australian Cricket Teams to India, no mean feat, he had plenty of interesting stories to relate ! The Cricket Family will certainly miss ‘Crommo’ – a kind,
generous, always approachable , humble gentleman!
RIP Alan Crompton!
John McGruther (President CCNSW 1988-1999 and 2002-2009)
Sadly, long-standing Club member, and former Director, Alan Crompton, OAM, passed away on the Central Coast on 20 April 2022 after lingering illness.
Alan was born on 28 February 1941 and his eighty-one years
was consumed by, as it was equally devoted to, cricket. His record, to set it out fully, would test any short essay, so I will not attempt that full testament here. Some more mature-aged members will well remember
Alan, and perhaps many in the more recent brigade may not so know or recall him.
Affectionately known as “Crommo”, Alan served as a Director of CCNSW from approximately 1986 to 1992 and when the new Club was founded after the dissolution of the former registered club in 2001, as a Committee member of the newly Incorporated Association from 2006 to 2008.
It would be an understatement to say that Alan had a distinguished career in cricket. But even a short litany will illustrate that legacy.
He became a Director of the Australian Cricket Board (now Cricket Australia). He was Chairman of the NSW Cricket Board from 1988 to 1997. He was appointed Chairman of the Australian Cricket Board in 1992. Thus, his work as a valued Director of CCNSW from 1986 to 1992
coincided also with his State and National cricket roles.
He was a Life Member of CCNSW.
A Sydney lawyer, Alan was a valued advisor in the cricket community. He was also a long-standing patron of Sydney University Cricket Club where his work is also legendary. Several decades of Australian and State cricketers could speak of Alan’s contribution to the game, in
particular as a Tour Manager. He managed the Australian Tour to New Zealand in 1982. He managed the Australian Test Tour to India in 1986 – and more about that briefly below. He managed the Australian World
Cup Team in 1987, the Test Tour of India (again) in 1989 and the Ashes Tour to England in 1997.
Alan was also Australia’s representative on the ICC for four years.
If there is any doubt about his contribution to the game, or the quality of his personality, including as one of the great gentlemen of the game, one could do no better than read the book about him: “The Tied Test in
Madras – Controversy, Courage and Crommo”, by Ron Cardwell (the Cricket Publishing Company, 2019).
I return to the Madras Tied Test momentarily. In the book quoted above, Dave Gilbert, Australian Twelfth Man in that Test in September 1986, in recalling the astounding, gutsy innings of 210 by Dean Jones, in the
oppressive heat, which nearly had Dean in an early permanent demise, referring to Gilbert’s running on to the field interminably with drinks for Jones, stated: “I did more running on and off the field than travelled by the Leyland Brothers!”
This was a challenging Tour to manage, to say the least, and is only one gem of an illustration of Alan Crompton’s management skills, devotion to the game (at all levels) and cricket contribution that should never
be forgotten.
He was a magnificent Director and Committee member of CCNSW and we were honoured to have him as a devoted Club and Committee member and director. May he long be remembered.
A celebration of Alan’s life was held at Pearl Beach on Sunday, 24 April 2022.
Vale Ian Mann
Ian Mann passed away on Wednesday, 2nd March 2022, aged 85.
John Coulthard: Vale Ian Mann. I had the honour of being captain of several NSW Churches representative teams in the late 1950s. Ian Mann was included in a number of these, coming from our Randwick Presbyterian club. Of slight build, but very vigorous action, I was delighted to find I had a formidable fast bowler at my disposal. He proved very successful and we were very pleased to see Ian graduate, like so many other Churches players, to the ranks of District cricket.
His later years were clouded with misfortune, possibly connected with his slight frame, of which he asked so much. I know of the occasion when, requiring major heart surgery, his aorta burst when he was actually on the operating table. The survival rate for this is less than 2% , but Ian was in the right place at the right time, and survived. Then there was the well documented fall in front of a train in Sydney’s underground. In spite of terrible multiple injuries, including loss of a leg and fractured skull, Ian again survived. Ian was a much stronger man the he appeared to be. I salute Ian Mann.
Adrian Hawkes: I only knew Ian Mann after his playing days when he used to come to the Monday monthly CCNSW lunches originally organized by Gordon Salier. He was and remained always affable and interested in cricket related matters. He suffered a terrible accident in later life when he fell in front of a train and lost a leg, but still wanted to come to the monthly lunches. if in a wheelchair. Then when the wheelchair tripped on the kerb he fell out and broke his remaining leg! Still intending to come he then became confined to his Old Peoples’ home as Covid struck, but was still outwardly cheerful when on the telephone and asking when and where the next lunch would be. He never made it back and will be missed.
Gordon Salier: I first met Ian Mann through our membership of Tattersall’s Club in Elizabeth Street or ‘Big Tatts’ as it was called in those days. I heard about the cricket trip he had planned to Fiji in 1973 and upon enquiry secured the last berth. He was not leaving much to chance as there were six current first grade players in the team.
I had contemplated retirement from the sub district competition in which I had been playing and following the Fiji tour and a game for Ian’s journalists’ team at Richmond in October 1973, I was persuaded by Ian to play for the Cricketers’ Club of New South Wales team.
Many wonderful years of enjoyment of cricket and associated occasions followed, all largely due to the organisation of Ian including a trip to Canada and the USA in 1975.
Barbecues at Raleigh Park and the odd Sunday occasions at his then Bilgola beach house and Doyles at Watson’s Bay were more than memorable. So too the monthly lunches at Barrack Street. Our personal and professional relationship developed over the years.
We played cricket together not only for the Cricketers’ Club but also for his Journalists Club team. We travelled to Brisbane for the bi-annual fixtures involving iZingari NSW, Queensland, the Cricketers’ Club of NSW and the Cricketers’ Club of Queensland. We went to Auckland for the initial Golden Oldies tournament of 1984.
I am much the poorer for his passing.
Gordon Salier appreciation of Ian Mann as cricketer
In a week marked by the most regrettable passing of Australian cricket legends Rod Marsh and Shane Warne, the Cricketers’ Club of New South Wales also lost one of its own legends, Ian Mann.
Ian died on 2 March, 2022 at the age of 84 years.
He was a member of the Cricketers’ Club of New South Wales cricket team that began playing in the City and Suburban Association competition in 1971. He was responsible for introducing players who enabled the Club to attain and maintain a most respected standing in the competition both on and off the field.
On the field he led by example and as a medium plus pace bowler he bowled with the accuracy and persistency of water dripping from a tap. His efforts with the ball were particularly rewarded in the 1976-77 season when he took 52 wickets which still stands as a club record to this day.
Off the field he participated in the Club’s snooker team which played in a cricket based snooker competition in the days of the licensed club premises in George Street. He was also instrumental in seeing the Club’s days at Raleigh Park were an occasion at which the families of players were more than welcome which led to and cemented family relationships within the Club’s team members which remain to this day.
Most unfortunately in his latter years Ian suffered huge physical trauma on more than one occasion which left him quite severely incapacitated but as might be expected he sought as best he could to carry on regardless. Personally I am now left with the memories of a friend over some 50 years who was Mann by name and man by nature. Vale Ian Mann. You were indeed a man for all seasons.
Vale John Russell (JR)
Club stalwart JR passed away on Monday, 6th August 2018, aged 89.
John Anderson (Melbourne Cricket Club): Fond memories of JR. Man of integrity. Was never tempted to slip an extra run in the scorebook for CC of NSW in some of those close finishes we had at the SCG.
Brian Breakspear Secretary, City and Suburban Cricket Association – 1903 Inc.: I first came to know John as a Director of the Cricketers’ Club of NSW during the late 1980s. As he was a Director of a Registered Club, we were bound to meet in my capacity as the Licensing Sergeant of The Rocks Police Patrol. As time passed on, whilst I was playing for Yaralla CC, we communicated regularly when C.C.N.S.W. played at Goddard Oval. In 2000, the late and revered City & Suburban Cricket Association Secretary, Jack Pace retired from that position and John succeeded as Association Secretary. As Assistant Secretary, I had a good working relationship with John. He stamped his own name on the role. In 2003, John played a major role in coordinating the Association’s Centenary Year which culminated in a memorable Centenary Dinner. He was a Life Member and Legend of the City and Suburban Cricket Association. He will be remembered for his commitment to the game as a remarkable administrator and friend.
Greg Brooks (current President C.C.N.S.W.): I first met John in 1994 when I began my first season with the C.C.N.S.W. John was a senior member of the Club and part of the management committee. I soon learned how involved he was in the Club and as the then President John McGruther’s words testify elsewhere he was a true club man. Every Saturday JR would turn up to Camperdown and elsewhere to score the match and ensure the C.C.N.S.W. badge was well represented. A cup of black tea and some afternoon tea kept him going all day! After the match we would all adjourn to the Camperdown Bowling Club for a drink and a few laughs with the opposition around the day’s events, good and bad. We won more than we lost, and JR was very proud of the team…indeed he was thought of as one of the team. After a whiskey and a soft drink JR would load up his white Subaru and be on his way home. JR regularly joined us on tour, both to the country venues like Mudgee, Bowral and Camden, the interstate fixtures to Melbourne and Brisbane and of course overseas. He was present whenever we were privileged to play on the SCG and I know he was very pleased to receive his memento from the Governor of NSW, Marie Bashir when the Club was asked to play a match against the Army to celebrate 150 years of cricket at the SCG. One of the highlights of our time together was the 2007 tour to South Africa, a trip made possible for John thanks to generous contributions from club members, particularly Steve Taylor who made a significant contribution. JR had a fantastic time, highlighted by several train journeys, one of which between Mosel Bay and George was almost missed but saved by the tour group to ensure JR’s bucket list was met! The trip to the Zulu village and the subsequent greeting ceremony was also remembered by John as a highlight…for entirely different reasons! Even as age and illness caught up with JR and he could no longer attend our matches I would receive a phone call on Saturday or Sunday night to check the results of his beloved C&S team. All the details were required, and it was often a long call! John was made a “Legend of the C&S” in 2010 and was a life member of the C.C.N.S.W. There are many stories that could be told, and I do not have enough space here to re tell them all. Suffice to say that JR contributed to every aspect of our small Clubs’ activities and he will always be remembered as a great club man, a true gentleman and a wonderful friend.
Brian Fallon: John was one of nature’s true-gentlemen, one whose attitudes to life and practised-values, inspired you to do better.
Adrian Hawkes: John would have been 60 when I first met him in1989 with his playing days behind him. An initial gruff exterior hid a gentle man who was passionate about cricket and steam trains; loved to score with his “special” system and produce averages and quotients. He started the practice of writing weekly match reports on our C&S games which he scored and managed. His reports could be passionate; I remember his once writing that the opposition were “cowboys” but fortunately this was pre internet days. In his later years he liked to ring up for a chat and usually this lasted longer than an hour. I will miss him.
Joff Johnson: It is with a very heavy heart that I respond to the sad news about our beloved mate, JR. JR was highly respected and admired by all the C.C.N.S.W. family who came in contact with him. He was a permanent fixture at most of the games I played with the C.C.N.S.W. and we loved him being with us. I will remember him as a gentle caring man who could not do enough for the players and supporters – he will be sorely missed.
John McGruther: I recount some brief thoughts below by way of some Memoir contribution: There are only a select few who, in life..whether in or outside of sports affairs…meet the Biblical test of impeccable Stewardship. That is, of the true and faithful servant. John Russell is the epitome of the ethic. I should know. I worked with John, .affectionately “JR” to most…for periods on a daily basis, for over 12 years during my term as President, and a co- Director with him, of the Cricketers’ Club of NSW. That was only part of our affinity. From 1985 to now is 33 years for all of which I have held JR in the closest and affectionate regard. Words cannot do justice to some Testimonies, this being one. This attempt thus can only be humble. But JR’s Club Stewardship is potentially impassable. He organised Cricket Matches, he attended to Score them, he wrote Newsletters to Members about them whether whimsical, serious, or chastising, usually all three). He was a delegate of the Club at City & Suburban Association level, as well as being a C&S officer himself. At the “old” Barrack Street Club, he collected the Pokie money from the machines, occasionally calling me from some losing Court case to help him carry the multitudinous coin- bags up the Club stairs. The penultimate finite Treasurer! He helped organise Club Tours, a legacy for which CCNSW is still famous. Often, he arranged, or unsuccessfully tried to influence the design of, Club clothing, but usually got right Players’ sizes right, even allowing for inconsiderate Player off- Season gorging. All this, and more, despite, it might be added, intermittent health challenges occasionally challenging him. Indeed, were there a Turnstile at the old Club entrance, it surely would have registered daily, out of hours, and week-end entry. Such was also JR’s Club function attendance record. The Testimony of JR is the very definition of Stewardship. “Thanks JR” in one sense may not be enough…but in another, perhaps says it all.