Since 1965
Since 1965
It is with deep regret that we advise of the sad passing of John Smythe, the Club’s first Secretary, on Sunday 10 December. John was 83 years old and had lived in Burradoo near Bowral for over 40 years. John played a very significant role in the formation of the Club and its first 14 years in the Sydney grade cricket competition.
John was Secretary of the Sutherland Shire District Cricket Club, the forerunner to SDCC, from 1961 to 1965. He was also the Secretary of the Sutherland Port Hacking Advisory Committee, which was formed in 1961-62 to pursue the formation of a grade cricket club, from 1962 to 1965. When the NSW Cricket Association announced that a grade club from Sutherland would be admitted to the grade cricket competition in 1965-66, John was part of the steering committee formed to propose recommendations for the formation of the new club, including the preparation of the constitution of the new club.
John was elected the inaugural Secretary of the new club in June 1965 and held the position until the conclusion of the 1978-79 year. He became one of the Club’s delegates to the NSWCA in 1969 and served for 10 years until 1978-79. In his second year as a delegate, he was elected to the Country Committee of the NSWCA, a position he also held until the end of the 1978-79 year. During that time, he managed the NSW team on away trips for one Sheffield Shield match and two Gillette Cup matches, as well as one NSW Colts team.
John also played 100 matches for the Club, principally in the A & B Shires teams in the first four years and then 5th Grade between 1969-70 and 1973-74. He captained the Club in 35 matches. He also organised and managed many country tours by the Club over the Christmas holiday break in the Club’s early years.
John’s contribution to the Club as Secretary in our early years was immense. He was elected a Life Member of the Club in 1972. To his family, we extend our sincere condolences. His funeral will be held at St.Jude’s Anglican Church, 38 Bendooley Street, Bowral next Thursday 21 December at 1pm.
