Hall of Famers: Goulburn Murray Cricket president Jason Turner (left) with the inaugural inductees to the GMC Hall of Fame, Gus Underwood, Alex “Lackie” Ranson and Bill Williams. Photo: AJ Visuals
Three of the biggest names in Goulburn Murray Cricket were recently named as the first members of the association’s newly-formed Hall of Fame.
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Kyabram’s own Gus Underwood, Cooma legend Alex “Lackie” Ranson and Echuca stalwart Bill Williams were three men chosen as the initial inductees — the octogenarians as passionate as ever about the sport.
While it came as a complete surprise to all three, a well kept secret by GMC officials, it was nothing new for the three men — life members and hall of famers with a number of other clubs and associations for their outstanding on and off-field contributions.
Williams, 83, in fact, was an inaugural inductee into Victorian Country Cricket League’s Hall of Fame.
Underwood was also among the 24 people named as the first inductees into the VCCL Hall Of Fame last year.
Williams was awarded VCCL life membership in 2015.
He was also inducted into the Australian Country Cricket League Hall of Fame in Shepparton in 2019, only the second Victorian to receive the ACCL honour.
Williams was assistant secretary of the state league for 31years and for 27 years was scorer/assistant manager for the Victorian Country team at the Australian Country Cricket Championships.
He was also a long-serving president of the Northern Rivers region with strong connections to the former Campaspe Cricket Association.
The GMC’s B-grade competition is named in his honour.
King of Cooma: Alex Ranson has had a lawn mower in his hands almost as much as a bat and ball, through his work as secretary of Cooma Recreation Reserve for the past 20-odd years. His is a story of commitment and passion for the sport and development of young sportspeople.
Photo by
Ray Sizer
Another man to have a GMC competition named in his honour is Underwood, the recently turned 80-year-old having the C-grade shield carrying his name.
In the unique position of sports journalist, participant and administrator since his teenage years, Underwood has a similar long list of credentials and is now a member of Goulburn Valley football’s Hall of Fame and the Goulburn Murray Cricket’s equivalent.
He is also a life member of Kyabram Cricket Club, Kyabram District Cricket Association and the town’s football and trotting clubs.
Underwood also won the Bob Merriman Medal for best contribution to Victorian country cricket in 2015.
In typically reflective style he was quick to move the limelight onto Ranson and Williams when asked about the award.
“I only had the odd inter association game against Bill, but have virtually come through the ages with Lackie as we are about the same age (both having just turned 80),’’ Underwood said.
“He would be the most determined and enduring competitive cricketer I have come across in my time both as a bowler and batsman.
“I know of no other cricketer with such a passion for the sport over such a long period.
“I think he was 57 when he played his last Melbourne Country Week campaign and was coaching school teams in England and Scotland well into his 70s.
“His off field contributions to the game match his on-field feats and the time and money he has invested at his own expense is a major reason why Cooma Cricket Club still survives after 126 years.
“His GM Cricket inaugural Hall of Fame induction is one of the most deserving acknowledgements in my sporting career.”
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