About Our Seniors
Local Cricket in the Maitland District went in to ‘recess’ in 1941, during World War II. With the Newcastle Competition still in play during the war years, Maitland fielded a combined team for Newcastle comp. It wasn’t until the summer of 1947 that Maitland Cricket was revived with new teams introduced into the competition. New teams and the introduction of a “district” format, meant that all players representing their clubs had to reside within the boundaries of their district.
Initially Western Suburbs used a ground known as “West Maitland Park”, which was located along Second Avenue in Rutherford, and the Marist Brothers ground (now known as the “Black Hill” ground in Maitland Park) to play their home fixtures. It wasn’t until the season of 1953-54 that Western Suburbs found their ‘spiritual home’ in Coronation Oval, where the club’s top grades call home, today.
In 1998, the Club made a bold move to rebrand Western Suburbs. Moving away from the traditional red and black, to green and gold; and adopting the “plover” as it’s mascot. The plover; terriorial bird, renowned for its tenacity and instinctive need to protect it’s nest. The decision for the club to adopt the bird as it’s spiritual animal was no coincidence, given that it was well known to Wests players and opponents a-like that fielding at the southern end of Coronation Oval meant that you would likely have an encounter with the ground’s infamous, resident plovers.
Premierships and Trophy Cabinet
The Plovers have been a force within the Maitland and District Cricket competition for over 75 years. Click the link below to see the Club’s Minor and Major Premiership records.
WSCC Life Members
A Western Suburbs junior cricketer, Brad came into the senior grades in the late 1990s and continues to turn out for the Plovers today. His tireless committee work during the 2000s led to his award of life member.
Peter came into senior grade cricket during the mid 1970s and holds the remarkable record of having played 1st Grade across 4 separate decades. His contribution off the field to Western Suburbs has lasted even longer in his service on the committee and as curator.
One of the founders of the Western Suburbs Cricket Club, Robert was one at the “meeting under the lightpost” that started off the club. Robert captained 1st Grade in the inaugural 1947-48 season, and has gone down in history as the first centurion for the club in 1st Grade in 1952-53.
Andrew was ushered in to committee service in 2001 by the late Chris Mudd. Andrew is current President of Western Suburbs with 5 years service. Andrew is son of Life Memeber and WSCC legend, the late Warren Trappel; and like his father, is carving out a legacy his own legacyr at the club with over 25 years of service on and off the field. Andrew has played over 230 1st Grade games (and counting), 120+ as captain, leading 1st Grade to two major premierships.
Winning a 1st Grade premiership as a schoolboy in 1976-77, Anthony’s playing career for Western Suburbs was destined to be a memorable one. He finished his playing days as the most capped 1st Grade player in Western Suburbs history, winning 5 1st Grade premierships and scoring nearly 5000 runs. Anthony also served on the committee for many years in a variety of roles.
A Western Suburbs junior cricketer with strong family ties to the club, Colin made his way into senior grade cricket as a schoolboy in the late 1960s and was seen in Plovers colours for over 20 seasons. He has also been an active member off the field as a coach, committee member and as curator of Coronation Oval.
Recruited as a 14 year old during the inaugural season of Western Suburbs in 1947-48, Ron’s 60+ years of service to the club both on and off the field was immeasurable. Even in the last weeks before his passing in 2013, Ron was still actively involved in club events and social functions.
Robert played a long career in the senior grades for Western Suburbs, including over 100 appearances in 1st Grade. Robert was also heavily involved with junior cricket at Western Suburbs during the 2000s, working closely with Chris Mudd in implementing junior development programs.
A Western Suburbs junior cricketer, Brad came into the senior grades in the late 1990s and continues to turn out for the Plovers today. His tireless committee work during the 2000s led to his award of life member.
Peter came into senior grade cricket during the mid 1970s and holds the remarkable record of having played 1st Grade across 4 separate decades. His contribution off the field to Western Suburbs has lasted even longer in his service on the committee and as curator.
Bio Coming Soon…
A long serving coach, selector, committee member and mentor to a generation of cricketers for Western Suburbs and Maitland. Chris started his association with the Plovers in the early 1990s and continued through to his passing in 2012. The clubman of the year award has since been re-named in his honour.
Charlie arrived at Western Suburbs in 1955-56 after the great flood, and continued to play for the club until well into the 1970s. His feats on the pitch are legendary – taking nearly 650 1st Grade wickets. A perpetual trophy has since been named in his honour.
Bio Coming Soon…
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Another local product who made his way into the senior grade teams during the 1970s and continued to play across the next 3 decades. It was under Geoff’s tenure as club president that the club introduced the mascot of the Plover.
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With over 30 years of service to Western Suburbs as a player and administrator, Warren is the most experienced member of the current committee. He made his 1st Grade debut way back in 1988-89 and still makes the odd celebrity appearance in the whites.
Bio Coming Soon…
Another of the founding fathers of Western Suburbs Cricket Club, Eddie played for the Plovers for over 20 years – making 129 appearances in the top grade. His work as an administrator for the Plovers and also the Maitland association saw him awarded life membership of both the club and the district.
Part of the second “Branxton influx” in 1980-81, Alan came to Western Suburbs as an established 1st Grade cricketer and enjoyed immediate success with the great teams of the early 1980s. Over 30 year career with The Plovers saw Alan have a huge impact throughout the grades.
Bio Coming Soon…
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Recently inducted as a WSCC Life Member, Dave has given unbroken service as a player, coach and committee member for over 20 years. He was recognised for his service in 2021/22.
Bio Coming Soon…
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Grounds
The Plovers major home grounds are situated in the Western Suburbs region of Maitland, with Coronation Oval being the “spiritual home” of the Plovers
Coronation Oval
Home ground to 1st and 2nd Grades, Western Suburbs have been playing cricket at the ground since 1953-54.
The ground adjoins the neighbouring Telarah Bowling Club and Hartcher Field, with the sporting complex being the showpiece sporting facilities in the Telarah area. During the winter months, the ground is home to the local rugby league teams.
GROUND ADDRESS: Clark Street, Telarah, NSW, 2320
GROUND ADDRESS: Weblands Street, Rutherford, NSW, 2320
Max McMahon Oval
Opened for play in the season of 1972-73, Max McMahon Oval (known previously as Rutherford Oval) was home for the top grade sides from Western Suburbs from its opening up until 1992-93.
Conveniently located close to the Rutherford retail precinct, the ground has been used for a variety of sports over the years, including cricket, soccer, AFL and athletics.