Since 1965
Since 1965
It is with great regret that we advise that Graeme Marston, 1st Grade player #31, passed away at 9pm on Sunday after a battle with cancer. He was aged 71. Graeme played 229 matches in all grades for the Club from 1965-66 to 1976-77, scoring 5816 runs at 23.0 including 5 centuries and taking 84 catches. In 1st Grade, he played 69 matches, scoring 1284 runs at 16.3, while in 2nd Grade, he played 85 matches, scoring 2191 runs at 23.6.
He was a hard-hitting left-handed opening batsman whose stats don’t do justice to his ability. He made his 1st Grade debut on 20 January 1968, aged 16 years 178 days – the youngest 1st Grade player for the club until Justin Kenny made his debut in 1982. The 1st Grade report for 1967-68 said “Towards the end of the competition, the opening position was filled by Graeme Marston, who must surely be one of brightest young players in Sydney today. A tremendous driver and powerfully built, this 16 year old lad possesses considerable potential. His innings of 90no against Mosman is one which onlookers that afternoon will never forget.” In that match, Sutherland scored 1/172 off 20 8-ball overs in 80 minutes to win outright. Graeme had an unbroken 2nd wicket partnership of 104 in 42 minutes with Norm O’Neill – a tremendous experience for a 16 year old!
Graeme left SDCC to play for Randwick in 1977-78 and played four seasons with them, scoring 1153 runs at 23.5 in 1st & 2nd Grades. He was a part of three 1st Grade premiership teams in that time. After he retired from cricket, Graeme became a regular golfer at Kareela Golf Club and spent some time on the committee, his last position being Club Captain.
Graeme was a popular player at both of his clubs and kept in regular contact with many of his former teammates. He has left us too soon. To his wife Christine and other family members, we extend our sincere condolences.
Graeme’s funeral will be held next Monday 22 August at 3.30pm, at Woronora Lodge (in the NE corner of the Woronora Memorial Park precinct), followed by refreshments at Club on East, 7 East Parade, Sutherland (the former SUS Club) at 4.30pm.
