LEN Maddocks, a Test, state and district star of his generation, is a legend at the West Newport Cricket Club.
The champion Australian wicketkeeper-batsman of seven Tests in the 1950s and 112 first-class matches with Victoria and Tasmania is seen as a Bradman-type figure at Wests where he spent some of his formative years.
Walk into the clubrooms at Loft Reserve and you were greeted with priceless memorabilia of the most famous player to come out of the club.
Everyone could be proud of his achievements when they looked up to see a former Wests player had cracked it in the big time.
Last week, a fire ripped through the clubrooms, destroying everything in its path, including all the Maddocks memorabilia, along with premiership flags, honour boards, photos and cricket gear. Years of hard work, unforgettable moments and club history went up in flames.
“There would’ve been 30, maybe 40, photos on the wall,” Wests secretary Mick Jones said.
“Plus, the flags, we’ve lost all of them. We had a lot of individual trophies like best and fairest for the competition and representative photos.
“We lost a hell of a lot of stuff.”
All involved with Wests have a heavy heart this week. There is no way to get back the historical artifacts. But what couldn’t die in the fire was the Wests spirit.
Captain Matt Shiell sent a text message to his players telling them to stick together and get through this tough period as one.
The players took to the field on Saturday, just days after the fire, and did the club proud.
“Surprisingly, they’re upbeat; they’re ready to go,” Jones said in the lead-up to the clash with Grand United. “We haven’t got much gear, but we’re playing. The players have banded together, it’s real good.
“We’ve still got a lot to play for, we’re still third on the ladder and we’re striving to win the flag.
That is what sport is all about. When it seems like you’re down and out, you look to your teammate to pick you up.”
Wests have also had support from further afield with Seabrook and Newport-Digman cricket clubs and Spotswood Football Club having already offered their services to help rebuild.
Their Facebook page was overflowing with support.
“It’s a tightknit comp,” Jones said. “We all stick together. We’ll move on and we’ll be bigger and better for the experience.”
