Steve Wilson – Ivanhoe Club Member and current President

Steve joined Ivanhoe in 1968 and in a 31 year playing career up to 1999 and ongoing today as Club President has served the club in virtually every capacity, Club Secretary, Treasurer, editor of The Lancer (the club newsletter before the days of the internet), Fixture Secretary, Vice Captain, Captain, Vice President, Social Secretary and for the past few years an active role as Club President.

Although Steve might not agree he was the arcitypal fiery fast bowler, opening for the club many years with his fast left hand bowling which struck trepidation into many an opposing batsman. Steve also made a major contribution to the team with the bat providing important middle order runs with his mixture of solid defence and the ability to hit virtually any ball out of the ground.

Introduced to the club by Tony Mullins, an existing member with whom Steve worked at Green Shield Stamps, (Green Shield Stamps is one for the older members to remember) Steve’s first ever game was against Hugh Pickles XI on Tour in 1967 (the annual tour being something Steve has supported throughout his involvement with the club, camping for many years with family in tow at Eynsham for the annual visit to Oxford for August Bank Holiday week). His first game as a full member followed the next season against Sun Sports.

Once a bad back got in the way of bowling fast Steve moved on to become to a naggingly accurate ‘slow’ bowler although in line with that fast bowler temperament many batsmen and Ivanhoe keepers can attest to the speed of his occasional faster ball particularly if the previous ball had been deposited to the boundary.

As can be seen from his averages Steve regularly took over 30 wickets in a season and five times more than 50 wickets and as evidenced by his 1019 wickets at an average of 15.16 and 7940 runs scored at an average of 20.56 including one century and many 50’s Steve played an important part in Ivanhoe’s success on the field over many years.

Of course when speaking of Steve one shouldn’t forget the power behind the throne, Sandra, who has also supported the Club throughout including taking on the roles of Club Secretary, Fixture Secretary, Treasurer, Social Secretary and most importantly for many years Tea Lady (remember those home made cakes!!!).

We look forward to the continuing support of both Steve and Sandra for many years to come. Next