By Cam Lucadou-Wells
EXPERIENCE certainly counts for Berwick Cricket Club’s long-time volunteer curator Brian Wills.
Lesser mortals may have been broken when faced with a barren, football-boot scarred central pitch area, an unusually damp spring and no available fresh soil ahead of the 2016-’17 season.
Mr Wills, who started tending the Ash Brown Reserve pitches in 1974, however weaved his magic – despite the pitch spending much time under covers.
There’s plenty of runs in the pitch, he told Star News ahead of a mid-week T-20.
He’s at the ground most days, either hand-pushing the heavy roller, watering the footmarks or dragging on and off the covers.
“You only get out of the club what you put in.
“I’ve had a lot of friendships and a lot of enjoyment here.”
The 74-year-old is in spritely nick, but his work is made harder by all his equipment squeezed into a cramped, antiquated 42-year-old shed.
To get out the roller in the back of the shed, he has to move the mower and other tools.
The club is seeking funds for a double-capacity modern shed that can securely house the curating and players’ equipment, as well as keep a dry stockpile of pitch soil.
Club member Allan Bartlett said the shed had “got to the point of being dysfunctional”.
“It will start to impact on Brian’s capabilities of doing his job.”
President Andrew Moore said club legends like Mr Wills and his curating knowledge were irreplaceable.
Also on Mr Wills’ wishlist is a ride-on roller to replace the manual one that weighs about “three-quarters of a tonne”.
When Mr Wills started with the club 60 years ago, it barely had enough players for a team.
He started as a 14-year-old playing against men. His all-round skills graced a remarkable career that earned him a spot in West Gippsland Cricket Association’s team of the century.
He learnt his pitchcraft under Ern Dunham and former Flemington racecourse curator William Mitchell.
Often Mr Wills resorts to the fabled key-test to check the qualities of his pitch.
With a bit of exertion, the key has to be able to break through the top surface, he says.
The club is now a powerhouse of 11 senior teams, 13 junior sides and a masters squad – with a girl’s squad starting for the first time this season.
Among the young cricketers are Mr Wills’ grandsons Jarryd and Toby. His son Gavin is a former president.
“We’ve got tremendous people, volunteers who do a terrific amount of work,” Mr Wills said.
“But also if you don’t put in, clubs like these fold.”
