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Lest
we forget .........
A Tribute To Tree
The
last of the five decades Great Boulder have been in existence is tinged
with sadness at the death of the irrepressible Denis O’Shaughnessy.
Denis - or the Tree, as he was affectionately known by teammates, family
and friends - died in a road smash just north of Kalgoorlie on August
15, 2000.
His untimely death severed a link with the Two Blues which started in
junior ranks as a gangling youngster and blossomed into a career which
ranks among the finest achieved during the half-century the club has been
in existence.
Statistically, Denis boasts a tremendous record as an opening bowler in
claiming 363 A Grade wickets at the miserly average of 17.7 runs per wicket,
also scoring over 500 runs and taking 38 catches.
He played in six grand finals which produced as many premierships and
19 wickets at 16.37, including a career-best haul of 6-34.
After his retirement with 181 senior games to his credit, Denis also had
the distinction of coaching the Two Blues to their last A Grade premiership
in 1993-94 - the only flag (one of only two flags) we have won since the
club’s 40th. anniversary.
However, Denis was more than a valuable Great Boulder player - he epitomised
all that was great about the club as it successfully battled to establish
itself as a feared cricket team which emerged as the competition trend-setter
on and off the field in the late 1960s and most of the 70s.
Denis was part of an era cherished by all those who were involved and
his contribution as a highly respected player and dedicated member of
the club over many years was suitably recognised with a life membership.
When not playing cricket for his beloved Gee Bees, the Tree lived life
to the full and acquired legendary status as a fun-loving sportsman who
impacted greatly on the many people who had the good fortune to become
his friend, foe or teammate.
Denis was truly a unique character whose legacy will long be remembered
among the ranks of the Two Blues.
vale Denis
The Loss Of Losing Lou
The
Two Blues lost another stalwart with the death of fellow life member Lou
Nazzari.
Losing Lou was “recruited” from arch rivals Hannans and over
a number of years proceeded to make his mark with Great Boulder in a variety
of positions, including that of vice-president. Lou made an extremely
valuable contribution to the Two Blues, particularly in the area of junior
cricket, and is sorely missed. Fittingly the Club introduced a Rookie
Of The Year Award in 1999 that honours Lou.
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