By Glen Atwell
RECOGNISE anyone in this photograph?
Then Trevor Williamson, president of the Pakenham Cricket Club, wants to hear from you.
If you can’t put a name to a face, you’re not on your own, because this photo was taken in 1927. That was the year a young bat named Bradman was struggling to get into the national side.
It’s the premiershipwinning Pakenham Cricket Club first XI, which graced the field 78 years ago.
The club is putting together a history of premiership players and this old photo is proving to be a real sticking point.
But Trevor said there must be someone in Pakenham who can help name the side.
“It’s been through the club and we’ve managed to name Bill Ronald (pictured at right holding a pipe) and Father Dodd, the priest in the centre of the back row,” he said.
After extensive research, Trevor discovered the competition dated back to 1887 and had been a sixtier competition. But, unlike today, the players did not play every weekend.
“It looks like they used to play once or twice a month and convey the results to the Dandenong Advertiser,” Trevor explained.
Most of the players were from the Pakenham region and Trevor is keen to know whether any can be recognised. Readers with possible answers should contact him directly on 0419 426 206.
Go on, have a closer look.