Chapter One

Our Inception

Before the foundation of BCC in 1980/81, we must go back to the 1970’s era

The Highgate Cricket Club had excellent training facilities at St Mark’s College in Bedford, however, the club had been unable to obtain a home ground. The Mt. Lawley Suburban Turf Cricket Club had a home ground at Forrest Park in Mt. Lawley but had effectively lost its training facilities as the Perth City Council had decided that a junior cricket club have first use of the oval for training, which resulted in the senior side being unable to train before 6pm. As a result of these circumstances, the subject of amalgamation of the two clubs was first discussed by Barry Johnson and the Armstrong Brothers (John & Reg) at a Highgate CC wind-up held in their Grandfather’s shed.

Many discussions followed and finally the big step of amalgamation was taken for the 1975/76 season when the two Presidents Barry Parker (Mt. Lawley STCC) and Joseph Santarini (Highgate CC) shook hands in agreement and the Northern Suburbs Cricket Club was born.

The first committee consisted of:

• President - Joseph Santarini

• Vice President - Barry Parker

• Secretary - A.Ovens

• Assistant Secretary - John Jecks

• Treasurer - Barry Johnson

• Assistant Treasurer - Terry Goldie

• Committee - Reg Armstrong

• Committee - J.Dow

As the inaugural President of Northern Suburbs CC, Joseph Santarini retained his connection to Highgate CC by adopting the royal blue and gold colours. These remain the club colours to this day. John Armstrong was appointed captain-coach of the new club and the club fielded sides in 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th and 7th Grades. The first season could not have been better with the 1st Grade side winning the Premiership against Mosman Park and 4th Grade making the finals. Fred Porritt won the Association Cricketer of the Year and was also named man of the match in the Grand Final.

The search for a home ground with a turf wicket began almost immediately. In 1980, Toby Roney (Northern Suburbs CC committee member) was a member of the Bassendean Shire Council and organised for the club to have their home ground move.

Finally, after much negotiation, the club under the Presidency of Barry Johnson, moved to Jubilee Reserve in 1980/81 and became the Bassendean Cricket Club.

Chapter Two

Hard Work Pays Off

The early years at Bassendean were not easy and success was hard to come by. The move to Jubilee Reserve resulted in the loss of approximately 15 established players who lived in the Northern Suburbs who formed the Kingsley CC in the Wanneroo Association.

With such a large player loss, the club struggled to win matches consistently and it was not until 1989/90, 9 years after moving to Jubilee, that the efforts of all concerned were rewarded with a Premiership in 6th Grade under the captaincy of Don Tulloch (Life Member #11). 4th Grade Premierships followed in 1992/93 and 1994/95 with Peter Hill (Life Member #13) being the captain in both instances.

The 2nd Grade side performed consistently in the early to mid 90s and under the astute leadership of captain Steve Davis, they achieved the distinction of being minor premiers in 1995/96 and were rewarded with promotion. The following year, the First XI returned to play 1st Grade for WASTCA’s centenary year.