University's awards night was an enjoyable but also a sombre affair as players reflected on a season without a premiership and the Federal Government's direct threat to our club through the abolition of up-front student union fees.
Subscriptions could rocket in price and intervarsity cricket may well become a thing of the past if the legislation goes through.
The more pleasant aspect of the evening was the award of best clubman to Hugh Van Cuylenburg (pictured), and of life membership to Charles Sutherland, Kevan Carroll, Derek Bennett and first XI bowling winner Ashley Robertson.
State under-17 player Antony Barton took out three awards as best first-year player, the 2nd XI batting trophy and (for sheer weight of entries) the quote of the year. Leigh Murphy won the equally coveted personality of the year.
The other batting trophy winners were Brendan Joseland, Gareth Haeberle, Tom Trumble and Andrew Martel while the other bowling winners were Greg Kennedy, Brendan Goonan, Andre Habchi and Tony Sidebottom.
Everyone who spoke on the night stressed the importance of winning a flag next season.