The Hadspen Cricket Club, formerly known as the Sidmouth XI Cricket Club, was established in the 1987-88 season by a group of enthusiastic individuals determined to form a new cricket club.
To distinguish ourselves from the previous Sidmouth Cricket Club, which had disbanded a few years earlier, we adopted the name Sidmouth XI.
Led by the late Syd Holland, our first captain and president for a remarkable decade, the original XI players were a spirited mix of men and boys aged 18 to 32, with many originating from an indoor cricket team.
Our maiden season in 1987-88 was an immediate success, with the team reaching the grand final.
The very next year, we completed an undefeated season and triumphed in the B-grade grand final, earning promotion to A-grade in 1989-90. A second team was later recruited to compete in B-grade as the club continued to grow.
Our symbol, the Chieftains logo, features a powerful “Death Head,” representing courage and defiance in the face of danger. Embracing the Latin motto Veni, Vidi, Vici, inspired by Julius Caesar, we have consistently met challenges head-on, both on and off the field.
Over time, our passion for the club has only grown stronger. Our current members include players in their 50s and 60s, who cherish the memories of those no longer with us. Though our hair may have greyed and our waistlines expanded, our love for the game and the club remains undiminished.
For 16 years, we played at Sidmouth with modest facilities, training at venues including Queechy High School, Norwood Primary School, Trevallyn, and Riverside. Refreshments were often served from an eski after training and games, fostering camaraderie among players.
In 2003, under the presidency of Paul Smith, the club made a momentous move to Hadspen, acquiring superior facilities including training nets, clubrooms, changerooms, a kiosk, and a bar. This pivotal step allowed us to welcome women, children, families, and overseas players, evolving into a truly all-inclusive, family-oriented club.
Since that move, key coaching figures — Dean Hawkins, Scott Plummer, Liam Reynolds, and Tristan Weeks — have guided the club on a semi-professional path, delivering premiership success through high on-field and off-field standards.
Our junior and women’s programs have introduced young talent to the sport, with under-12s, under-14s, and under-16s boys’ and girls’ teams. Over the past two decades, the junior cricket program has provided hundreds of local children with their first taste of the game.
The Female Boom program, founded by Sheryn Clairdge in 2017-18, has been a tremendous success, supported by key contributors including Mel Denman, Kate Dobber, Hannah Whitney, and Justin Reeves.
Throughout our 38-year journey, more than 700 senior players — men and women — have proudly donned our colours, each recognised with a unique player number. New players receive a specially numbered cap on their debut, symbolising their place in our rich history.
Today, the club fields four senior men’s teams, a strong women’s team, and three junior sides. Our devoted committee continues to enhance facilities, ensuring they remain among the best in the TCL.
Our collective success has been fuelled by unwavering support from coaches, captains, volunteers, families, and loyal supporters. Off the field, we have grown more professional, appointing skilled coaches, hosting vibrant committee meetings, and running successful events such as our annual Champions of Sport luncheon, which has been held for 12 years.
This off-field success has been matched on the field, with recent premiership triumphs. In recognition of extraordinary dedication, the club has honoured 30 individuals with life memberships, including five elevated to Icon Status: Syd Holland, Paul Smith, Peter De Boer, John Bailey, and Grant Davern.
As we reflect on our journey, we celebrate our rich history, cherish the memories, and look forward to a future filled with even greater achievements and lasting bonds. Hadspen Cricket Club continues to be a beacon of cricketing excellence and camaraderie, shaping the lives of players and the wider community.
Premierships
Premier League: 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2024-25
A-grade: 1991-92, 1993-94, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2020-21
A-Reserve: 2009-10, 2012-13, 2018-19, 2019-20
B-grade: 1988-89, 2017-18
Charltons Cup: 1993-94, 1994-95
TCL T20: 2020-21, 2021-22
Club Song
Who's the team with the big red nose?
Ho, ha, ho, ho, ha,
The more we win the redder is goes.
Veni, Vidi, Vici
Oi, oi, oi
The club song was introduced by Chieftains Icon Syd Holland. Based on a popular sporting tune, we added our motto Veni, Vidi, Vici at the end to make it uniquely ours.
About our club
Our Home - Start Solar Park
Paul Degetto
Vice President
Vice President since 2022, over 250 games since joining from Birralee, Life Member (2017), premiership player, former Captain, long-time committee member, and Chieftains Tool of the Year. A consistent leader and dedicated clubman.
Brad Eames
Secretary
Known affectionately as Melman, he is the tallest premiership captain in Hadspen Cricket Club history. Cap No.219, he has played over 220 games, scoring 3,712 runs and taking 111 wickets in the red and black. A Life Member (2013), dual John Harding Memorial Award winner (2013 & 2018), and long-serving committee member, Melman is as tireless and dedicated off the field as he is on it.
Matt Green
Committee member
Multiple premiership player, seasoned skipper, and the club’s third-highest wicket-taker (397). Cap No.223, Life Member (2017), loyal player and family contributor helping to shape the culture and future of the Hadspen Cricket Club.
Steve Neville
President
A Chieftain since 1988–89 (Cap No.18), Steve and his brothers have been central to the club’s growth. 200 games, Life Member (2000), Shaka Award winner (1997), former Secretary, and President (2025). A player and leader who embodies the Chieftain spirit.
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Joe Holland
Committee member
Son of Chieftains founding father Syd Holland, Joe is making his own lasting impact on the club. A sturdy top-order batsman and Cap No.227, he is a Hadspen junior product who debuted in seniors in 2005–06. A Best & Fairest winner, Joe joined the committee in 2022–23 and serves as a mentor in the junior program, helping guide the next generation of Chieftains.
Lani Gunn
Committee member
Since 2020–21, Lani has been a strong leader on the field, playing alongside her daughters, Ailya and Imogen. Cap No.603, committee member, and the club’s Child Safety Officer, she represents the women’s playing group and fosters a safe, inclusive environment.
Shane Tuner
Committee member
Awarded the Adrian Tudor Memorial Award in 2022–23 for his outstanding debut season, Shane is Cap No.645, senior women’s coach, and committee member, contributing both on the field and in shaping the club’s future.
Chris Reissig
Treasurer
The club’s Treasurer, Chris is a long-time committee member and former Vice President. Joining in 2008, Chris has been a dedicated supporter and sponsor ever since. A two-time Shaka Award recipient, he has been instrumental in improving facilities, establishing the Champions of Sport, and maintaining high standards on and off the field.
Dave Morrison
Committee member
Hadspen resident and Chieftains sponsor, Dave is a passionate community advocate and successful businessman. Joining the committee in 2025, Dave helps ensure the club’s continued success on and off the field. Alongside his wife Leanne, he is a major sponsor through DLM Machinery, showing their ongoing commitment to the Chieftains and the wider community.