Northern District Cricket Club celebrates its history with a day to remember

Past, present and future collide for Northern District’s Big Blue Gum Lunch

Mark Taylor and Nathan Lyon entertain the crowd with anecdotes at Northern District’s Big Blue Gum Lunch. Pictures: Adam Ward

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The past, present and future of the Northern District Cricket Club collided last week for a very special celebration of the club’s history.

Held at the Blue Gum Hotel in Waitara, the Big Blue Gum Lunch saw hundreds of Northern District Old Boys, members and friends gather to commemorate 91 years of the Rangers.

Every single first grade player since the club’s inception in 1925 was numbered in order of their club debut, while a special honour board was also unveiled to remember those Northern District players who served in wars.

A number of club legends including Alan Davidson, Neil Harvey and Mark Taylor were brought on stage throughout the event to talk about their experiences with the club while current test player Nathan Lyon offered some invaluable insight on his mindset to the club’s younger players.

NDCC recognised players that served in war and numbered every first grader since the club’s inception.

“I sit here today and believe I could get anybody out in the world,” he said.

“If I don’t believe that I probably should just give up.”

Club President Mike Langford said it was a day to remember.

“I’ve got some fantastic feedback from everyone, which makes it all worthwhile,” he said.

“It was a long project getting it all together but it was fantastic to see all of the old legends come together to celebrate the club’s history.

“And with the young stars we have at the moment, the future is pretty bright as well.”