Summer won’t be the same at Carnegie CC as we sadly announce the passing of club great, Ron Cusack, in the early hours of 15 October 2015.
“Recognised as among the best bats in the competition. Able to play superb shots all ’round the wicket, his late cut was awesome. Could field anywhere.”
So says Bill Pewtress, captain of the 1961-62 Carnegie CC VJCA Senior Division side that took out the club’s third flag at the highest level, and of which Ron was an integral member.
Ron’s technical ability is always spoken about in reflections of an outstanding career but equally important was his character; hardworking, reliable, quietly confident and yet immensely humble.
A one-club player, Ron arrived at the club as a 14-year-old in season 1937-38 and was immediately selected for the club’s second XI. While still in his teens he was selected to play in the club’s powerful first XI side and was playing representative cricket, regularly touring interstate with the VJCA.
Ron ascended to the captaincy of the first XI at Carnegie and, in his first year at the helm in the season of 1955-56, led the club to its second VJCA Senior Division premiership. That year, Ron scored 500 runs @ 30 to lead the averages; an incredible effort in the era of uncovered pitches. Ron made 99 in the final to push his side to a glorious victory.
Ron captained the first XI for another two seasons, leading from the front with 470 runs @ 43 in 1956-57 and 473 runs @ 32 in 1957-58.
A life member and committee member at Carnegie CC, Ron also served his country in World War II and was a fine footballer.
Fortunately for the club, Ron never lost his love for Carnegie and was a regular fixture at past players’ days, presentation nights and matches. Along with his good mates Noel Tyers and Merv Sutherland, he loved keeping in touch with his club. In fact, Ron was an instalment throughout the recent first XI grand final.
Prior to her passing, Ron’s wife Nancy was also a great supporter of the club, while in recent years his beloved son Ross and daughter-in-law Fiona made an enormous effort to help Ron stay connected with the club. Around five years ago, it was Ron’s wish to make a donation that would be put towards a medal for the best first XI player each season, and the club now proudly presents the Ron Cusack Medal, the highest individual honour available at Carnegie CC.
Since the first of the “modern day” past players’ days in season 2002-03, many of us have had the pleasure of getting to know Ron. Today we are deeply saddened as we prepare to farewell a great bloke — our good mate Ronny — possibly the greatest ‘negie of them all.
