The cricket ground where Lake Macquarie cricketing legend Robert “Dutchy” Holland played his maiden first-grade match almost 60 years ago will be renamed in his honour.
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Lake Macquarie City Council voted unanimously on Monday night to rename Awaba Oval as Robert “Dutchy” Holland Oval, following a submission from Cricket Southern Lakes and consequent widespread community support.
Holland became the oldest cricketer in more than 50 years to pull on the Baggy Green when he was called into the Australian Test side in 1984.
He was 38 years old at the time.
In that same 1984-85 season, Holland took a 10-wicket haul in the fifth Test against the West Indies, claiming the prized scalps of Viv Richards, Desmond Haynes and captain Clive Lloyd in the process.
Holland was also a long-serving council employee, but mayor Kay Fraser said the renaming of Awaba Oval was due solely to Holland’s distinguished cricketing career, on and off the field.
“Robert was a great man, an excellent cricketer, and a fantastic ambassador for his sport and sportsmanship in general,” Cr Fraser said.
“Naming Robert’s former home ground in his honour is due recognition of all he did and all he was.”
In 1961, Holland played his first game of first grade for Southern Lakes, aged just 15, at Awaba Oval.
He played a total 440 grade matches for the club, including 317 in first grade.
Holland died in September, 2017, after a battle with brain cancer.
His son, Craig, said the name change was “a great honour” for his family.
“It is a fitting tribute for Dad, who spent countless years and hours improving cricket facilities not only in Awaba but also other grounds around Toronto,” Craig said.
“Dad used to love that ground and us kids – now aged 47, 45 and 43 – have great memories spending our weekends there.”
Cricket Southern Lakes Secretary Chris Kuszelyk said Holland had been “a source of inspiration” for hundreds of local cricketers.
“Robert’s generosity knew no bounds,” Mr Kuszelyk said.
“He was the cornerstone of, and his name synonymous with, Southern Lakes cricket.”
Mr Kuszelyk said Holland was a true gentleman who respected the traditions of cricket and his fellow man.
