Club stalwart honoured with life membership after helping reshape cricket club

BALLINA Bears has named its newest life member with Phil Melville recognised for his dedication and service in helping reshape the cricket club for future success.

Melville arrived at the club 12 years ago having worked with Cricket NSW and quickly set about sharing his knowledge at a grassroots level.

His goal was to rebuild its junior pathway system and bring more people into the senior grades.

He has taken on a wide range of roles including club president, senior and junior coach, junior coordinator and Far North Coast Hooker League president.

Melville has been instrumental in building the club’s culture with a focus on creating opportunities for all players.

Under his guidance, the club has prioritised inclusion, helping make cricket more accessible to Indigenous players and women, while ensuring young cricketers enjoy the game in a positive and welcoming environment.

Melville was joined on stage by the club’s other life members at its presentation night.

He coached four of the other life members in the top grade, while keeping the club on track in administration roles with Geoff Jacobs, who is another life member still involved at the Bears.

“It caught me by surprise, and I was very proud to be there among other life members,” Melville said.

“You don’t do it for the recognition, for me it’s always been about creating opportunities for people to enjoy the game.

“Everyone deserves a pathway to play cricket at a higher level or in a competition that suits them.”

Melville has helped the club bring back its junior cricket program which now include three teams.

He coached the under-14 this year in hopes preparing them for the clubs’ senior ranks in the next few years.

He said he plans to step aside for now, with the club and its volunteers to keep building on the current momentum.

“The club is in great shape, and I’ve been lucky to be involved at all different levels of cricket,” he said.

“One of the other great parts is seeing Far North Coast juniors like Max Bryant and others go on to play at a higher level.

“I’ve met some legends of the sport like Greg Chappell and Doug Walters along the way, too.”