At the Cricket Wellington AGM, held on 11 October, Alan Graham - our KCC Patron - was honoured with a Vice Presidency for his more than 55 years of service to Karori. This is a very well deserved honourary role and the Karori Cricket Club is grateful for Alan's ongoing involvement. 

Alan has been associated with Karori Cricket Club since 1966.This was when he moved to Wellington from Auckland as an experienced journalist to report on Parliament, and he made the wise decision to join the KCC team in the President's grade and subsequently played for them for many years. This team had a reunion 30 years after winning their championship and 10 of the 11 players in the photo turned up, so much was the emphasis on team and celebrating cricket. The captain of this legendary side still had the scorebook so the boys couldn't lie about their performances.

After that Alan coached junior cricket extensively including the Premier schoolboy XI.

As a reporter he travelled with the Black Caps on their tour of India and Pakistan and made one appearance for them in a swimming relay against a visiting air crew who were at their hotel.

At home he began a long career assisting the Karori Premiers, sometimes as manager, sometimes as scorer, every year as stats keeper and action photographer, and most years as a Committee man. He wrote KCC's planning documents which were required to keep Premier status. He also served on the Karori Cricket Foundation which assists promising club players.

Alan donated at considerable cost the fine scorebox that you will all have seen at Karori Park, as well as two electronic scoreboards. He has operated these scoreboards over the years, including for the Blaze, Wellington A, festival and age grade rep games, and once for the Firebirds when their scoreboard broke down.

Alan has had an immense, positive impact on our community. He is a true Club man and servant of our great game in Karori. The Club is extremely grateful for his service and ongoing contribution.

Words: Sally Morrison
Pictured: (L-R) Yoel Samson, Sally Morrison, Alan Graham, Cara Jacoby

Article added: Sunday 05 November 2023