Wests Life Members

Season 2010/2011 saw the induction of three of Westies finest as Life Members, Ajay Mehta, Ben Keens and Allan McGann. All three of these men have had a major impact on my life and time with Wests.

Ajay Mehta has been a constant at Westies for over 30 years, having been a player, committee member; he has provided accommodation for young members and has been a clubman through and through. Ajay also helped organise end of season trips, this years one of his finest achievements. At the end of season 98/99 and with nowhere to stay in Canberra, Ajay kindly offered me a room at the Ngunna-mahal so I could remain in Canberra over the summer and play with Westies.

Ben Keens statistics speak for themselves, he is Wests most prolific wicket taker, and has over recent years been a batting revelation through the grades. Seasons with 60+ wickets, grade hundreds and several premierships have been complemented by his commitment to the committee in past seasons. Ben has been active in participation and organisation of Wests club functions and has recently assisted in updating the WDUCCC career playing statistics. After moving from Uni Residence at the end of first year, Ben also offered an accommodation solution for me in Giralang. I distinctly remember my first night out with the Westies First Graders ending up at Keensy’s place in the early hours. This, from memory, was also the first night out in Canberra for former WDUCCC superstar Mark Hatton.

Allan McGann joined Wests as a playing member in season 1999/2000, mentoring through the lower grades. Illness struck Allan in 2001 that saw him spend some time recovering away from the game. He returned the following season and, with more restricted movement due to the surgery, made a 5th grade hundred.  He has since taken on many roles within the Westies framework, and will always be fondly thought of by Westies members for coaching the side to it's first 2 day premiership in 13 years in 2007/2008. From this era, WDUCCC has also seen the emergence of two potential stars of Australian cricket, Ryan Carters and Nathan Lyon. His impact on me from a personal level is far more than that of which I have learned from him about cricket, he gave me life and love and continues to inspire me to be better.

I am sure that you will all agree that these three are deserving inductees into the Life Members club of WDUCCC. There are many more members whose impact on the cub has been immense and I anticipate further inductees over the coming years, rewarding individuals for significant contributions to WDUCCC.

Ganny