Ron Gregg’s 25 year sporting career is an inspiration. He was named “Best All-Round Sportsman in the Ouyen District” and played against the West Indies for Country Victoria in cricket.

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TRANSCRIPT

[CROWD NOISE]

RON GREGG (VOICEOVER): I started cricket in 1947, '48. I always played with Ouyen. I  haven't played with any other side, other than representative sides to Adelaide, Melbourne, Swan Hill, Mildura. I played for approximately 25 years.

In those days, there were teams from Underbool, Torrita, Walpeup, Kiamal, Galah, Ouyen, Speed, Tempy, Patchewollock. So really it was a large competition, which was great, because you weren't playing against the same players every day.

[CROWD NOISE]

ARTHUR WILTON (VOICEOVER): I think I started playing cricket with the Ouyen Cricket Club a couple of years before Ron, but when he came into the game, I was absolutely astounded at his ability. From 14 or 15 years of age, he's playing in the senior cricket sides. And he immediately became a drawcard for all around him.

[CROWD NOISE]

Probably the most vivid memories are the grand final against Kiamal Cricket Club, who were probably favorites to win the game, I had. So they had a strong side, batting and bowling.

One batted for two days I think. It was a known dasher batsman, who'd many times be prepared to throw his wicket away to give someone else a hit. He obviously looked as though he could have stayed a bit longer, but in this instance, he was determined to stay as long as he possibly could, and he did.

[CROWD NOISE]

RON GREGG (VOICEOVER): Playing against the West Indies, I'll never forget that. It was just nice to be able to walk out on the ground, whether you're fielding or whether you're batting, to say, well, here I am. And those days-- And I never, never hardly ever wore gloves-- and I didn't wear gloves that day and I paid the penalty.

ARTHUR WILTON (VOICEOVER): My recollection of it was when had made 30-0 out when the Sunraysia team were put into bat against the West Indies. One of them was hit on the arm by West Indian quick bowler, Lester King. When we turned in the West Indies innings, and he absolutely starred in the field. He brought the house down many a time with his returns over the wicket. Even bringing applause to my vivid memory from the West Indies' leading players.

[CLAPPING]

He's regarded as one of the best all around sportsmen that's ever been in the Ouyen district. He would have been an inspiration for many years in the sport of cricket particularly, and of football. There's still talk about, to this day, what his feats in both areas.

[CLAPPING]

RON GREGG: Maybe the bowlers bowled where the bat was at the time, and I was lucky enough to score a few runs. Now, I batted reasonably well, I don't mind saying that.

[CROWD NOISE]