Sport
24 January, 2025
Three Horsham cricket stalwarts recognised with outstanding service awards
The trio received their awards at the 2024 Boxing Day test match.
Cricket
Melbourne
After a combined 177 years of dedication to cricket, three of Horsham's beloved icons - David Hopper, Barry Hopper and Dean Arnott - received prestigious recognition at the iconic Boxing Day Test.
The trio were presented with joint Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria outstanding services to cricket awards on December 28, 2024.
Their service spans over 65, 60 and 52 years, respectively, across playing, coaching and administration.
It's good for the community to be recognised, it's probably important for the fabric of the community and for cricket," David said.
The Hoppers are ingrained in the Homers Cricket Club, while Arnott, has been a long-time member of Colts.
"It [sport] was just there all of the time, either a footy or a cricket ball," Barry said.
For Arnott, however, his entry into the sport was different.
"No one in my family actually played cricket," he said.
"I walked across the road and asked if I could play, and they grabbed me straight away.
"I was playing at primary school, and the only way I could get to play is by walking up there."
During their playing careers, Barry recalled playing against touring Indian and New Zealand sides, while David remember being on the same field as South African legend Barry Richards and former Australian captain Greg Chappell.
The trios' bond only grew after they initially shared the ground as opponents before later playing together in various country week teams.
"[Through the game] we've become friends, and we have an annual catch-up every year, that's the beauty of it all," David said.
Leaving a mark after calling stumps
For David, Barry, and Dean, cricket has been more than a sport; it's been a lifelong passion, shaping their friendships, careers, and the community.
After their playing careers, the development of the region's junior players has been a major focus.
"We're all connected very closely to juniors, which is very important. And that goes back before our time," Barry said.
And it is this emerging talent that has seen changes both with the game and outside factors in recent decades.
"The game itself has changed with the event of the 50-over game and 20-over games," Barry said.
"When you watch the test series and the BBL, they're [the public] paying heap of money to continually go to it. People only go to things they enjoy."
Technology has also had an impact at the grassroots level, but Arnott has seen the number of people increase once again.
"There's still tons of kids that want to play, and it's a good thing," Arnott said.
"The numbers dropped off for a bit, but they're starting to pick back up again."
This has been seen in the performances of the Horsham Cricket Association's junior country week teams.
With the sports' continued presence on television, the trio is hopeful it will filter down to not just the Wimmera but also the regions around the country.
"As a result of television and the way that they sell it, sports in Australia is probably the number one thing we really all agree on," David said.
" How do you fix the next generation in the bush?"