Sport
16 January, 2025
The 'jewell' of cricket honoured
WHEN it comes to local cricket club stalwarts, Robbie Jewell’s name is high on the list.
Mortlake Cricket Club has been like a second home to Robbie and his family for the past five decades.
His dedication to the club, and to the sport over 50 years was recognised by Cricket Victoria when he received an appreciation award during the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
Presented to him by chief executive officer of Cricket Victoria Nick Cummins, on day three of the test, Robbie said he was absolutely thrilled and honoured.
“I’m quite humbled to be honest,” he said.
Robbie was nominated for the award by fellow club member Stephen Blacker.
In his nomination application, Mr Blacker said Robbie had dedicated over 50 years to the Mortlake Cricket Club as a player, captain, coach, committee member and more.
“A premiership player at 17, he excelled as a fast bowler and batsman,” Blacker said.
“He has mentored younger players and supported the club in all capacities, from groundskeeping to cooking weekly team dinners.
“His lifelong commitment is unparalleled.”
Receiving his award, Robbie said the club was a great one to be involved with.
“It (Mortlake) is a family club with a warm, welcoming atmosphere and it’s where my family really has been brought up.
“As kids we were always knocking about here, and I started playing in the under 16s when I was about 12 or 13 and by 15 I was playing seniors.
“I’ve won a few premierships over the years, my first when I was about 17, but it’s not all about that. It’s about the friends you make, the social side of it and what you can give back to not only the club but the community.”
While it’s been “quite a few years” since he last donned the pads and picked up a bat, Robbie still gets just as much enjoyment today from watching others succeed as he did when he first began chasing runs.
“My days of being out there (on the field) are long gone but I’ve got lots of good memories and now I just really enjoy watching others succeed,” he said.
Cricket, and in particular the Mortlake club, makes up a strong part of the Jewell family history.
Robbie’s brother Noel has also played with the Cats, along with cousins Dennis and Gary.
Son Josh was also regularly seen at the crease and now grandson Connor is beginning to make his own mark in the juniors.
“Connor is now playing in the under 12s which is terrific; unfortunately work commitments has stopped me from getting out to watch but hopefully I can see him play a few games,” Robbie said.
“It’s great to see all the kids out there learning a few things and having fun.”
While he may no longer be out on the field, Robbie is a familiar face behind the barbecue, regularly cooking up a storm for players, supporters and visitors.
“The barbie seems to be my spot these days and I really enjoy that,” he said.
“It’s great to be able to help out wherever I can; that’s what a local club is all about. I don’t have to do it, I want to do it – hanging around the young ones helps keep me young.”