Life Membership for loyal Lions

Life Members of the Pakenham Cricket Club, from left, Ben Maroney, Phil Anning, Grant Williams, John McCraw, Trevor Williamson, Narelle Williamson, Dale McCraw, Paul Hart, Greg Hogben and Scott Webster welcome Sean Gramc, David Searle and Jason Williams to the exclusive club. 402768 Picture: SUPPLIED

By David Nagel

It was a special night at the Pakenham Cricket Club on Saturday 13 April with three long-time servants of the club being recognised for their efforts with Life Memberships.

2023/24 Presentation Night was an extra-special occasion for Sean Gramc, David Searle and Jason Williams; who join the exclusive honour roll at Toomuc Reserve.

Gramc and Williams continue a proud history for both families at the club, with Gramc joining his late father Bernie as a Life Member, while Grant Williams was in attendance to welcome his son Jason to the club.

All three Life Memberships have been thoroughly hard-earned, with Gramc, Searle and Williams having all contributed more than 25 years of service.

Gramc – a hard-hitting all-rounder – is a three-time premiership player with the Lions, having also contributed a significant amount of time as a volunteer.

Searle has been spinning up a storm in the lower grades for Pakenham for many years and has won five premierships; including two as captain.

Williams has built an enviable reputation as one of the finest cricketers in the last 20 years of the West Gippsland/Casey Cardinia Cricket Association.

Originally a top-order bat, Williams has become a classy all-rounder with his consistent off-spinners becoming a staple of the Lions’ attack.

In round six of the 2023/24 season he took career-best figures of 8/47 against Devon Meadows.

Williams captain/coached Pakenham in 2014/15 and is a two-time premiership star; four times being awarded Pakenham’s Best Finals Player.

He has also represented the league with distinction, having been a Country Week member on 10 occasions.

Gramc, Searle and Williams were joined by many Life Members on the night to help celebrate their induction.