Bruce Baxter is a name synonymous with cricket in the Clarence Valley, having dedicated over five decades to the sport. His unwavering commitment was recently recognised when he became one of the inaugural recipients of the Cricket NSW Community Distinguished Service Award, honouring volunteers who have contributed more than 25 years to cricket in their local communities.
Bruce's cricket journey began in Picton, where he played backyard cricket, smashing many a window, he recalls, before joining the Wollondilly Cricket Club's 3rd Grade team. At 16, he started representing Camden District Cricket Association in the Under 18s teams and then advanced to CDCA’s 1st Grade team as a player. In 1990, he moved to Grafton to teach at South Grafton High School, continuing to coach school teams until his retirement in 2007. Even now, he remains active in cricket, umpiring 25 games in the last season alone.
For over 50 years, Bruce has been a cornerstone of the South Services Cricket Club (SSCC). He served as Vice President from 1974 to 1976, President from 1977 to 2025, and Coach from 1977 to 2025. He became a life member in 1980 and actively played for the club from 1973 to 2007. Beyond his club commitments, Bruce has held significant roles in regional cricket, including Vice President, Secretary, and President of the Clarence River Cricket Association (CRCA) since 1975, and life membership in 1988. He has also contributed to the North Coast Cricket Council as Vice President for six years and as a CRCA delegate for the last five years.
20 years doing the cricket preview on radio 2GF every Saturday morning. In addition, penning the cricket preview for the Saturday Daily Examiner newspaper from 1975 - 1990.
Bruce's passion for cricket extends to umpiring and coaching. From 2008 to 2024, he served as Vice President and President of the Clarence River District Cricket Umpires’ Association (CRDUSA) and the North Coast Cricket Umpires’ and Scorers’ Association (NCCUSA), receiving life membership in 2024. He was appointed to the NSW CUSA Supplementary Panel (2015-2016), Full Panel (2017-2022), and currently serves as an Independent Country Selector. Bruce has also coached Under-12, Under-14 and Under-16 teams for 50 consecutive seasons, instilling a love for the game in young players.
Bruce's dedication to cricket is driven by the belief that cricket is the best sport one can play: "We see kids playing a sport they love and improve their skills. It is a privilege to be a part of the process, and the rewards are right there." His contributions have been pivotal in promoting and organising cricket events, teaching new generations, and fostering a love for the game.
Bruce’s love for cricket extends to writing and talking about it on the radio regularly. He spent 20 years doing the cricket preview on the local radio, 2GF, every Saturday morning. In addition, he penned the cricket preview for the Saturday Daily Examiner newspaper for 15 years from 1975 – 1990.
Bruce Baxter's unparalleled commitment to cricket in the Clarence Valley over the last 50 years makes him an outstanding advocate and stalwart of the sport. His recent recognition with the Cricket NSW Community Distinguished Service Award is a testament to his enduring impact on the cricket community.