Robert “Nook” Ebert

  It is with considerable sadness that I advise the passing of MPCC Life Member Robert “Nook” Ebert. Nook passed away last night after battling ill-health for some time.

  Nook contributed immensely both on and off field to MPCC in a multitude of roles during his career which began in the 1976/77 season. He was a valuable member of the Senior A side (Player #48) scoring two centuries in his debut season on the way to an aggregate of 513 runs which saw him awarded both the Senior A (Chapman Cup) and Club (Yaxley Trophy) batting trophies and his efforts helped the side become joint winners of the Senior A competition for 76/77. Nook scored a total of 2247 runs for MPCC (all for Senior A) in 76 innings (8 not-outs) at the excellent average of 33.04 and also managed to take 20 wickets. His most prolific season was in 1979/80 when he scored 617 runs and once again claimed both the Chapman Cup & Yaxley Trophy finishing almost 300 runs ahead of the next highest scorer in the team. Nook was also a member of the CSCA Senior A Rep side for four seasons from 1976/77 to 1979/80.

  He scored three centuries in all for the club …

• 102* on 30/10/76 vs Harewood
• 100* on 19/03/77 vs Hornby
• 100 on 05/11/77 vs Hornby

  Off the field Nook was a member of the MPCC Committee from 1977/78 right through until 1991/92. He was Club Captain in 1981/82, Vice President in both 82/83 and 83/84 and was MPCC President for both the 84/85 & 85/86 seasons. Beyond the management committee he was also an integral member of the all important Housie Committee whose fundraising efforts over many years helped pay for the majority of the MPCC facilities (Clubrooms, Nets etc.) enjoyed by members and helped set the club up financially, the benefits of which we still enjoy today. He looked after the grounds for a few seasons and was involved in various sub-committees during his MPCC career. Nook’s efforts were acknowledged with the awarding of the Arthur Robinson Trophy (for Outstanding Club Service) in 1986/87, 88/89 and again in 94/95 as part of the Housie Committee.

  Nook also took up umpiring after finishing his playing career and went on to become the Canterbury Cricket Umpires Patron.

  On behalf of all MPCC members both past and present I pass on our sincere condolences to Nook’s wife Sandra and their family. May he Rest in Peace.

Ross Patterson

MPCC President

Article added: Thursday 09 July 2020