The Club notes the passing of past players Noel Cooper and Vince Palamara. Past President Greg Downes says they were two much cherished members and their contributions, warmth, and camaraderie will be remembered fondly.
Noel Cooper
Noel was one of 8 Cooper boys to represent the Club. He played from 1969 to 1980 mainly in the 3rd and 4th XIs where he scored centuries against Ormond Methodists and East Sandringham. He was a stylish left-hand batsman who many believed could have regularly played at a higher level – although he did play in the 2nd XI’s losing grand final team in 1970.
Noel was a laconic character who could spin a really good yarn – always told with a minimum of words but always with a dry humour and great timing. He was a popular raconteur at after game functions. His two centuries also came with interesting back stories.
Peter Wright remembers him turning up at David Street to play in the 4ths, wearing a pair of black leather shoes. He proceeded to put white line-marking ‘paint’ on them and duly went out and made a ton! Club historian and Life Member, John McCulloch was present one day in the early 70s when Noel was playing against what he considered an arrogant opposition “About time someone showed these bastards what this game’s all about!” he stated as he walked out to bat. He came back in with 130 odd to his name.
A character indeed…
Vale Noel.
From Noel’s sister-in-law and Club Life Member, Josephine (Jo) Cooper: “On behalf of the Cooper family I would like to thank you all for your good wishes and memories. We have lost the three eldest Cooper brothers in the last 4 months. Such characters all of them. Also, I would like to pass best wishes on to Vince’s family. What a lovely man.“
Vince Palamara
Vince played 245 games for the Club from 1975 to 1997, later returning to play through to 2009. He came to the Club as a lively left arm seam bowler but made his name as a dependable opening bat in the middle and lower elevens.
Vince will possibly be best remembered as the inspiration behind Hampton’s most controversial award.
Vince had such a dismal 1987–8 season that Club President Alan Broadbent determined it should be immortalised in a trophy and so the Vince Palamara Duck of the Year Award was struck. An impressive trophy, designed by Glen Powell, consisting of a cricket ball passing through the middle of a cricket bat, was awarded to the player adjudged to have been most (or least) worthy each season. Vince accepted the trophy, and the notoriety that came with it for the rest of his career, with humour and good grace. Incidentally, he took great delight in presenting the trophy to Glen Powell the very next year.
Despite his one disastrous season, Vince was one of the Club’s more reliable batsmen for over twenty years, scoring almost 4,500 runs including two centuries with a top score of 125 against St Peters. He also won the 6th XI Bowling in 1978 and was a member of the 7th XI’s Premiership team in1981.
Vince was also a terrific clubman. He was a constant and willing contributor to the club in many aspects and frequently amused friends and teammates with some of his social commentary and antics. His contribution to Club life was officially recognised in 1984 when he won the Best Clubman Award. It is fair to say that no-one had a bad word to say about Vince Palamara.
Vale Vince.
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