It is with great sadness that we report Camberwell Cricket Club player and life member, David Morrison passed away on Sunday, 24 March 2024 aged 80, following a long battle with Lewy body dementia.
David (aka 'Moppa') played 241 games for Camberwell Cricket Club between (1960-83) as a top-order batsman scoring 7097 runs at average 30.3, while taking 85 wickets for 1335 runs at average 15.7. His career was in two halves, initially 139 games in the First XI - 3108 runs at 22.9, and later 21 games in the Fifth (or Club) XI - 1736 runs at 96.4. His best scores included 108 n.o. vs. Brunswick First XI, 99 vs. Surrey Park for the Fourth XI, 209 n.o. vs. Ashwood (S-F) and 166 vs. North Balwyn (with nine centuries overall) for the Fifth XI.
He was a member of the Camberwell Fourth XI 1960-61, Fifth XI 1979-80 and 1980-81 premiership sides.
David was one of the great playing personalities of our Club much loved by his teammates. He was a key batsman for many years with the First XI under the captaincy of Ken Munro, John Birch, Col McKenzie, Jack Rose and Ray Sneddon in a very strong team which was a regular Sub-District finalist. Apart from his century, one of his best innings was versus Ringwood in a semi-final on a difficult track at Ringwood. After Peter De Bonde and Alan Marion had combined to give us a small first innings lead, 'Moppa' (32) and Terry Grace (10 n.o.) occupied the crease for some time to add 44 runs against the fiery fast bowling of Robinson and Matuska (often taking blows on the body) in the second innings to ensure victory would be achieved.
He later returned to play alongside Peter Warner in the Fifth XI and re-wrote the record books scoring 902 runs at 82.0 while taking 39/404 at 10.0 bowling swing and cut in 1979-80, before following-up with 834 runs at 119.1 and taking 17/349 at 20.5 in 1980-81. The Club XI's achievements were well-deserved, and triggered a very productive 1980's era for the Club with all senior elevens achieving premiership success. David was awarded CCC Life-Membership in 1982.
Away from cricket, 'Moppa' was a very promising footballer for Glen Iris when much younger. He worked as an auditor for Victoria Police, and after moving-on shared a lawn mowing business with son Hamish for several years. David and wife 'Biddy' lived with family at Mont Albert, were married for 50 years, and were great supporters of CCC social events over a long period of time. 'Biddy' pre-deceased David in 2017. Son, Hamish was also a successful CCC opening-batsman scoring four First XI centuries.
David will be much missed by his many friends and we extend our sincere sympathy to his children, Hamish and Brooke, and the extended Morrison family.
May he rest in peace 🖤🤍