Don Bienvenu

Debut: 1967-68
Club No: 73
Club Games: 298
50+ Years Service
Batting: 324 innings, 7626 runs @ 27.73
Highest Score: 132 (Seniors)
Bowling: 9 wickets @ 18.56
Best Bowling: 2/4 (Seniors)
Awards: Life Membership (1983), 1st XI Batting (1967/68, 1971/72, 1975/76), 2nd XI Batting (1978/79, 1981/82, 1987/88), 3rd XI Batting (1984/85), 4th XI Batting (1992/93), 50 Years Service (2019)
Leadership: President (1988/89 – 1996/97), Secretary (1970/71 – 1981/82), Treasurer (1984/85), 1st XI Captain (1967/68 – 1970/71 & 1985/86), 2nd XI Captain (1974/75 – 1983/84), 3rd XI Captain (1984/85)

Don came to the Club in the season of 1967/68 after 15 seasons with East Malvern, and although finishing his playing career after the 1994/95 season, he continues to be actively involved.

Over this time Don has held the positions of President for 9 years, Secretary for 12 years, Captain of various teams for 8 seasons, and also roles as Junior Co-ordinator, Junior Coach, Delegate, Commitee Member and Material Overseer.

As a player Don scored 7626 Senior runs (a Club record) from 298 games, winning 7 batting awards and Captaining 3 premiership teams (1967/68, 1968/69 and 1984/85), whilst coaching junior teams to 4 flags.

Don’s outstanding contribution to the game of cricket was recognised in 2000 with the Australian Sports Medal award. He also achieved Life Membership of the S.D.C.C L. in 2002 and the Leagues U/13 competition bears his name.

The character and the culture of the Club is largely due to Don’s dedication and guidance, and the 2016/17 season marked Don’s 50th continuous year of involvement at the Club, the first Club member to achieve this remarkable milestone.

Don is a regular encouraging spectator at the “Den”
In 2019 the Pavilion was named the “DON BIENVENU PAVILION” in his honour.

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