© 1986-2009. All rights reserved.
ASCA Patron: Air Chief Marshal A.G. Houston, AC, AFC
One of the oldest and most popular Services sports is Cricket. Whether it be played out the back of the Section during a lunchtime, or at Combined Service level, it attracts keen interest and the Australian spirit of "getting out there and having a go". Even the occasional cricket supporter will stand-up and "be counted" when Australia is playing England in a Test series for that icon, "The Ashes".
Whilst at the Inter-Service level "The Ashes" are not up for contention, competition is just as keen. For many years the organisation of Tri-Service cricket was very disjointed. In 1986, the Australian Services Cricket Association (ASCA) was formed from one man's desire to see Servicemen able to represent the Defence Force at a national level. He had discovered that there was a mechanism in place to achieve the formation of such an Association. He wrote the constitution, appointed himself President, had these approved by the Australian Defence Force Sports Council thereby bringing about ASCA. This person was Lieutenant Colonel (Colonel) Denis Byrne, (retired).
This Association has the responsibility for conducting Inter-Service cricket at a national level, hosting tours by other nations' Defence Force Combined Service cricket teams and co-ordinating such tours to other countries. One such tour is that to England in July and August 1993.
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Squadron Leader (Retired) Stan Sismey, the Commanding Officer and wicketkeeper of the 1945 Australian Services Cricket Team that contested the 'Victory Tests', has died at the age of 92. To have been so successful in commanding a team that included such strong characters as Lindsay Hassett, Cecil Pepper and Keith Miller speaks volumes of his ability as a leader of men. Stan remained a strong supporter of Services cricket his whole life. His final hoorah with Australian Services cricket was attendance at the 2007 International Defence Cricket Challenge. Stan is also remembered for his steadfast service to NSW cricket as an administrator and selector for long periods.
The Chief of the Defence Force was informed of Stan's passing and asked Wing Commander Grant Pinder to attend his funeral on Friday 26th June 2009. Wing Commander Pinder is a long time servant of Australian Services cricket and had known Stan since 1990, meeting him on many occasions over the ensuing two decades. The funeral was held at the Foster Uniting Church. Stan is survived by his wife Elma, and their daughters, Pam and Carol.
On behalf of the Patron of the Australian Services Cricket Association (ASCA), Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston AC AFC, ASCA President Brigadier Stephen Dunn AM, and all members of ASCA, we pass our condolences to Stan Sismey's family and our fond regards to a true gentleman. Stan Sismey will be remembered as a man that gave selflessly of himself in war, sport and life.
Stan Sismey
Jul 1916 - Jun 2009
