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| Farewell to Todd Ferguson
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On Saturday 6th September 2008, Todd Ferguson, Henley’s Aussie wicketkeeper, played his last game for Henley, bringing down the curtain on a three year stint as Henley’s overseas player. In an emotional send-off after the “Last Supper” that followed the last game of the season, Todd was presented with an engraved tankard and a signed photograph of his best stumping this year (Slough’s Bobby Sher) and received the warm thanks of the Club for what has been a wonderful contribution to Henley Cricket in every way.
Todd arrived at the Brakspear Ground in 2006 from Adelaide in South Australia where he kept wicket for Sturt District CC, one of South Australia’s thirteen Grade Cricket Clubs. The Ferguson family have had a long association with Sturt. In his time, Todd’s father John has been captain, coach, chairman and president and Todd and his brothers all played for Sturt from a young age. Educated at Prince Alfred College in Adelaide, Todd also pursued a career in Aussie Rules Football, first with Prince Alfred Old Collegians, later with Adelaide University and subsequently on a semi-professional basis for Sturt (who also field an Aussie Rules side) before returning to Old Collegians. Apart however from two sabbatical breaks in the 90s, Todd has played all his cricket with Sturt.
Paradoxically, Henley were seeking to sign one of Todd’s team mates but he decided not to make the journey and instead recommended wicketkeeper/batsman Todd and what a recommendation that turned out to be. Todd, unique amongst wicketkeepers in that he never wears pads, has topped the Home Counties Premier League averages for stumpings and catches in every year over here. Ever present throughout his three years with Henley, his glove-work has always been consistently top-draw and frequently spectacular and he will be a very hard act to follow. Though he himself would have liked to have scored more runs, he has nevertheless made some useful contributions with the bat and has been much happier with his form this season during which he has also excelled as a calming influence on Chad Keegan’s wilder instincts.
His presence and influence at the Club has been immense. Effortlessly popular with all, genial, easy going and possessed of a wonderful sense of humour, “Toddy” or “Bubba” was part of the fabric from day one and has proved to be an excellent clubman and influential member of the First Team dressing room. A diligent and regular attendee of bi-weekly training sessions, he has always found the time to work with and encourage players at all levels and his legacy at the Club will live on. He has made lasting friendships throughout the Club and will be sorely missed.
Todd now returns to the Australian summer and cricket with Sturt. Playing as well as ever, he is looking forward for several more seasons at least and would like to win at least one more SACA “A Grade Premiers” Championship as well as break the Sturt club record for the most dismissals which currently stands at 317 of which he is presently 15 short.
The Club looks forward to Todd returning in coming years and he can certainly expect a few visits during the next Ashes series in Australia.
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