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The 1950s
Officials, players, members and/or supporters first noted in this decade
Peter Benson, Henry Burger (Dux of Xavier in 1950), Jack Callander, Tony Capes (closely associated with the Footscray Football Club), Bill Carroll (Coach of the OXFC Reserves for several years to 1966 adding 2 premierships in 3 seasons to his resume, OXFC President 1968 to 1969 & 1985), John Corby, Kevin Cosgrave, Peter Cosgrave (brother of Hawthorn District cricket batsman, Jim Cosgrave), Bill Dixon, John Doyle, Phil Francis, G. Gaynor, Nat Keeshan (former Prahran batsman), Michael Kelly, “Caz” Keogh/Tom Keogh, Kevin King, John Lambert, Barry Larkin, Allan McLean (left for District ranks in 1952/53 but returned to captain the side in 1954/55), Michael Meagher (who began with the Club in 1955/56 whilst still captain of the School under 16 side), Jim Menadue (fast bowler from District ranks), John Niall, Bob O’Brien, Barry O’Callaghan, Joe Pilkington, Noel Porter, John Quin (wicket keeper), Peter Rhoden (Member of School XVII premiers 1955, OXFC player, OXFC coach for 7 seasons from 1962 to 1968 and also coached the VAFA interstate squad), Mark Roberts (wicket-keeper from Tasmania), Brian Russell, Don “Old Duck” Sanders (left for District ranks in 1952/53), John Sanders, Adrian Schrader (son of H.), Heine Schrader, Neville Schrader, John Sutton, Geoff Woods.

1950/51
“The Xaverian” 1951 simply reported that the Club “did well”.

1951/52
“The Xaverian” 1952 reported that “the season was a successful and enjoyable one, but there is an urgent need for new players”

1952/53
Captain: Leo Starr

“The Xaverian” 1953 reported that the Club “enjoyed a successful season … (and) that a number of younger Old Xaverians have joined their ranks”. In “Laurels”, it was reported that the team had won 3 games but suffered 6 losses, apparently with some small margins, which gave some satisfaction but not points in the competition.

1953/54
Captain: Leo Starr

“The Xaverian” 1954 reported that the Club “had a most successful year to finish third in the MCC Club Competition”. It failed to qualify for the final despite a late run, winning 4 of the last five games. The top two teams, OMs and Old Wesley, played off for the premiership, the OMs winning by 4 runs.

Back to Xavier Day included 4 cricket matches, e.g. Jesuits v. The Over Forties, a team which included Brigadier Tom Daly.

1954/55
Captain: Alan McLean.

The captain reported to “Laurels” that this was a disappointing season with only 2 wins but was of no doubt beneficial to the host of new players.

Averages/aggregates (if known):
Batting: Adrian Schrader
Bowling: Jack Sutton, the season’s top wicket taker.

Highlights:
Alan McLean: scores of 64 and 63 runs.
Don Collins 60 runs - Adrian Schrader 76 runs - John Quin 62 runs.
Lou Zachariah: 7/45 and top score of 36 runs in one game.

1955/56
Captain: Alan McLean.

Further new faces appeared this season. However, the promise of a good season following the newcomers of the past and present season did not eventuate. The Club again only managed 2 wins but most games were close. The most improved player was the opening batsman Noel Porter but other new players also acquitted themselves ably. At this time, Bill Carroll was credited as an opening bowler but would in the next decade be seen as a tall off spinner.

Averages/Aggregates (if known):
Bowling: “Lou Zachariah (Vice-Captain) - opening bowler and chief wicket taker for the team. Secretary and baggage-man” (per “Laurels” No. 56).

Highlights:
Alan McLean: 72 runs (top score of the season),

1956/57
A good season ­ won about half the games played.

1957/58
The Club lost a number of regular players for a variety of reasons. and made an urgent plea for recruits.

1958/59

1959/60

According to “Laurels”, it was “a moderately successful and enjoyable season”. The Club won 5 wins, 3 losses and drew 1 game.

Averages/aggregates (if known)
Best all rounder: Peter Rhoden (‘googlies’ and steady batting).

Highlights:
Bill Carroll: a hat trick (all bowled) v. University.
Lou Zachariah: 6/7 v. St. Kilda Club XI (all out for 25 runs)
Alan McLean: 78 runs.
John Sanders, Bill Carroll and Lou Zachariah: each an innings of more than 50 runs.
The Club gave special thanks to the Rector, Father Keenan, for allowing the use of the swimming pool after matches during the hot summer.