Our club history

The early years

Founded in the 1994/95 season, the Bangor Barden Ridge Comets began life as the Aquinas College Cricket Club. Initially centred around school-based participation, the club was launched with two Under 14s teams thanks to the efforts of Michael Barber and Steve Jones, and with the support of Aquinas College Principal, Peter Turner. Over the next two seasons, the club expanded to include both Under 14s and Under 16s teams, laying the foundations for a growing presence in junior cricket.

The 1996/97 season marked the involvement of two pivotal figures, Tom Sommerville and Peter Evans, who coached and managed the premiership-winning 14Es. This success catalysed the formalisation of the club: the first Committee was elected on 22 May 1997, and the club became incorporated on 1 July 1997. That same month, the club held its first open registration day and entered seven teams in the 1997/98 competition – from Under 8s to B6 seniors.

Becoming the Comets

As the club grew, so too did its footprint in the local community. In 2010/11, the name was officially changed to Bangor Barden Ridge Comets to reflect our commitment to being an inclusive, community-based club open to players of all backgrounds and abilities.

A tradition of success

Since inception, the Comets have developed a proud tradition of success across both junior and senior levels. The club has consistently celebrated premierships and grand final appearances across age groups. Highlights include:

2000/01: One of our most successful seasons with three premierships (12Bs, 12Es, 16Cs) and two runners-up (10Bs, 12F1s), alongside the launch of a popular Super 8s tournament with Illawong, Bosco, and Heathcote.
2007–2010: A golden era with back-to-back premierships for the 14Es, 14Cs, and 16Cs, culminating in a rare ‘three-peat’ achievement.
2012/13: A remarkable season where four teams reached the finals and three claimed the premiership (10Cs, 12Bs, 16Cs).
2016/17: First ever club championship win.
2023/24: First ever 16A premiership team.

Senior cricket

In senior cricket, the Comets have fielded teams in the Sutherland Shire Cricket Association and, from 2011/12, coordinated efforts with the Bangor Tavern Cricket Club to provide pathways for junior graduates. Senior teams now proudly compete under the Comets banner.

Challenges and revival

The club has weathered challenges too. In 2002/03, the Comets operated without a President, sustained only by a dedicated Committee. In 2003/04, Allan Graham assumed the presidency, followed by Bryan Gilchrist, under whose leadership the club experienced significant growth and revitalisation. The 10th Anniversary in 2004/05 was marked by a special celebration attended by cricket legends Doug Walters, Len Pascoe, and Jeff Thomson.

Leadership through the years

Subsequent presidents – Roy Amos, Brett Bryant, Mark Dutton, Paul DeCelis, James Young and current president Rod Stoddart – have each contributed to shaping the club’s direction. Brett Bryant’s long-standing leadership saw the introduction of core policies and closer community ties. Mark Dutton’s presidency included the club’s first-ever Club Championship win in 2016/17, and the awarding of life memberships to himself and Paul Davis for their dedicated service.

Paul DeCelis’s presidency was defined by steady financial stewardship and navigating the club through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, he coached the club’s first-ever 16A premiership team in 2023/24, earning life membership for his outstanding contribution.

The club today

Today, the Comets thrive as a family-oriented, inclusive cricket club offering pathways from In2Cricket for 4–8 year olds, right through to competitive senior teams. We remain proud participants in the SSJCA competition and are committed to nurturing cricketing talent, fostering sportsmanship, and building lifelong connections through the game we love.

Our current Committee brings together a dynamic mix of experience and fresh perspectives, with representation across all junior age groups. Under the leadership of Rod Stoddart and a committee of dedicated volunteers, we are excited for the future. We remain dedicated to honouring our club’s proud traditions while continuing to evolve to meet the changing needs of our players and broader community.