Vale Bears' Legend Ro Shelton

The UTS North Sydney District Cricket club is saddened to hear of the passing of life member Roland ‘Ro’ Shelton on Sunday 3rd July.

Ro joined the club in the late 1960s from the far north of NSW and made his 1st grade debut against Mosman in 1970/71. Ro was a quick leg spin bowler who extracted a lot of turn and bounce. In 1976/77 he had the lowest bowling average in the competition (min 30 wickets) with 45 @ 13.88.

Over a 13 season first grade career Ro took 389 first grade wickets (4th all time for club) at an average of 20.61 with nineteen 5-wicket hauls and best figures of 6/11. In fact, he claimed 6 wickets in an innings on a remarkable nine occasions. He was also a more than handy batsman scoring 3972 runs @ 23.64 and a highest score of 114.

Sydney Morning Herald journalist, Jason Dasey, wrote of Ro in 1980:

Shelton, one of the best grade players not to appear in first-class cricket, was superb, combining ferocious spin with accuracy."

Ro did play for NSW Colts against Victoria Colts in 1974.

Ro was 1st Grade captain from 1977-78 to 82-83 and played a key role in the reinvigoration of the club. Being a former NSW County Emu he was able to foster a relationship with the Emus whereby many representative country players came to Norths to foster their cricketing careers.

Ro is one of the most decorated members of the club, being a life member, 1st grade captain and 1st grade player number #422.

Vale Ro Shelton