Joyce Dalton, the 'Donald Bradman' of women's cricket
Once described as the Bradman of women's cricket, former Australian Test cricketer and NSW Women's captain Joyce Dalton has died at 83.
In what was another era for women's cricket, all the players were amateurs and the uniform was somewhat different to that of today.
The 1958 Australian Team to New Zealand showing Joyce Dalton, circled.
Born in Queensland, Vale Joyce Dalton rose to prominence as a cricketer in Sydney. Presented with NSW cap No. 71, she debuted for her state in 1952-53 and rose to captain the side two years later.
A graceful right-hand batter who could drive powerfully on both sides of the wicket, Dalton played three Tests for Australia in 1958, averaging 34.66 with a top score of 59 not out.
As an elegant cricketer, her fielding shone. Quick with instant anticipation and a deadly arm, teammates talk of her throwing down the stumps to claim vital runouts.
Former Australian captain and teammate Muriel Picton recalls how one opposing batter played a stroke and called "two" only to be run out at the bowler's end failing to complete the first run.
A physical education teacher, Dalton moved to New Zealand, where she played for Wellington and Canterbury.
After returning to Sydney she represented NSW again as vice-captain, playing her last match in 1968-69.
Dalton played with and against some of the game's finest players including Betty Wilson, Kit Raymond and Marg Marvel.
She was passionate about physical education, lecturing at Sydney Teachers' College. Teammates believe her formal education as a teacher and lecturer honed her skills as a well-organised leader. They remembered with humour how she would become frustrated at committee meetings because none of the other committee members appeared to be as organised as her.
Dalton is remembered as much for her vibrant personality as supreme sporting ability. While best known as a cricketer, she excelled at a number of sports, also playing squash for NSW. She was a life member of the Bayview Golf Club on the northern beaches, where she has an unrivalled record, winning 74 trophy events and 15 club championships. As a hockey player she competed in NSW City versus Country matches and was an outstanding junior tennis player.
A spritely personality who was loved by her teammates, she remained involved in the game and regularly attended NSW past player functions and reunions, including the Steve Waugh-Belinda Clark Medal Dinner, a gala event that signals the official end of each NSW cricket season.
Joyce embraced cricket's rapid changes and enthused about the positive impact of Twenty20 cricket. During a past-players function at the Sydney Cricket Ground last season that coincided with the Sydney Thunder versus Sydney Sixers clash in the opening season of the Women's Big Bash League, she was enthusiastic about the opportunities now available to female cricketers. She admired their skill and athleticism and how they played the game, regularly remarking "this is fantastic".
Her interests ranged well beyond sport. Described by her teammates as a very intelligent woman, she enjoyed in-depth discussions on varied topics whether economic, cultural, scientific, political or world matters.
Joyce Dalton's life will be celebrated on January 8 from 4pm at the Maunsell Wickes Art Gallery, Paddington.