Doug Rumble Cup

Doug Rumble was a wicketkeeper who played 187 games for Fitzroy and Melbourne University. He was born in 1955 and played his first game in 1970 at the age of 15, keeping to the likes of Eddie Illingworth and 'Froggy' Thomson, the most feared opening bowling combination in district cricket. He made 1658 runs and took 286 catches and 25 stumpings during his career. During his career, he also played two seasons at Melbourne University CC while doing studies to become a PE teacher. After returning to Fitzroy, he became captain-coach of the club for 2 seasons in the early 1980s.

Doug was tragically killed in a skiing accident in 1986, just before the commencement of the first season of the amalgamated Fitzroy Doncaster CC, leaving behind his wife, Glenda and two young children, Jessica and Thomas, and robbing FDCC of a great clubman.

Such was the respect of both Fitzroy and Melbourne University clubs for Doug that they now play for the Doug Rumble Cup each time they meet. Doug earned this respect not only for the way he went about his cricket but also for the qualities he possessed as a person. On the field, you knew that if the side was in trouble, he would be the one fighting back in the lower order to get the side out of trouble. Off the field, he was a great clubman who was only too keen to help others, but was also the first to enjoy a laugh and a joke with his mates. He was respected by both his team-mates and opposition alike, and was probably one of the most popular players in the game.

So it is a very important Cup for both Clubs to honour Doug's memory and his contribution, and to encourage those qualities in the current generation of players. The trophy is kept by the winning club for the season and then presented to the next winner at the conclusion of each Fitzroy Doncaster vs Melbourne University game.

Cup history