Since the formation of the club in 2007, many individuals have contributed to make the Gypsies juggernaut what it is today. Without these efforts, the Gypsies would be just another half-baked local institution. Member who are considered to have made an extraordinary effort to the development of the franchise are honoured with life member status. You can find these special individuals listed below.
Rory "Kov" Hayward
With no prior experience, in late 2004, Kov joined a ragtag bunch of misfits for a taste of the gentlemen's game in his final year of high-school at Barker College. He had been encouraged by his close friends, James "Magic" Waller and Duncan "KP" Davies" to try his hand at their favourite sport. Unbeknownst to him at the time, his high-school friends and he were playing in the very first incarnation of what is today the great Gypsies Cricket Club. Whilst his debut season was not wildly successful, the seeds were sewn and, after a two season sabatical, Kov answered the cries of his mates once more when informed that a new cricket club was to be born. He played in the first ever match of the Gypsies Cricket Club to become one of the illustrious Founding Fathers. Not a natural cricketer, matchdays were characterised by battling innings and workmanlike bowling performances. It was these traits that saw Kov quickly become a morale-boosting lynchpin for the baggy black. By his second season, he had attracted the moniker "the closer" for his steadyhand in the face of adversity and several match winning performances with both bat and ball during close encounters (even though he considered himself a specialist fielder). He won the very first RH Dark Horse Award (later renamed in his honour) and to this day remains the only multiple time winner (with three award wins in total). His monopolisation of the award is testament to his discipline and commitment to continual improvement. An ever present, Kov played six seasons in total for the pride of Chatswood, including the fabled 2009-10 premiership winning summer. Tragically, his innings was called short at the tender age of 24 on 19th January 2013 at Blackman Upper in Lane Cove West, as he suffering a fatal heart-attack on the field of play just minutes after claiming his 50th wicket for the club. Despite his famed resilience, the efforts of team mates and opposition alike could not revive him. Kov continues to be remembered in the hearts and minds of all he touched, be it for his fierce competitiveness, his good humour, his selflessness, his loyalty or just as a mate. He was instrumental in forging the much loved Gypsies spirit and, that alone, makes him a most worthy first life member of the club.
Career Stats
Debut Match: 6th October 2007
Final Match: 19th January 2013
Matches: 63
Wickets: 51 (best bowling 5/15)
Runs: 170 (high score 17)
