FONDLY REMEMBERING DEAN ANDREWARTHA AND MICHAEL FULTON

Saturday, 27th July 2024

Twenty-five years ago, the Kilsyth Cricket and Football Clubs, together with the Andrewartha and Fulton families, received the heartbreaking news of the tragic loss of Dean Andrewartha and Michael Fulton in the Swiss canyoning disaster, which occurred on 27th July, 1999 and took the lives of 21 people. Only aged 26 and 27 respectively, Michael and Dean were on holiday when their lives were so unexpectedly cut short.

Both “Deano” and “Fults” were fine cricketers who had also played the occasional game of football with Kilsyth Football Club and were keen footy supporters. Both played in Kilsyth Cricket Club’s 1993/94 First XI premiership team and were held in such respect and admiration that they were both honoured by being made Life Members of the Club posthumously.

Michael was the First XI’s wicketkeeper and Dean its opening batsman. They arrived at the Club within a fortnight of each other in 1983, successfully playing in the juniors before moving into senior ranks.

Dean Andrewartha played 142 senior games (77 in the 1st XI) and scored 3,289 senior runs including 3 centuries (highest score of 130) and took 45 wickets (best bowling 4/9). For the First XI he scored 1,743 runs with a highest score of 104. In the juniors Dean played 31 games tallying 580 runs (highest score 55 not out) and captured 112 wickets (best bowling 7/17). “Deano” played in 3 premierships (1st XI A1 Grade in 1993/94, Second XI Chandler 2 Grade 1994/95 and Under 14-1 1985/86). In the juniors “Deano” won U12, U14 & U16 bowling averages, and an U14 batting average. He was Treasurer for two seasons in 1996/97 and 1997/98 and a Committee Member in 1998/99 and 1999. “Deano” shares the Club First XI record third wicket partnership of 264 with Adam Luckman against Ainslie Park in 1997/98 and as well as the highest ever seventh wicket partnership: 179 unbroken with Matthew Hammond against Eastfield in 1988/89 (Second XI).

Michael Fulton played 106 senior games (68 in the 1st XI) and took 152 catches and 21 stumpings in the seniors as well as scoring 1,039 runs with a highest score of 59. In the juniors he played 50 games tallying 612 runs (highest score 104) and took 20 wickets (best bowling 4/7). “Fults” played in 5 premierships (1st XI A1 Grade in 1993/94, Fourth XI A4 Grade 1989/90, O Grade (One Day Sunday competition) 1997/98, Under 12-1 1984/85 and U16-3 1987/88). Michael won an U12 bowling average, and U14 & 2nd XI batting averages. He was also U14 Assistant Team Manager in 1989/90.

Both Dean and Michael are still sadly missed but are fondly remembered and we honour them with this post today on the 25th anniversary of their passing. To their family members, our thoughts are also with you.