General News
17 October, 2025
NO CHALLENGE TOO GREAT! A proud Maryborough son, with Brian Lennen
Maryborough local Brian Lennen reflects on the life of Bruce Hosken.
Bruce Hosken was an outstanding local sportsman who excelled in a variety of sports.
He understated his talents and although highly competitive he was modest.
As a cricketer he formed an outstanding opening partnership at Maryborough Cricket Club, and for the association in intertown matches (the Kenmac Shield) and at the highest at Melbourne Country Week.
At all levels he formed a partnership with the flamboyant Nev Olver.
Bruce had an excellent defensive technique and was hard to shift.
He was a wiley slow bowler able to tie down the opposition while taking wickets.
As a captain he led Maryborough to several premierships.
He was a member of the powerful Country Week team that won Provincial in 1963.
As a footballer Bruce attracted the interest of several VFL clubs, but an injury put an end to his ambitions.
At table tennis he was a “brick wall”, repeatedly keeping the ball in play (much to his opponent’s frustration).
He competed in pennant competitions in Ballarat as well as winning several team events in Maryborough.
Together with his father Pres, he had a strong interest in harness racing.
Bruce, along with his close friend Frank Taylor, were regular attendees at local meetings.
Pres Hosken had a long and successful association with Jack Moore.
The stable for many years was the state’s most successful, winning a multitude of top races.
They reached the pinnacle in 1969 when Richmond Lass, owned by Fred Millar, won the Inter Dominion Pacing Championship at Wayville in South Australia.
Regardless of their racing horses at official race meetings, trotters and pacers pulled the bakers and milk carts as well as domestic gigs. This of course preceded motorised vehicles.
Although the laneways at the back of most properties remained accessible, most stables were pulled down or converted into sheds.
With the arrival of the supermarket the locally baked bread was restricted in volume when competing with the large bakeries.
Bruce, a baker by trade, sought alternative businesses but found that he would have to seek opportunities outside of town.
Although no longer young he sought a move interstate.
Bruce took on a challenge late in life when he purchased a property in the Riverina.
He was able through irrigation to turn a mediocre property into a thriving farm.
His generous nature led to his assisting a neighbouring farmer down on his luck.
When his help led to a turnabout in his neighbour’s fortune, he took over the management of this property and eventually purchased it.
With the escalating value of water rights Bruce received an offer too good to refuse.
Upon the sale Bruce returned to his home town of Maryborough. This was probably his greatest piece of “good fortune” as he met up with Shirley Olver.
They were mutually beneficial to each other and set about making the most of their remaining years.
Travel was their destiny as they toured all over the world. They were especially fond of cruises.
In his later years I encountered Bruce on many social occasions and found him to be both considerate and generous.
Shirley was an accomplished tennis player representing Maryborough Lawn with distinction.
Unfortunately illness curtailed their lives prematurely. We are thankful for their contributions.