Legendary local cricket identity Neil Wrigglesworth died this week.
Mr Wrigglesworth died peacefully at Sale Hospital on Tuesday.
Tributes have flowed for Mr Wrigglesworth, a man who gave extraordinary service to the Sale-Maffra Cricket Association and Bundalaguah Cricket Club.
He was president of the Bulls for five seasons, secretary for 18, treasurer for nine, and spent more than 30 years as curator.
Bestowed upon with life membership, he was given the greatest honoured when the club officially renamed the ground ‘Neil Wrigglesworth Oval’ in 2016.
On the field, he debuted for Bundalaguah in season 1951/52, going on to score eight first grade centuries and take 13 five wicket hauls. His best bowling figures were 7/17, closely followed by 7/25. He also scored further centuries in the lower grades, and had career best bowling figures of 8/35.
A playing highlight came in 1960, when he toured the world playing cricket with the Old (Scotch College) Collegians from May to September and played in Canada, America, Ireland, England, Scotland, France, Germany, Denmark, Pakistan and Singapore.
Mr Wrigglesworth was also a highly sought after coach, holding Level 3 qualifications. He coached many junior teams at the Bulls, but also made himself available to other clubs, such was his love of the game.
At representative level, Mr Wrigglesworth held SMCA senior cap No. 55.
He is one of only four players credited with more than 100 senior appearances for the Sharks, playing for 20 years from 1957.
Mr Wrigglesworth is survived by wife Marion, and sons Greg and Trevor.
The Funeral Service for Mr Neil Daryl Wrigglesworth will be held at the Bundalaguah Cricket Club, (316 Montgomery Road Bundalaguah) at 1pm on Tuesday, January 24, 2023.
