WURRUK Cricket Club’s greatest stalwart has notched up 600 games.
Rob Young reached the milestone playing in the fourth-grade competition at the Toads’ home-ground on Saturday afternoon.
The 70-year-old described his achievement as a “very nice feeling”.
“In my wildest dreams, I never thought I’d play 600 games,” Young said.
“It’s taken a long time to get here, but very worthwhile.”
In celebration of his milestone, the club held a family day at the ground and presented Young with a glass trophy recognising his feat.
Additionally, following the conclusion of his innings, he was warmly greeted by spectators with a round of applause.
Among those in attendance was club president Bradley Light, who described Young as a hard-worker and “club legend”.
“He’s recognised here as a life member of the club; he’s volunteered his time here for many, many years; mowed all the lawns in his own time – comes in nearly 15 hours a week, minimum, all year round – just donates his time and loves the club,” Light said.
“I knew when I met him, the club was in, always, good hands.”
The president added that he wasn’t aware of any other cricketers who have played 600 matches: “I know there’s a few in the 500 club, but 600 is a first for me.”
The all-rounder made 11 runs and took a wicket in his milestone match.
Photo: Tom Parry
Young has been at the club since its inception, with Wurruk being formed after the Australian Post-Tel Institute team folded about four decades ago.
He puts his longevity down to keeping fit and active by mowing lawns, although he admits that these days he’s lucky to get a game, “because I don’t come down to training or anything like that.”
Young’s fondest memory of his time at the club is when he scored 153 not out.
“And the silly part about it, the day I made 153 not out, I got dropped second ball,” he laughed.
There is talk around the club of Young reaching the 700-game milestone, with one member saying that he “definitely” has another 100 games to give.
“Hopefully I’ve got a few more – as long as the club wants me, I’ll certainly play,” Young said.
“As long as I don’t stop the kids, the young ones having a game – I’d bow out for a junior any time.”
