Kensington’s Jake Brown becomes highest SACA Premier Cricket run-scorer of all time

A local cricket legend has become the highest run-scorer in SA Premier Cricket history in his final season, but can he achieve another milestone? See the record-breaking runs.

A local cricket icon has made history become the highest ever run-scorer in SACA Premier Cricket history during the final season of his career.

Kensington District Cricket Club veteran Jake Brown made 16 runs against Adelaide over the weekend to take his career total to 9,523 runs, eclipsing Northern District and Salisbury legend Wayne Bradbrook’s record of 9,509, set in 1996.

The 37-year-old had already surpassed Southern District and Salisbury’s Rob Zadow (9,505 runs) on the leaderboard but sat just two runs short of Bradbrook leading into the weekend.

“I’m really happy with the achievement but it was a big relief as well – having to wait just two runs behind was a bit testing and I honestly went in with the aim of making two and letting the rest take care of itself,” Brown said.

“There were so many people there, so many past players and close friends so I didn’t want to let them down.

Kensington Cricket Club stars Jake Brown (left) and Elliot Opie. Brown became the top run-scorer in SACA Premier Cricket history last weekend. Picture: Tom Huntley

“To now be mentioned in the same sentence as Bradbrook and Zadow is super humbling. I never played against them but the way people talk about how they played, it’s nice to be in the same air.”

Brown hit a wonderful shot to bring up his milestone, cutting a delivery brilliantly to the boundary and receiving applause from both home and away fans.

The achievement was the cherry on top of a strong win by the Browns, who remain on top of the first grade ladder.

“The club did a fantastic job, the plan was always to do something on the day it happened and we all celebrated with a few drinks – I haven’t seen the club that busy in a while,” Brown said.

“It’s still a bit of a strange feeling but I think the most enjoyable and humbling part has been the support I’ve received from not just Kensington but other clubs as well. I’ve had a lot of phone calls and messages from opposition clubs and players which has been outstanding.”

Brown is in his final season of play and has two months left to hit the 10,000 career run mark. Picture: Dean Martin

With five rounds left before finals and his side on top of the ladder, Brown looks set to have at least two months left to attempt making the 10,000-run mark.

He said the milestone was definitely on his radar.

“It’s of course something I’m aiming to achieve.

“Every time you go out to bat you want to make as much as you can. I’ll need a couple big totals so I’ll be giving it my best.”

Brown said his priority was helping Kensington to finals success in 2023. Picture: SACA

While making 10,000 career runs was a focus for Brown, he admitted it would mean less if his Kensington team did not put together a finals run after missing out on the grand final last season.

“We started a bit slow batting-wise this season but we’ve managed to put everything together now and we’re playing some really good cricket,” he said.

“We just have to keep doing what we know we can do to get results and then hopefully put together some strong performances in finals.”

Kensington will take on eighth spot Prospect in round nine this weekend.