Esteemed cricketer and sports author Neil Marks awarded OAM

One of NSW and Northern District Cricket’s favourite sons has had a lifetime of service honoured with Neil Marks awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia.

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One of cricket’s favourite sons has had a lifetime of service honoured with Neil Marks awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia.

The 80-year-old Wahroonga man has been involved with the game for more than 60 years, serving as a player and an administrator at the state and club level with Northern District.

Mr Marks said he was “quite proud” of the achievement.

Neil Marks has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in honour of his service to cricket. Picture: Tim Pascoe

“I’ve always tried to help people, especially in the sporting field,” he said.

“It’s nice to know that somebody out there thinks that’s a good thing.”

After starting his cricketing career in the under-16 Green Shield competition, Mr Marks eventually graduated to the state level from 1958-1960, picking up a Sheffield Shield title for NSW along the way.

Neil Marks batting for NSW in the nets at the Adelaide Oval prior to Sheffield Shield match in 1959.

Once his playing days were over, Mr Marks took up several administrative roles in the game.

Mr Marks also developed an extensive career with Barker College, coaching its cricket and rugby teams for 25 years.

He also crafted a reputation as one of Australia’s finest cricket historians, writing six books based on stories from the field.

Neil with one of his books ‘Tales for All Seasons’.

“I gathered a lot of stories over the years from people I played with and against,” he said.

“I actually found writing quite easy.

“Once I got my first book published I was right.”