Peter ‘Percy’ Philpott: Tributes pour for Manly, NSW and Australian cricketer, teacher

Special tribute organised for former Test cricketer and Manly life member Peter Philpott who died after a battle with illness. The beloved coach has been described as “a friend, a mentor, a giant”.

A close friend of the late Peter Philpott will meet with Manly Warringah District Cricket Club players and say a few word in his memory before the start of their first game of the NSW Premier Cricket season on Saturday.

Manly president Andrew Fraser said former NSW and first class cricketer Mike Pawley, a close friend of leg-spinner Philpott, will be at Manly Oval on Saturday.

A minutes silence will be held for the famous cricketer and much loved and respected Manly life member and black arm bands will be worn by players during their match against Northern Districts.

For a sport fixated on numbers, the legacy of former Australian Test cricketer and NSW Cricket life member Philpott can be easily found in the wise words he imparted on those around him.

The Manly-born leg-spinning all-rounder has died at the age of 86 following a long battle with illness.

By the age of 12, Philpott had attracted the attention of the Manly Daily where he was described as a “crowd magnet” in 1946.

Australian cricketer Peter Philpott.

Philpott in 1964.

Across the following two and a bit decades, Philpott chalked up 5535 runs and 499 wickets at 18.93 for Manly Warringah Cricket Club. Between 1955 and 1968 he snared 245 first class wickets for NSW and captained his state across two Sheffield Shield seasons. His debut Test came at the age of 31, with his eight Test matches including a five-fer in an opening Ashes Test.

Philpott’s understanding and passion for cricket saw him coach NSW, South Australia, Surrey, Manly, Mosman and Sri Lanka. He also mentored and played a pivotal role in the career of Test leg-spinner Stuart MacGill.

Philpott mentoring young cricketers at Manly Oval.

South Australia coach Peter Philpott, with Darren Lehmann, captain David Hookes, Paul Nobes, Tim May and Joe Scuderi in 1990.

In more recent years, aged in his early 80s, Philpott continued passing on his knowledge and experience to junior cricketers in country NSW and the northern beaches alongside longtime friend Mike Pawley.

When he wasn’t mentoring cricketers he was educating school students in humanities, including North Sydney’s Shore School, a career he pursued for 50 years.

“Peter’s greatest asset was he was a teacher of all things, in the classroom and helping people to become better cricketers than they already were,” Pawley said.

“He spoke about cricket with such passion. He just loved the game. He loved what he taught.

“He was very kind-hearted. He always took time out to talk to you. He embraced everyone.

Philpott was once called in to help the England team.

A life member of Manly Warringah Cricket Club.

He never lost his temper. He was a gentleman in every aspect of his life.”

Cricket NSW CEO Lee Gernon also paid tribute to Philpott’s contribution to the sport.

“Any player that has reached the heights Peter did, in playing for his country and captaining his state, will long be remembered by the game,” he said.

”My personal memory is being a young wicket keeper at the Peter Philpott coaching clinics in Christchurch in New Zealand. He also took me for my level 3 coaching course in Christchurch and I saw first hand his incredible coaching skills.”

In a statement, Manly Warringah Cricket Club paid tribute to the life member and said the “entire club” was in mourning.

“Players and people like Peter Philpott don’t come around often. We are blessed that we were able to be a part of his life. Our club is what it is due to people like Peter Philpott,” the club stated. “Peter was a friend, a mentor, a giant. Manly Cricket won’t be the same without ‘Percy’.”

Nath Austin commented on the club’s Facebook post: “Percy, a true gentleman with a mountain of knowledge to give to anyone. Absolute legend.”