Hamish Winter-Irving retires from Premier Cricket, signs at Werribee

One of Footscray’s top bowlers has called time on a fine career which featured a premiership and Victoria Second XI selection.

Hamish Winter-Irving was a constant threat to rival batsmen. Picture: Mark Dadswell

It was far from a straightforward call for Hamish Winter-Irving.

The Footscray paceman had just completed a challenging white-ball season as his club finished in 11th position on the Premier Cricket ladder.

It was not exactly the swansong the 28-year-old would have craved, but Winter-Irving departs safe in the knowledge he worked tirelessly to achieve his dreams.

After establishing himself as one of the Dogs’ spearheads since arriving a decade ago, he has called time on his career in the state’s pre-eminent competition.

Winter-Irving claimed 251 wickets from 181 appearances for Footscray.

His First XI numbers were 207 wickets from 152 games.

He was also good enough to represent Victoria’s Second XI in 2018, featured in Footscray’s drought-breaking 2013-14 flag and was a more-than handy lower-order batsman.

By any measure, it has been a successful journey for the Nagambie product, who leaves fulfilled.

Hamish Winter-Irving has signed with Werribee. Picture: Facebook

“My goal was to try and play at the next level,” Winter-Irving said.

“I got close, but I didn’t quite get there. To have some Second XI experience was nice.

“I don’t regret anything I’ve done and I put everything I had into it.

“To play 150 games was nice. You don’t think about those personal achievements, but I suppose it’s some good recognition as your career goes on, and now it’s ended for me.”

At his best, Winter-Irving was one of the leading bowlers in Premier Cricket.

He returned 33 wickets at 15 apiece in 2016-17 and backed up with 35 wickets at 20.06 the following summer.

But his final campaign proved more difficult, with the coronavirus pandemic forcing a season of one-day fixtures.

A proven red-ball bowler, Winter-Irving returned 10 First XI wickets and also found himself in the Second XI for three games.

He described the decision to leave Footscray as “very hard” as he prepares for life with reigning premier Werribee in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association.

Winter-Irving was a member of Footscray’s 2013-14 flag. Picture: Arj Giese

“It’s been home ever since I was 18 and travelled down from Nagambie. I haven’t left. You just make it your home … and when you cement yourself, you don’t want to leave,” Winter-Irving said.

“Winning the flag (in 2013-14) was a big thing for us and I’ve got a lot of lifelong friends there.

“It was one of those decisions I’d been thinking about for a little while. I just had to make the call, step away.

“Sad time, but obviously a new adventure down at Werribee.”

While the Tigers are coming off a VSDCA premiership after a shock grand final victory over Kew, the main lure for Winter-Irving was the chance to reunite with former Footscray teammate and off-spinner Michael Kelly.

The pair “live a kilometre apart” and about 10 minutes from Werribee’s home ground.

“I’ve always wanted to play with him again, and this was my opportunity,” Winter-Irving said.

He is also close with leading batsmen Shaun and Matt Dean and said team success was his top priority.

“In sport, the ultimate is trying to win a premiership,” Winter-Irving said.

“When I go out on the weekend, it’s put everything on the line, play with your heart.

“There will be some challenges along the way, I’m sure, and I can’t wait to take it on.”

The Wedderburn footballer said he’d had a “pretty good run with my body”, confident he can play for several more seasons.

“I’ll keep playing for as long as I can and as long as my body keeps holding up,” Winter-Irving said.