South Yarra Cricket Club rallies from slow start to summer to have five out of six teams in finals

After some shaky moments early in the summer, one of the oldest cricket clubs in Melbourne, the South Yarra Cricket Club, has enjoyed a late season renaissance.

South Yarra players celebrate after winning their Mecrcantille Cricket Association clash against Youlden Parkville to qualify for finals Picture: Andy Brownbill

After some shaky moments early in the summer, one of the oldest cricket clubs in Melbourne, the South Yarra Cricket Club, has enjoyed a late season renaissance.

So much so that five of its six senior sides will take the crease in Mercantile Cricket Association finals starting next week.

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South Yarra players say ‘bring on the finals’ Picture: Andy Brownbill

“Considering we were struggling for numbers earlier in the summer,” president Sam Chapman said.

“We probably got a bit lazy in the off-season, didn’t do the recruiting we should have.

“In about round four or five we had to forfeit one of our lower grades. Fortunately the opposition had to forfeit as well so it didn’t cost us, it was a draw.

“But it was a wake-up call and we had a bit of a call to arms. Everyone was ringing up brothers and friends and we got quite a few new players landing on our door step.

“And some of them could really play too.”

Chapman said a successful finals campaign would do wonders for the historic club.

Its post-season record hasn’t always been the greatest.

“It would mean everything,” he said. “The ones lost the grand final last year and four semi-finals before that. (Club member and renowned cricket writer) Gideon Haigh lost something like nine finals I think. We don’t have the best record in finals, but hopefully that’s about to change.”

The picturesque surrounds of Como Park Picture: Andy Brownbill

Like the footy and soccer clubs that bear the same name, South Yarra Cricket Club is one of the oldest in the state, dating back to the 1860s. And it boasts a Test cricketer among its alumni: Don Blackie, a right arm off-spinner who made his debut for Australia in 1928/29 at the tender age of 46.

“Yes there’s a lot of history going back a long time,” Chapman said. “But also a lot of lost history there as well.”

The club plays at the picturesque Como Park and Fawkner Park and is starting to see a boost in numbers with an influx of young people into South Yarra and the surrounding areas.

South Yarra Cricket Club is always on the lookout for new members and, for more information, visit: yarras.com or the South Yarra Cricket Club facebook page.