Bryan Miles reaches 300-wicket milestone for Nightcliff C.C.

From a dog groomer during the week to a bowling assassin at the weekend, Bryan Miles has etched himself into the history books, joining the elite 300 wicket club. Read about his journey.

Loved by all and feared by many, Bryan Miles has put together a hell of a career since deciding to don the Nightcliff crest.

Born on a dairy farm in country Victoria and picking up a Kookaburra as a youngster, Miles briefly divorced the game he loves in his early 20s, with work a roadblock.

Fast forward a few years and a change in profession, the right-arm opener was back in action at 35-years-young.

Mucking around in the Sunday league for a number of seasons, Miles decided to give grade cricket another crack.

The milestone man quickly rose through the ranks, playing for the D, C, and B grade outfits, eventually finding himself in Nightcliff’s First XI.

“I spent seven years in the Sunday league and it was some of the best fun I’ve ever had,” Miles said.

“After we had the young fella come along, I changed my work days so I’d be free Saturdays and that’s when I put my hand up to play.

“I went through the grades, won a premiership with the D’s and B’s, and actually made my way into the A side as a batter believe it or not.”

Since deciding he’d rather have leather in hand as opposed to willow, the self-labelled ‘country-quick’ has been taking wickets for fun.

“My role now is to bowl and I’m all right with that,” he said.

“I’m country-quick; I love my line and length and I add a bit of outswing for good measure.”

Line and length was exactly how Miles snagged his milestone wicket as he was bowling for the B’s during day one of their Round 10 match against PINT.

Bryan Miles etched himself into the history books, taking his 300th wicket for Nightcliff. Picture: Felicity Elliott/NT Cricket.

Sent into the field after his side posted 161, Miles got into his work, eventually clean bowling PINT’s number two with a delivery he was quite proud of.

“It was a decent ball actually,” he exclaimed quite casually.

“There were a few heated moments between him and I out there, which is all part of the game.

“But, I cleaned up his stumps, and made sure to say goodbye as he walked off, giving a smile and a wave to the FrogBox for good measure.”

Not content with 300, Miles said it’d take him being physically unable to take to the field before he hangs up the boots.

“I’m 52 now and I don’t see why I’d stop any time soon,” he said.

“Sure I’ve had a few bad injuries, done my hammies and my arm is custard, but waking up sore on a Sunday morning is worth it.”