From the Archives - Generational Growth of Cricket
Backyard Cricket, beach Cricket, street Cricket or summers spent on the hill at the Gabba were the normal introduction to the sport for most Australian children. All you needed was a rubbish bin for the stumps, Mum's rose bushes were six and out and the fences marked the boundary. The sounds of neighbourhood children playing in the street for weeks on end were the norm - long, hot, carefree days with laughter and arguments over whether you were out or not.
In 1915, Cricket, Rugby League and Athletics were the first sports played at the College. In the beginning, the Lauries Cricket team was competitive but struggled against established schools where Cricket coaching was already available. It took the College a decade but by 1925, Lauries was winning Premierships.
We still believe that team, pictured, won the 1925 Premiership. Andy Crooke went on to be the Head Brewer at XXXX and even installed a wicket in the middle of the brewery for lunch time entertainment. The Malouf family went on to establish Malouf Pharmacies and remain a great supporter of the College. Terry Portley passed away in his 30’s from Tuberculosis but not before trying to join the Army twice in World War 2. Jack Rooney’s father, Patrick, attended St Kilian’s and then sent Jack to St Laurence O’Toole School (St Laurence’s College) from 1921 - 1925.
Recently, the College has been contacted by past and present families to donate Cricket memorabilia to the College Museum and a new display has been arranged to showcase the sport at the College over the years.
We thank 2016 Old Boy, Daniel Keogh for his College Cricket cap that has been signed by Ian Healy. We also thank the family of William Perry, current Year 7 student, for the framed Bradman bat that lists the scores of Donald Bradman over his Test career and photos.
The display also showcases a number of other items including; a Cricket cap donated by Brian Toohey who received it when joining Lauries Cricket in Year 5, 1969 as well as a signed autographed bat from the 1950/51 Ashes test that has all the player's signatures. This was donated to the College by the family of the College's former Business Manager, Paul Riggall.
The display is completed by a signed photo from Donald Bradman and his batting partner Bill Brown. Bill presented the photograph to the College many years ago in gratitude to some of our Year 12s who, having come across Bill’s wife stranded alone by the roadside, gallantly assisted her in continuing her homeward journey.
We encourage you to visit our museum at Information Nights and events at the College to see our new acquisitions.
“In the semi-final for the Cricket premiership, 1924-25 season, the St Laurence’s team had played a drawn game with the ultimate premiers. The 1925 Cricket team had been very successful and had been beaten only once; but as the Secondary Schools’ Association had decided to cancel this premiership competition, a fresh start would be made in February. . . A gold medal for the best all-round athlete of the College was won by James Larkin.”
Catholic Press, Thursday 21 December 1925