Luke Harradine- Teaching the next generation

Belmont District Cricket Club | July 29, 2024

Luke Harradine is the current coach of Belmont and has played for several years. Luke also sits on our committee and has plenty of time for others.

Let's find out more about Luke and his journey as a cricketer

What year were you born?

1974

Can you remember your first game of cricket? How old and do you remember how you went?

I was about 5 or 6 playing for Warners Bay Cricket Club. I can't remember how we went. 

The Belmont Hotel is a proud sponsor of the Belmont District Cricket Club

Tell us briefly about your cricketing journey. Where have you played, and which clubs have you played for?

I have been playing cricket for a long time. I have played for several clubs- Juniors with Warners Bay and then Seniors with Belmont from about age 14. I played with Belmont in one of their primes!!! I then went overseas and travelled returning home and playing with Walgett RSL for several years before moving to the North Coast and playing 10 years for Harwood Cricket Club (with a stint in Switzerland playing for the Nomads CC). When my job brought me home, I returned to Belmont and have been playing ever since. 

In which grade and at what age did you make your debut in senior cricket?

I played my first game of 5th grade with Belmont at about age 14 with Don Rowe as skipper. 

What was the highest grade you played, and can you remember how you performed in your first game in that grade?

I played first grade as a young lad (and an old bloke) but did not perform that well.

How would you describe yourself as a cricketer?

I am a top-order batsman who thinks they can bowl!!!

What were your strengths as a player?

My strength has always been soaking up balls. I am a very risk-averse player and am content with letting the ball go. Although, as I have aged I have increased my strike rate. As a teacher, I also think my strength is trying to improve the games of younger players.

What was your highest score in senior cricket? For which club and where?

I scored 127 not for Belmont at Speers Point v Uni.

What were your best bowling figures in senior cricket? For which club and where?

I took 7 for 85 after winning the toss and bowling on a flat track at Cardiff on one of the hottest days of the summer!!!!!

Who were the best three fast bowlers you have played against?

Chad White- one of the most uncomfortable times at the crease was at Cardiff against Whitey (Lincoln Woods was coming from the other end, and Neil Goffet was also playing so a pretty good line-up). Whitey bowled me a bouncer that went high above my head and he was very upset with himself. He punched himself in the leg and said "Take his f***ing head off!!. Peter March for Charlestown was always hostile with a wide-angled run-in. Chris Adamson for Tucabia Copmanhurst was always a challenge as he would bowl quite rapidly and was able to bowl lots of overs. 

Who were the best three spinners you have played against? 

Robert "Dutchy" Holland for obvious reasons when he played for Toronto (Southern Lakes), David Wrixon (at training for Belmont), Matt Pigg for Tucabia Copmanhurst who didn't turn the ball much but was very crafty and loved to have a word!!!

Robert "Dutchy" Holland

Who were the best 3 batters you’ve played against?

Gary Giese because he was able to move through the gears and score bulk runs whenever he liked, Greg Arms for the same reasons. Steve Mace. 

Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?

Greg Firth. We played a grand final against Tucabia Copmanhurst in Grafton. We were in a bit of trouble and Greg scored an amazing hundred to win us the game. He hit some of the cleanest sixes I have seen. It was a great innings. 

Was there any bowler or batter in particular who for whatever reason always seemed to cause you a few problems?

None in particular. I get out to anyone!

Can you recall a time when you thought, wow, this is a step or two up from what you were used to in grade cricket?

I was called up to 3rd grade from 4s. I went out to play Toronto at Awaba, Merv McLaughlin was opening the bowling and he was quite rapid (for a young bloke). I remember the skipper (Peter Barnett) telling me just to relax, but I was rattled!

Who was the best wicketkeeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?

Tim "Ferret" McMahon. He was my skipper at Harwood for a long time. His knees were buggered from playing rugby league, but he had great hands. He is a cane farmer and hard as nails. He took loads of shots to the body and would not let the ball past him. He was also a very good leader, mate and a smart cricketer. 

Who are the two players you admire most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?

Tim McMahon for the reasons above. Matt Pigg.

Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?

I was lucky to play with club legends of Belmont. Bob Merlo, Peter Barnett, Russel "erg" Neal. All of these guys influenced me. The best was probably Tim McMahon. 

Who has been your funniest teammate?

Mark "Dick" Ensby and the wonderful Wade Kelly/Michael Gilshenan duo. 

Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?

Chris Neal was bowling in a game at Cahill Oval against Cardiff. The batsman snicked off and he stood there. He was given not out. It was an obvious nick. Erg gave one of the biggest sprays I have ever heard on a cricket field. The amount of combinations of swear words, finger-pointing and yelling was (upon reflection) hilarious.

Who was your childhood hero?

Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson

Who are the three sportspeople in the world you’d most like to meet?

Magic Johnson, Patty Mills, Michael Jordan.

What was your favourite ground to play at?

Cahill Oval- still is.

Cahill Oval

What particular team did you especially look forward to playing against?

Copmanhurst. We always had a tough game against them. They had some excellent players and there was always some great sledging. 

What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?

Winning the Grand Final v Tucabia scoring some runs and getting man of the match!

What’s the best win you’ve been involved with?

I enjoyed beating City in the first game last year. It was great to play with some young players and scrape the win.

Who are the three players from your playing days at the top of the list for a Saturday afternoon barbeque?

Dave Keast, Tim McMahon, Mark Ensby

David Keast

What are your hobbies?

Being involved in sports with my kids, making my beer and travelling.

What’s the best advice you’ve received?

If you find a hole, fill it!!

What is your occupation?

PDHPE Teacher. 

Are you still involved in cricket and if so, in what capacity?

Still playing 3rd grade and coaching at Belmont. 

If you were running a state cricket association what would your 2 priorities be to ensure cricket in the state remained strong and successful on and off the field?

Return junior representative cricket to playing in against the Sydney rep teams. Return junior cricket to more traditional formats.