John O’Loughlin - Randwick Petersham Cricket Club - Heroes of the Ages
Randwick Petersham Cricket Club | April 01, 2024
John O’Loughlin joined Randwick as a 15 year old in 1943-44.
1948-49 was an amazing season for the 20 year old. He started in the 4th Grade team playing his first match at the new Snape Park ground. In a bizarre move a couple of matches later, the 2nd Grade captain Stroy Donnan, accepted a recommendation from the 4th Grade captain for John’s inclusion in his team as the 3rd Grade captain was reluctant to recommend anyone from his side.
Taking his place in 2nds, John impressed with an innings of 59* and went on to make his 1st Grade debut later that season against North’s at North Sydney Oval. It was 4th Grade to 1st Grade in a Grade debut season.
In 1956-57, O’Loughlin scored the first of his five 2nd Grade centuries when he hit 108 against Paddington at Trumper Park. The second occurred four years later when he scored a chanceless and aggressive 144 against Glebe at Jubilee Oval.
One of John’s favourite memories was in 1965-66 when Wes Hall was at Randwick. He recalled that they had a good partnership in a 1st Grade match against Manly at Coogee with Wes top scoring with 52 while John made 40. Test opening batsman Jim Burke was in full flight in the run chase before John ran around the boundary and with an outstretched hand managed to snare a catch which had him out for 115, enabling them to dismiss Manly 10 runs short for 218. John’s 40.66 won the 1st Grade batting average.
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Another fond memory of John’s was his 52 on an uncovered wet wicket at SCG no.2 against Jeff Thomson who was playing his final game in 2nd Grade before going on to 1sts and becoming the fastest bowler in the world!
He retired in 1972 at age 44, with 8,313 runs one of the highest totals in the club’s 101 years history including 6,662 runs in 2nd Grade he also made 693 in 1sts. He also held 106 catches and claimed 122 wickets.
He was a great club man serving on the management committee between 1953 and 1966 and it was an honour well-earned when he was made a Life Member in 1973 and a founding RPC Legend in 2001.
