Peter Devlin - Randwick Petersham Cricket Club - Heroes of the Ages

Randwick Petersham Cricket Club | February 23, 2023

Peter Devlin first captained a Randwick team in 1973-74, his second season in AW Green Shield. He went on to captain the side for four years ending up playing an amazing 35 matches over five seasons in Green Shield. He was also selected in the representative Combined Green Shield team.

He made his Grade debut in 1973-74 and within two seasons he was one of the better performed players in that team. In 1975-76 he had returns of 5-57 v Sydney and 7-44 the following match v Mosman. He was the leading bat with 427 in 3rd Grade in 1976-77 in a team which lost the Grand Final. Three seasons later he was the leading bowler in 2nd Grade returning 26 wickets with his right-arm medium pacers which included a 5-29 performance against NDs.

Randwick Petersham Heroes of the Ages proudly sponsored by Community Bank Clovelly

Fast becoming one of the best all-rounders in the club, Peter made his 1st Grade debut in 1980-81 and the following season was part of the 1st Grade premiership team as a support bowler to first- class players Mike Whitney, Evan Gordon and Gary Bensley. His 19 wickets at 25.16 off 199 overs was a notable performance. He followed that with another impressive bowling display in 1982-83 when he took 6-24 against North Sydney to reduce them from 1-92 to 101 all out after losing nine for nine!

Devlin continued to complement his bowling with some good knocks culminating in his maiden 1st Grade century with an undefeated 100 against Sutherland. Importantly, it came in a year when Peter had been entrusted with the captaincy of the side after a number of experienced player moves and retirements at the end of the 1985-86 season. It was the end of one era of Randwick cricket and the beginning of another.

He has also held the role of Club Coach. In his first three years in the job, Randwick twice won the coveted Club Championship.

He is also an important member of the Management Committee where his expertise in relation to grounds is invaluable.

Stats (27 seasons) all Grades 5,529 runs, 628 wickets and 127 catches including one century and 12 fifties, while he took five wickets in an innings 22 times.