In 1965-66 Northcote Cricket Club played Essendon Cricket Club in the Victoria Cricket Association Grand Final.

Batting first Essendon declared their innings at a mammoth 9 for 514.

Northcote who hadn’t won a premiership since 1911-12 had a monumental task in front of them when their Australian Test opener Bill Lawry was reported to have said to his team mates “you get half the runs and I’ll get the rest.”

After 8 and half hours, 454 balls and 32 boundaries Bill Lawry walked off the field with 282 unbeaten runs beside his name as Northcote Cricket Club scored 3 for 515 and their first premiership in 54 years.