“Corowa Cricket Club seems to be in a very strong position with good leadership and strong numbers in all grades,” the 71-year-old club Life Member told The Free Press.
“I continue to follow Corowa since retiring, especially now with grandsons (Brodie and Jordan) playing.”
Born and bred in Corowa, the man popularly known as ‘Jungle’ started playing Juniors and coached the Under 15s at the age 16, along with Ian Hopkins, to a premiership.
The retired plumber played from early 1960s for approximately three decades in the RDCA (Rutherglen District Cricket Association).
Highlights included A Grade Premierships, Representative Cricket, North East Cup and Melbourne Country Week, bowling awards and Life Membership of the club.
The medium fast opening bowler, who could swing the ball, took plenty of five-wicket hauls. He bowled on concrete-based pitches in the early days before being involved in setting up the turf wickets.
“Compared to today, the surfaces of all grounds were dry, and games were played on matting,” Jim said.
“John Macpherson was the best cricketer around in my era.
“Personally, I would prefer to see two-day games in the higher grades.”
Jim was on the club’s committee for several years, including the position of vice president, and is looking forward to his old club’s fortunes upon entering CAW Provincial this October.