Author: Michael Sullivan (Archived)
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Vale Don Looker. Veteran and KDCC Cap 85
Article written by Kensington Great: Andrew Faulkner
The Kensington District Cricket Club acknowledges the death of past player Don Looker on September 8 at age 102.
Kensington Cap No 85, Looker was a member of the 1945/46 A Grade premiership side in his first season after returning from combat in the skies over Germany.
Looker was 18 when he made his A Grade debut against Vic Richardson’s Sturt at Unley Oval in November, 1941. Batting at No 6, he made a brisk 26 before, according to Looker, he was run out by Mick Walkley. “I’m still angry at him,” Looker said 80 years later.
Looker played A Grade during Don Bradman’s twilight at KDCC, and had first-hand experience of Clarrie Grimmett’s genius. He recalled an occasion when West Torrens’s Phil Ridings strode to the wicket and Grimmett directed the teenager to first slip. Looker said he was no good in the slips but Grimmett was having none of that. “Just stand right there and hold your hands out,” the bowler said. “About three balls later Ridings edged it straight into my hands.”
He recalled meeting Don Bradman at an early-season net at Adelaide No 2. Bradman sized him up and called him over. “Are you wearing a box son?” Bradman asked. Looker said he was not, rectified the deficiency, and returned to his net. “A couple of balls later I got hit fair and square and it just about turned it inside out,” Looker said.
Looker enlisted in 1942, and was posted to Bomber Command in Britain. He flew 38 missions in Lancaster bombers as a wireless operator/air gunner with 115 Squadron RAF. Aircrew were spelled after 30 operations but Looker’s skipper volunteered his crew for eight more than their quota. “He was completely fearless,” Looker says. “Instead of weaving to evade the flak he flew straight through it. We got a few holes, obviously, but none of our crew ever got hit.” Looker’s final mission was a 300-bomber raid on April 9, 1945, that capsized German pocket battleship Admiral Scheer in Kiel Harbour. “We all bombed it and we all claimed we sank it,” Looker said.
Looker rejoined the club after the war and was selected at No 4, after first drop Neil Dansie and before No 5 Bruce Bowley (Bradman did not play in 1945/46). In a season decided on minor round results, the Browns finished top with six wins, two draws and a loss. The club’s second A Grade premiership was the ultimate team effort from a side comprised of mostly veterans who returned to playing almost immediately after being demobbed.
Looker played one more season for the Browns before work and family commitments compelled a transfer to Payneham. Ten years later he turned out for the club’s new D Grade side in A3 of Adelaide Turf.
The KDCC committee and membership extends its deep sympathies to the Looker family.
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Kensington Cricket Club Girls Academy Program
Join our exciting 12-week summer program designed for girls aged 9-13! Whether you’re new to cricket or looking to take your game to the next level our academy offers a fun and supportive environment which is part of our highly successful women’s program.
Contact KDCCwomens@gmail.com for more information or to register.
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New Female Player Signing Announcement
Kensington District Cricket Club is thrilled to welcome Maddie Penna to our ranks!
A right-hand bat and right-arm wrist spin bowler, Maddie boasts an impressive resume with experience at State level, in the Big Bash, and for Australia A. A key figure in both white-ball formats for South Australia, she had a standout 2024/25 season with both bat and ball, earning selection in Australia A squads to take on both England A and India A.
Maddie has proudly represented the Adelaide Strikers in 74 WBBL matches and worn State colours 29 times in the WNCL. She brings serious power, skill, and a wealth of experience to the club.
Let’s get behind Maddie for an exciting season ahead!
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KDCC- Women’s Senior Match Reports
Article: Sarah Lowe
Image: Pete McRostiehttps://petermcrostie.smugmug.com/Sport/Cricket/Kensington-District
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petermcrostiephotographyThe A grade had their first home game for the year. It was great to welcome Courtney Neale and Emmerson Filsell back from state duties.
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petermcrostiephotographyAfter losing the toss and bowling first, we had Sturt precariously placed at the end of the power play at 3/32. A key partnership then followed before Neale made the breakthrough which saw a steady flow of wickets to have Sturt bowled out for 166 in the 39th over. Wickets were shared with Filsell 3, Eliza Doddridge 3, Shae Daly 2, Zanzibar Menzies 1 and 1.
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petermcrostiephotographyThe chase started with a mixup between the wickets that led to an early wicket. At the end of the power play we had recovered to be well placed at 1/52. The quick wickets of Doddridge (35), Sarah Lowe (25) and Stokell (1) then saw the game in the balance. In her second game Abby Collihole stepped up to the plate and delivered a composed 34 from 57 in partnership with Neale (31). Another 3 wicket collapse kept Sturt in it before Daly (14*) and Tash MacBean (11*) saw it home. The team are 4 from 4 heading in to the bye!
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B grade lost the toss and was put into bowl first. Straight off the bat Sturt was looking to hit big. First ball of the game and it was a drop catch but the energy was very high in the field. There was a few missed opportunities for wickets but everyone kept pushing and backing each other up. Izzy Durant leading the way up with 4 wickets. Some highlights included Lucy breaking a bail going for a run out and Maddie getting her first catch in B grade. For the batting we lost some crucial wickets that put us in a tight position. Martha held her own and made some small partnerships with Amity and Izzy. In the end we had 30 runs to get in two overs. Niamh and Martha stayed out there and never gave up. Both looking for singles and pushing for runs. Couldn’t get the runs but it was a bloody good effort from the girls.
The C Grade unfortunately lost the toss at the beginning with Port Adelaide electing to bowl first, with this, we warmed up to bat with Ava and Macy opening the batting. Both Ava and Macy were able to bat out the first 5 over before an unfortunate bit of a batting collapse. Although there was a collapse it was slow and we were able to bat out the rest of the innings with a couple wickets in the shed. At the end of the innings we were 8/67. Bring a few runs short we knew scored we had a challenge ahead of ourselves in defending our total. The innings with some great energy, unfortunately due to the wind there was a few more extras than usual but some pretty consistent bowling efforts from the girls. Unfortunately we left a couple catches out on the field with a few missed catch opportunities. Although the outcome was not looking the best the girls were able to fight until the end collecting quite a few good wickets before Port Adelaide unfortunately caught up to reached the total in the 12th over
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To Be Sure: Round3 West End One Day Cup
KDCC A Grade are gearing up for Round 3 of the West End One Day Cup taking place at Parkinson Oval Sunday 20/10/2024 against Woodville.
Image Pete McRostie Instagram: greatshotpete or https://petermcrostie.smugmug.com/ Kensington’s A Grade men’s team is gearing up for a crucial Round 3 fixture in the West End Cup One Day competition this Sunday, 20th October, at Parkinson Oval, where they’ll take on Woodville. After a strong start to the season with a convincing victory in Round 1 against Northern Districts, the team is aiming to maintain their unbeaten run.
The team’s bowling attack, led by returning star quick Henry Thornton, will be pivotal in Sunday’s clash. Thornton continued his excellent form in today’s two-day match against Tea Tree Gully, claiming 3 wickets for 53 runs in 18 overs. His pace and accuracy will again be key in dismantling Woodville’s batting lineup.
Supporting him is leg spinner Lloyd Pope, who was instrumental with the ball today, taking 4 wickets for 88 runs in 22.3 overs. Pope’s ability to trouble the opposition, as seen in his performances so far this season, adds a crucial dimension to Kensington’s bowling attack.
Kensington will also look to build on the solid batting form shown by Stephen Doheny and Christian Leddicoat in today’s 2 day action against Tea Tree Gully away. Doheny finished the day unbeaten on 34 from 73 balls, while Leddicoat anchored the innings with an assured 46* from 96 deliveries, helping Kensington to 0/82 at stumps. Their form will be vital as they lead the top order on Sunday.
Image Pete McRostie Instagram: greatshotpete or https://petermcrostie.smugmug.com/ Round 3 Team Line-Up:
- Josh Doyle (C)
- Stephen Doheny (WK)
- Jason Sangha
- Christian Leddicoat
- Sam Rahaley
- Jack Matchett
- Henry Thornton
- James Cleggett
- Lloyd Pope
- Ryan Percival
- Seb McVann
Match Details:
- Date: Sunday, 20th October
- Time: 10:30 AM
- Location: Parkinson Oval, Kensington
- Opponent: Woodville
Be sure to head down to Parkinson Oval this Sunday to support the Baggy Browns in their quest for another victory. In addition to the A Grade men’s action, the B Grade Women’s team will also be playing at Ford Oval from 12:30 PM, facing Northern Districts, ensuring a full day of cricket action at Kensington.
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Kensington wishes to thank its sponsors MGA Insurance Group, Northline, Nelson Teamwear and infocus for their ongoing and valued support.
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Follow Senior A and B Grade Here!
Live Now! A Grade vs Tea Tree GullyOur A Grade has made a solid start to the match! Follow the live stream and scores here!
Venue: TTG
Watch the live stream here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV2Yt8UP6aA
Live Now! B Grade vs Tea Tree GullyTea Tree Gully has set a competitive total of 8/234 from their 50 overs at Parkinson Oval. Kensington’s Jay Temme was the standout with the ball, taking an impressive 4 wickets for 51 runs. Theodore Harper also chipped in with 2/20 from his 6 overs, while Shiv Channa and Ryan Percival each took a wicket.
Now it’s time for our a hit! Watch the second innings live and cheer on our boys, including in-form players Shiv Channa, Fred Temme, and Fred McClure, as they chase down the target!
Venue: Parkinson Oval Watch the live stream here: https://www.youtube.com/live/V2PtrJYo3IU
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Round 2 – Senior Men’s Teams
C Grade Skipper Michael ‘Hulk’ Davies leads a list of exciting inclusions across the senior men’s cricket selections. Image: Michael Sullivan Kensington District Cricket Club heads into Round 2 with both two-day and one-day cricket fixtures this weekend. The A Grade will face Tea Tree Gully away in their first two-day match of the season, followed by a West End One Day Cup clash against Woodville (team TBC) at Parkinson Oval on Sunday.
After an impressive first-up performance in round 1 of the West End One Day Cup against Northern District’s last week, skipper Josh Doyle (79) and wicketkeeper-batsman Stephen Doheny (70) showed they are key players to watch as they hope to continue their excellent form. This week sees notable inclusions such as leg-spinner Lloyd Pope and pace bowler Cam Fatchen who returns from a hip injury. Exciting young gun Jack Matchett has also been promoted. Rocket launcher Henry Thornton also returns from State duties and from all reports has been bowling rapid.
Cam Fatchen is set to return this week after recovering from a Hip Flexor complaint. Image: Michael Sullivan. The B Grade, captained by Tom McKenzie, is looking to bounce back after a tough first-round loss. Fred McClure earns a deserved promotion to the side following a brilliant unbeaten 67 and handy leg-spin wickets in the C Grade last week. Our B Grade will host Tea Tree Gully at Parkinson Oval on Saturday, with exciting talents like Shiv Channa and Fred Temme expected to continue their early season form. The club is overjoyed to welcome back much loved past player Henry Dall in his return game.
Image Pete McRostie Instagram: greatshotpete or https://petermcrostie.smugmug.com/ 
Image Pete McRostie Instagram: greatshotpete or https://petermcrostie.smugmug.com/ 
Image Pete McRostie Instagram: greatshotpete or https://petermcrostie.smugmug.com/ Michael Davies returns to lead the C Grade as they look to continue their winning ways against Tea Tree Gully away. With Fred McClure’s promotion to the B Grade more overs are expected for spin bowler Harry Burgess.
Harrison Rahaley returns to senior men’s cricket and will take the gloves. Image: Michael Sullivan. In the D Grade, young Henry Eckert comes in for his first senior game of the season, sure to impress with his often unplayable leg spin. The team takes on Tea Tree Gully at home on Col Waite Oval.
Finally, our Under 17s face Adelaide at Park 15 on Sunday, with an exciting blend of young talent taking to the field, many of which featured across senior teams last week indicating the clubs future is in capable and talented gloved hands.
The Kensington District Cricket Club wishes to thank our valued major sponsors: MGA Insurance Group, Northline, Nelson Teamwear, and Infocus, for their continued support.
