AFTER reaching the incredible milestone of 200 senior games of cricket for the Numurkah Youth Club Cricket Club last season, the club took Liam Gledhill’s recognition as a legend of the club one step further on Saturday, by awarding him a life membership.

Gledhill’s achievements have been well documented in the pages of the Numurkah Leader over the years, as he has broken numerous club records.

He has now played 209 A grade games for the Blues, and holds the records for the most runs (5902), wickets (344) and catches (118), although, there is no doubt the highlight of his career was captaining his side to the Haisman Shield win last season.

Following closely behind would be a Lightfoot Medal in the 2017/18 season, and a score of 178 not out, the highest individual score in the club, in 2014/15.

Gledhill played his first A grade game with the Blues as a 13 year-old, but his cricket career hasn’t been confined to Numurkah.

He played for the Melbourne Cricket Club for two seasons in 2000/01 and ‘01/02, before returning  to Numurkah.

Five seasons later, he took up a coaching role at Katamatite for three seasons, and then played two seasons with Waaia, in the Murray Valley Cricket Association.

Liam’s brother Daniel made the trip home from Bairnsdale for the weekend, and was given a clearance to play one last game with his brother.

“It was great to get the chance to play one last game with Grooch (Daniel), as it’s been something like 11 years since we last played together at Numurkah,” Liam said.

Daniel slotted into the team well, with South African import Michael Eckard not due to return back to Numurkah until this week, so no-one was put out of the game to include him. 

“He batted really well, and showed us all what a great talent he is,” Liam said of his brother’s efforts, top scoring for the side with a well made 79 runs.

“Even with Grooch in town for the weekend, the life membership came as a complete surprise to me.

“I was very proud, and a bit emotional. I’m really happy that the club thought enough of my contributions to consider me worthy.

“I just hope that I’ve done both my club and my family proud.”