Tim Cruickshank announces retirement effective immediately

TravelSIM Manly Warringah Waratahs 1st Grade skipper and all-time leading run scorer Tim Cruickshank has officially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.

Cruickshank famously led 1st Grade to their 1st 2-day premiership in 26 years this season, paving the way for the perfect opportunity to go out not only on his terms, but also on top.

After playing for the Peninsula Junior Club, Tim debuted for the Waratahs in 1997-98, playing a full year in 4th grade under the astute captaincy of Russell Pearce. He was 15 and came to Manly after a few seasons at Warringah. Tim hit 473 runs in this debut year, with 432 of those coming in 4th grade, the highest for 10 years. In that years Annual Report, Pearce wrote:

 

Well Russell was actually incorrect as Tim made his 1st grade debut the very next year as a 16 year old, getting a pair against Sutherland. However his time at the 1st grade crease was just beginning.

Tim cemented his spot in the top grade in 1999-2000 and went on to play 16 years of 1st Grade cricket.

Overall, Tim has scored 10,480 runs for the Waratahs, exactly 1,137 runs more than his nearest rival the late Eddie Robinson. Tim did it at an average of 33.06. He has also taken 169 catches, mostly at 1st slip and, somehow, has taken 5 wickets at an average of exactly 40.

Tim also fulfilled a lifelong dream by debuting for NSW in 2011, scoring 15 and 45. He played 6 first class matches with an average of 25.6 and a top score of 52, and 8 List 8 matches with an average of 29.75 and a top score of 75.

Waratah President Andrew Fraser shared everyone’s feelings by saying it was an announcement that brought mixed emotions.

“It’s a bittersweet moment for the Club” said Fraser.

“We’re happy for him in the sense he’s had an amazing career and now achieved all his goals including captaining 1st grade to a premiership. But sad that we are losing one of our greatest ever players. He’s a great guy and should feel incredibly proud of everything he has achieved during his 18 years at Manly.”

“To play at one Club your whole career is special and Tim has made many lifelong friends at Manly. It will feel very strange going to a 1st grade match next season and not seeing the name “Cruickshank” on the Manly Oval scoreboard. But I’m sure he will continue to play an important role with the Club as he is part of our family forever.”

However, on a positive note, Tim confirmed that he will play a yet to-be-confirmed role next year, while also paying tribute to everyone at the club he loves.

“I would like to thank the entire Manly cricketing community for all their support over the years. This club is like my family and I will be forever in debt for everything they have done for me”.

“Winning this year’s grand final will go down as the proudest moment of my career along with representing NSW. It presents the opportunity for me to go out on top and for my last game of cricket to be the most memorable I have ever played in. I am very fortunate to be able to retire in these circumstances”

“I don’t think I could be leaving the club and the 1st grade side in a better place. The foundation is set for years of success. I still aim to be actively involved with the club and hope to take up a coaching and mentoring role to help ensure that the winning culture continues for years to come”.

“We are now the benchmark in Sydney grade cricket and I want that to continue”.

Everyone at Manly would like to thank Tim for his amazing contribution to the Waratahs over many years, something that we know will continue for many more.

PS Maso is retiring also.