PORT LEGEND ON BRINK OF RECORD
PORTARLINGTON legend Paul McGrath can etch his name further into Bellarine Peninsula cricket folklore, needing just two wickets this weekend to surpass Robert Warren’s record tally of 609.
McGrath, one of the most revered players to grace the BPCA, said it would be “an honour” if he were to equal and pass Warren’s record in today’s match against Barrabool.
“It would be a great honour, but it’s not something that I planned to do when I first started playing cricket,” McGrath said.
“It would be an unbelievable moment if I can pass him, but he also played some cricket up in Melbourne and I’ve always played my cricket in the Bellarine.”
The modest Portarlington quick reminisced with his father during the week about the man whose record he’s about to claim, describing Warren as a “freak cricketer”.
“Probably the best cricketer he’s ever seen,” McGrath said.
“Said he could take seven wickets and make a hundred in the same game.”
McGrath continues to flourish in season 25, with the proficient all-rounder coming off a timely 128 in week one of this two-day clash against Barrabool last weekend, helping his side to 9-263.
McGrath sits third on the league runs tally with 8138 runs — exactly 500 behind that of Warren — highlighting the impact that both cricketers have had during their respective reigns of dominance.
Despite achieving nearly every award possible in the BPCA — player of the year (twice), best figures (9-19), two hat-tricks and four A-Grade premierships — McGrath’s game continues to develop, after he slotted into the opening batsman position this season to help coach Tony East consolidate Portarlington’s unsettled top order.
“They said, ‘Did you want to open’? and I said, ‘Yeah why not’? and it’s come off all right,” he said.
“It gives you a bit more time to bat and you can build an innings if you can get in.”
If McGrath does reach 610 wickets today, it wouldn’t be the reason he’s continued to play. Rather, McGrath said his competitiveness to win, the love of his great club and being involved with his son Jackson’s cricket career are the real motivators.
“Just because you make runs and take wickets doesn’t mean you’re going to continue to keep going, you just have to wait and see how you’re feeling next season,” he said. “I just enjoy playing with my teammates and love playing for Portarlington.”