Since 1965
Since 1965
It is with great regret that we advise that Don Harkness, a member of the inaugural 1st Grade team in 1965-66, passed away last Thursday. His daughter Jo said in her email “Dad peacefully declared for 90 on Thursday morning”. Don’s passing now leaves Bob Bain, Stan Gilchrist and Grant Le Huray as the only surviving members of the team.
Don was a right arm medium pacer and left hand bat who joined the new club from St.George. He played 13 matches in 1st Grade in that first season, taking 15 wickets at 20.3 and scoring 161 runs at 10.1. He also played two matches in 2nd Grade. He next played in the 1969-70 season, playing a full season in 4th Grade where he took 37 wickets at 16.6. He also played two matches in 2nd Grade in 1970-71. In all, he played 31 matches for the club, scoring 1612 runs and taking 52 wickets.
He began his grade career with Gordon in 1950-51, making his 1st Grade debut aged 19. He played with Gordon until 1958-59, scoring 1312 runs at 17.3 and taking 139 wickets at 22.6 in 1st Grade. His best figures came in his second season when he took 8-52 at Chatswood Oval against Central Cumberland, while his highest score was 80. He joined St.George in 1959-60 and played with them until 1964-65. He played predominantly 2nd Grade with Saints during a period when their 1st Grade team was a virtual representative side. He scored 139 runs and took 14 wickets in 1st Grade. In 2nd Grade, he scored 1092 runs at 26.6 and took 70 wickets at 19.2.
Don also spent the 1954 winter playing with Worcestershire in England. He played 8 matches in the Second XI before breaking into the First XI. He finished with 13 first class matches, scoring 488 runs at 25.7 (highest score 163) and taking 6 wickets.
Don was delighted to be able to attend the 50th Anniversary Dinner in 2015 with his two daughters Jo and Sue and his grandson Nathaniel. To Jo and Sue and their families, we extend our sincere condolences.
