Philip Crossan

This coming weekend (20th November), weather permitting, Philip Crossan will become the 22nd player to play 100 senior matches for the Union Cricket Club.

Philip first played afternoon cricket for the club in the 1996-97 season helping the Union Blue Senior Reserve team to the final against the Union Gold team, and top scoring in that match.  After spending the following season at Waitaki Boys in the schools 1st XI as an opening batsman, he returned to the club  and finally played his first senior game for Union on the 12th of December, 1998 against Oamaru, when the Union Senior Reserve side took part in the Dick Hunt competition.  

After some good performances in Senior Reserve, Philip was promoted to the Senior side and played his first full senior season in 2000-01.  His right arm in-swing bowling made a mark in senior cricket, taking 21 wickets including his first senior 5 wicket bag.  He however fell just short of his first senior half-century but would rectify this later during the 2009-10 season. It was during this season that saw him play 4 games for North Otago. He would play another season for the Seniors in 2002-03 before heading to Europe for an OE.

Since his return at the start of the 2005-06 season he has opened the bowling for the Senior side. A regular wicket-taker he has taken 73 wickets in the past two seasons, and was the North Otago Senior bowler of the season in 2009.  An under-rated batsman, Philip likes to score his runs quickly, and last season against Oamaru scored his first senior half-century when in a typically big hitting innings scored 58 in 26 balls including 2 fours and 6 sixes.

His performances saw him selected in the clubs 2000-2009 decade team during the clubs century celebrations held during labour weekend last year.

After the game on Saturday a presentation will be made to Philip and he will be capped for playing 100 senior games, a tradition believed to be unique to the Union Cricket Club. A highly sought after honour, he will become the 20th player to be rewarded in this way.

Player Pages:
Philip Crossan |