RIP Eddie Harling

Western Suburbs District Cricket Club Sydney | September 15, 2025

On the eve of what would have been his 58^th season following Western Suburbs DCC, club stalwart Eddie Harling passed away in his Corrimal home at age 82 on 10 September 2025.

A Yorkshire native, Eddie arrived in Australia in 1967 as an assisted migrant, due his credentials as an Electrical Engineer. His started with the Sydney County Council and remained with the one organisation through its various name changes (Electricity Commission, Sydney Electricity, etc.) for 43 years until his retirement at age 65.

Eddie originally settled in Ashfield, where he played some park cricket in his initial time in Australia before becoming a regular at Pratten Park and wherever Wests played cricket.

The Ashfield Hotel was a focal point, where he met long term friends Ian Currie, Phil Lewis and Stan McVittie. Stan and Eddie shared a house in Ashfield for 30 years.

It’s very safe to say that Eddie did enjoy a cold beverage, especially so on cricket days. Eddie and Ian ensured that the Pratten canteen profits remained buoyant. 

After retirement, Eddie moved to Corrimal, but that didn’t stop him supporting the Magpies. The weekend ritual became a train trip to Hurstville for breakfast, then the 491 bus to Ashfield, to take his place on the seat under the ‘Tree of Knowledge’ alongside fellow cricket critics Mark ‘Test Match’ Russell and Mark ‘Chuck’ Norris. Other luminaries to share the shade of the ‘Tree of Knowledge’ included ‘The Bear’, Billy Moore and Rodney.

A stroll to and from the ‘Ashie’ at lunch time was also firmly part of the day’s schedule.

Eddie leaves his legacy at his beloved Pratten Park with the lights that he designed still in place around the circumference of the field. The lights turn on each evening as the sun goes down and as most Umpires have learned, if Eddie’s lights come on its too dark for play to continue.  

One of the most loyal supporters that Sydney Premier Grade Cricket has seen, Eddie was present to witness and enjoy forty per cent of Western Suburbs’ 140 year history.

Eddie Harling’s light will continue to shine wherever Western Suburbs play cricket.

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