Mayor Blackshaw and HurstvIlle Oval
St George Cricket Club | September 25, 2025
23 September 1911, Mayor Blackshaw bowled the first cricket ball at the official opening of Hurstville Oval, with St George XV playing a First Grade X1. Les Blackshaw worked tirelessly to have a suitable first grade cricket oval in the district, not only as an Alderman but also through fundraising and volunteering to tend the soil and plant fifty trees, mainly along the Dora Street boundary.
This was the beginning of a lifetime association with St George District Cricket for Blackshaw. Spanning 61 years until 1968, Blackshaw became known as “Father of Cricket in the District”, according to St George District Cricket Club. During this time he occupied positions of honorary secretary, president, patron and delegate to NSWCA. Hurstville Oval and cricket grew under his inspirational and selfless service and saw many St George cricket players represent NSW and Australia, including Don Bradman, Arthur Morris, Bill O’Reilly, Ray Lindwall and Ernie Laidler.
Many would remember the Blackshaw Pavilion in Penshurst Park that was demolished in 2015. This was built in 1940 as a pavilion for cricketers whilst playing in the park and named in honour of Les Blackshaw, who was a Penshurst resident.
We wonder if Les Blackshaw dreamed over a hundred years ago that Hurstville Oval would become a premier cricket oval and home of the successful St George Cricket Club with the most NSW Premier Cricket Premierships to it name with Belvidere Cup 18 Flags.
Article thanks to "I Grew Up In Mortdale". Feel free to check out their fascinating Facebook page -
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The Oval in 2017 hosting a Sheffield Shield match between NSW and Western Australia
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