Anthony Kershler - cricket’s my happy place
Paul Ryan | February 24, 2023
When asked about his most memorable moments in grade cricket Kersh responds simply, “it’s the friendships and still being in touch with mates I’ve met throughout 30 plus years of playing in Sydney. “
Anthony Kershler played his first-grade game in 1984 as a 15-year-old in Balmain’s 4th-grade team against Penrith at Rance Oval, Werrington near Penrith. He was the left arm off-spinner and his wicketkeeper on the day was a young Mark Atkinson. “Atko” went on to forge a tremendous first-class career in Australia playing 94 Sheffield Shield games for Tasmania.
“Kersh” as he was affectionately known played 421 first grade games in Sydney Grade (NSW Premier) Cricket and retired at the age of 46 in December 2015.
He took 742 wickets at an average of 25.06. He bowled 6485 overs, 1547 maidens and took 18, 5 wicket hauls. His best was 7 for 22.
He scored one hundred but still kicks himself for getting out in the 90s five times.
Cricket means so much to Kersh, he loves the game, and it was, as it is for many, his happy place.
At 21, Kersh joined the NSW Police Force and moved through the ranks to become a Detective and then moved into the Homicide Division and was a member of the notorious Backpacker Murder Taskforce.
In 2000 he moved into Counterterrorism and spent 10 years working with the Government and combined forces teams.
To play cricket at such a high level whilst undergoing such professional duties is a credit to Kersh and typically of his character. Strong, resilient, he wants to help.
I ask how he did it?
“It was a tough gig at times. Cricket’s my passion and brought me stability and consistency, it was the environment where I was most comfortable.”
Kersh retired from the NSW Police Force as Detective Senior Sargent.
The highlight of Kersh’s cricket career was wearing the baggy blue of NSW. He played 7 Sheffield Shield games for NSW and 3 one day games.
He took 18 wickets at 34.33, with best figures of 5 for 42 against Queensland.
The game against Queensland delivers a smile as he recalls dismissing Allan Border and Andrew Symonds in both innings, it was Symonds debut game for Queensland.
But a bigger smile comes from the excitement of recalling how he opened the batting for NSW in the 2nd innings. NSW needed 4 to win and Kersh sent Greg Rowell first ball to the boundary to win the game.
He’s still chuffed at the thought of opening the batting for his state and as equally proud to be able to show his young kids his name on the SCG honour board for taking 5 wickets in an innings. “It’s pretty cool to be able to show your kids.”
Outside of the NSW Test players, Kersh nominates Michael Cant, Rod Davison, Greg Hayne and Grant Lambert as the batsman he found most resilient. “Year in, year out, they just batted and batted”.
Facing up to Malcolm Marshall when he was playing for Waverley was a standout memory and batting against the Campbelltown duo of Chris Killen and Ken McLeod who were both very quick and as close as you could get to a first-class opening attack in grade cricket.
All up Kersh played for NSW, first-grade cricket for Penrith, Parramatta and Hawkesbury and proud of what he’s achieved on the field and the friendships he’s forged.
He also wants to give back. “I want to share my knowledge and experiences. I told my dad that I don’t ever not want to give back to the game.”
Kersh and his family now live in Kingsclife on the Far North Coast of NSW. He runs the cricket program for Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School and also has his own private cricket coaching and mentoring clinics, Kershler Cricket.
He also works closely with CricketNSW in the development of 15-17-year-old boys and girls in the zone for Far North Coast.
After 7 shield games, 416 first grade games and 742 wickets, Kersh’s family, coaching and mentoring cricket continues to be his happy place.
The spin twins - Kersh even happier playing first grade cricket with his son Harry for Cudgen Cricket Club in the Far North Coast Cricket Competition
Kershler Cricket - Cricket Coaching and Mentoring
