Adam Parkinson and Manly's Most Winning Cricketer
Manly Warringah District Cricket Club | February 01, 2026
Adam Parkinson’s name is etched firmly into the history of Manly Cricket Club as its most winning cricketer, a distinction earned through longevity, resilience, and consistent contribution across more than three decades of involvement with the club.
A product of the local area, Parkinson began his cricketing journey as a junior with Cromer before first representing Manly in the 1992/93 Green Shield season. That side featured several players who would go on to become club greats, including captain Matt Cranney and Cameron Lawes. After two seasons in Green Shield under the guidance of 5th grade captain John Borzi, Parkinson progressed into the senior grades, beginning a long apprenticeship that would define much of his early career.
Working his way steadily through the grades, Parkinson found first-grade opportunities difficult to secure during the late 1990s and early 2000s, with established leg spinners Mark McInness and Ryan Bonner occupying key roles in the 1st XI at the time. Despite this, he remained a committed clubman, continuing to develop his game and contribute wherever selected.
His first premiership success came in the 2004/05 season in 3rd Grade, a particularly significant triumph as it ended a 15-year premiership drought for the club. Under the captaincy of John Warn, Parkinson played an important role, contributing 243 runs and 16 wickets across the campaign. Premiership number two followed in the same grade during the 2010/11 season, this time under Craig Little, with Parkinson again influential, scoring 163 runs and claiming 26 wickets.
After a lengthy sabbatical from the club, Parkinson returned to add further chapters to his remarkable story. Joining midway through the 2021/22 season after Christmas, he was part of the 4th Grade premiership side captained by Andrew Rochford, contributing 51 runs and 13 wickets. The following season, 2022/23, saw a fourth premiership in the same grade and under the same leadership, with Parkinson adding 142 runs and nine wickets.
Taking on the captaincy himself in 2023/24, Parkinson led from the front, recording his fifth premiership. It was a strong all-round season, highlighted by 286 runs with the bat and 13 wickets. He followed this success with a sixth premiership in 2024/25, again as skipper, contributing 204 runs and 11 wickets as Manly continued its dominance.
In addition to his six premierships, Parkinson has also been part of five club championship victories, underlining the sustained success achieved during his time with the club.
By the start of the 2025/26 season, Parkinson had amassed 4,799 runs and taken 273 wickets in Manly colours, placing him tantalisingly close to the rare and prestigious milestone of 5,000 runs and 300 wickets — an achievement attained by only a select few in the club’s history. Regardless of whether those numbers are surpassed, Adam Parkinson’s legacy as one of Manly’s great servants and its most winning cricketer is already secure.
Join BeaconPoint Captains Circle
