Despite playing his first game of cricket at 19, Michael Leedham packed a lot into his career.
Within four years the 71-year-old played in two premierships and represented Tasmania, thriving under the guidance of an international representative.
"I hadn't had any cricket at school, I think I was about 19 when I started so I thought [I was] a little bit behind things," he said.
"I was very lucky that the first year I played, we had Alan Knott as an NTCA coach sent to the Midlands and I felt like I gained five years in one year just being around Alan - the real perfect professional.
"At Midlands we had some really good older players that had done all the early work in bringing the game to our area and I think some of us boys learned a lot off them, just how to play the game in the right manner and doing the right things."
Running from 1964, Midlands had a base of players from St Marys to Fingal, Avoca, Tunbridge, Ross and Campbell Town, and was formed through the unwavering efforts of Barney Gatenby.
"It was very hard to get a side together to build a side but through Barney's efforts and a few other administrators at the time, it really did make it possible for our generation to come along and do well," Leedham said.
Leedham played in their 1969-70 and 1973-74 premierships, putting his name in the lights for a Tasmanian call-up, which he achieved against a New Zealand Test side in latter flag-winning season, taking 3-40 at the NTCA Ground.
"We were well led with the administration in the North trying to push for Shield cricket and they imported a lot of English players as coaches, the Jack Simmons' and people like that," he said.
"Jack was a wonderful man for all us boys, country kids, he put belief in and we thought we could mix it with the top players.
"Northern cricket was extremely strong and people should remember those days.
"There was a state side which I remember that had nine out of the 12 as Northerners - the competition we had was a wonderful competition."
MORE REUNION NEWS:
Leedham's career is even more remarkable when noted that he played state golf alongside his cricketing pursuits.
After giving away cricket at 35, he represented Tasmania in golf for another 10 years and still continues at a high level to this day.
- This is part four of Cricket North stars: Where are they now, which will be released in seven parts until the NTCA grand reunion.
- More information - NTCA Cricketer past players, officials and supporters on Facebook
- www.trybooking.com/BPOEW
Josh Partridge
As a sports-mad fan who loves to remain challenged, sports journalism always seemed the path for me and it's allowed me to do things I never thought possible. A keen racquet sports player, I'm experienced in that field, allowing me to do my job at a strong standard.
As a sports-mad fan who loves to remain challenged, sports journalism always seemed the path for me and it's allowed me to do things I never thought possible. A keen racquet sports player, I'm experienced in that field, allowing me to do my job at a strong standard.
