Retiring on a high

BRAD Rowe has retired from cricket on a high after coaching Heathcote Cricket A-Reserve to the premiership in the 2025-26 season.

Rowe began and ended his career in Heathcote, closely followed by his Nan and Pop, Tom and Jan Rowe.

“Tom was very proud of Brad’s achievements,” Jan Rowe said.

“He followed his career closely and collected stats from all his matches.

“Sadly, he passed away last year before seeing the premiership win.”

Following Rowe’s retirement, his grandmother presented him with folders filled with the stats his grandfather had collected and newspaper clippings she collected, starting from his junior matches.

“He was surprised I had kept them all,” she said.

“We went to all his matches, and I am very proud of him.

“There were so many highlights, but my favourite was the time he scored 125 runs against Spring Gully.”

Rowe said he truly appreciated his grandparents’ involvement in his cricket career.

“They were always there,” he said.

 

“They came to all the matches and always put their hands up to help with fundraising.”

Rowe made his junior debut with Heathcote against Maiden Gully in the 2002-03 season.

He joined the senior team in the 2004-05 season aged 14 and made his first century the same year.

In 2006 he was a member of the CCB team that toured England for three weeks.

Rowe scored 575 runs, earning a 95.83 average.

Following stints at Strathdale-Maristians, Emu Creek and Maryborough, returned as Heathcote B-grade coach and player for the Castlemaine District Cricket Association 2024-2025 season.

The team were runners-up and moved to A-Reserve for the 2025-26 season.

“After struggling with an injury after the Christmas break, I realised it was time to retire,” Rowe said.

“Winning the premiership was a perfect ending.

“I have some great memories through my times at Heathcote, Strathdale-Maristians, Emu Creek and Maryborough.

“I loved every minute.”

Rowe grew up in Heathcote and attended Holy Rosary Primary School.

He still lives in Heathcote with wife Gradey and seven-month-old son Oliver, working as a builder.

“If Oliver shows interest in cricket when he’s older I will encourage him all the way and I’ll be there for him just like Nan and Pop were for me.”