On Saturday 28th January 2023 Joe Kenny will become only the 4th player in the Club’s 115 year history to represent the mighty Seahorses on 400 occasions.
Joe’s playing career began officially in 1982 just over 40 years ago!! However, he had already made an impact on the field before then, having sub fielded in the under 12s as an 8 year old on a few occasions where he effected a number of direct hit run outs! This was a sign of things to come as Joe would go on to become one of the club’s greatest ever fieldsmen.
As a young cricketer, Joe played in some strong junior teams and this was where he first developed his leadership skills captaining at the under 12, 14 and 16 level. He also became a talented opening batsman, a role he would later fill for many years in the First XI.
Joe debuted in the 1st XI in 1993-94 season (cap no. 450) as an all rounder, batting middle order and bowling leg spin. However, it wasn’t long until his ability as an opener shone through, and he was quickly elevated up the order to open the innings, which he did for well over a decade. Over this time, he made 2 centuries with a highest score of 119 n.o. where he carried his bat.
Later in his career he dropped down the order and became a much more attacking player. He also took up the gloves, something he’d done at various stages over his career but in 2006-07 he kept for the season in the drought breaking Premiership year, taking 8 dismissals in the Grand Final.
In 2012-13 Joe was appointed 1st XI Captain, a role he excelled in over the next 3 seasons. He holds the enviable position as the only 1st XI Captain in our long history to lead the club to back to back 1st XI Premierships – a truly great achievement considering we had been promoted following the success of 2012-13!
Over his career Joe played over 150 1st XI games and was a 1st XI Premiership player on 4 occasions (equal highest ever). He has accumulated 7,697 runs for the club (second only to his father Jim at 8,677), has taken 172 wickets, 242 catches and effected 10 stumpings.
In addition to his on-field successes, Joe has taken on off field roles including various Junior coaching roles. He has also spent countless hours over the years preparing audio visual presentations, which transformed presentation nights and Killara Medal counts into entertaining and memorable events.
Congratulations Joe on achieving this significant milestone. You are truly one of the greats of the mighty Hampton Cricket Club.
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