Harvey Brothers - Harold and Brian Harvey

Harold and Brian Harvey

Due to commitments during the war, the fourth of the brothers, Harold Lindsay Harvey was unable to pursue a cricket career. He played mainly Second XI cricket at Fitzroy, but did play in the First XI during the war. A fitter and turner, Harold Harvey enlisted on 19 April 1945 and was discharged on 20 January 1947 with the rank of sergeant. He served with the Second Australian Imperial Force in Bougainville in New Guinea and played 15 First XI matches for Fitzroy from 1942–43 to 1949–50, as a wicketkeeper-batsman, scoring 237 runs at an average of 14.81.

Brian Clifford Harvey, was the tragic member of the family. A Victorian representative at baseball, he was a useful cricketer at club level, spending almost a decade in the Fitzroy First XI until 1961–62. An electrician, he was electrocuted in 1969 at the age of 37 while working for the State Electricity Commission. In 111 First XI matches for Fitzroy, he made 2,503 runs at 21.57.

Between them, the Harvey brothers totalled 25,185 runs in 772 appearances for the Fitzroy Cricket Club. Over time, their numbers in the ranks began to diminish. In 1949–50, Mick moved to Queensland while Harold was dropped from his position in the Fitzroy First XI. Merv retired after 1954–55 and Neil moved to New South Wales after 1956–57. Ray retired from the First XI at the end of 1960–61 and Brian the year after. In 1962–63, the club played their first season for 30 years without a Harvey in the team. At first-class level, the family's contribution is 26,532 in 405 appearances, with 7,964 coming for Victoria.