Ironmonger Herbert Bert

Name:	Ironmonger, Herbert (Bert)
Date of Birth:	7 April 1883 (d 1 June 1971)
Career:	1913/14 - 1934/35
Teams:	Melbourne, St Kilda
Matches:	202
Batting Style:	LHB
Bowling Style:	LAOS

Although he had half of two fingers missing from his bowling hand, Ironmonger was a left-arm spinner of extreme accuracy. He could extract spin from the most unresponsive of wickets and, on a wet or helpful pitch, he was unplayable. Nicknamed "Dainty", because he wasn't, Ironmonger was probably the best Australian player never to tour England.

In VCA cricket, Ironmonger remains the highest-ever wicket taker, with an amazing 862 @ 13.03 despite playing his first game for Melbourne at 30 years of age. Teaming up with Don Blackie at St Kilda for 13 seasons from 1922/23, this pair regularly bowled unchanged throughout matches, the Saints winning 6 flags during this period. [More]

Batting

Innings	N.O.	Runs	Batting Avg	High Score	50s	100s
126	40	672	7.81	46

Bowling

Runs	Wickets	Bowling Avg	Best	5wi	10wm	Ct/St
11236	862	13.03	9/30	80	11	60