FEW on the picturesque Mornington Peninsula have as distinguished a cricket record as favourite son, Graham Burt.

Captain-coach of Sorrento for 15 years, he was invariably at his best when it counted most.

Three of his most memorable centuries came in finals, including back-to-back tons against Heatherhill and Balnarring as Sorrento clinched the 1971-72 Mornington Peninsula premiership.

A life member at both Sorrento and Seaford, where he is still serving, 71-year-old Burt was recently honoured with the International Cricket Councils Centenary Medal at an awards ceremony at the MCG.

Burt has served as Seaford's president, secretary, treasurer and development coach during his 30 years with the club.

He even played a couple of games two years ago with son David to help make up the numbers in the fifths.

He always has championed the keenest youngsters, passing on tips of technique and general cricket knowledge.

"That's the way I learnt," he said. "And I was far from a natural."

Originally from Preston Tech, the same school that produced cricket legend Bill Lawry, who is a year older, Burt played at Northcote and Collingwood before settling on the Peninsula and beginning his distinguished bush playing and administrative career.

"At Collingwood we had two coaches in Keith Stackpole snr and Jack Ryder and they were always in behind the nets while you batted, watching and telling you something," Ken said.

"That's where I improved my cricket. They never missed a night. They were so passionate. It set a great example to all the young fellows they worked with."

Seaford's treasurer since 1999, he is also Seaford's junior cricket co-ordinator and Under 13s coach.

It means early mornings and some late nights, but he wouldn't have it any other way.

Asked the best player he opposed, he opted for Seaford's Ken Cormack who made runs by the 100s and 1000s.

Burt's wife Joyce and daughter Jenny assisted with player meals for years.

"Junior clubs need all sorts of workers," he said. " You meet so many fine people, young and old. It's part of the appeal of cricket. It keeps you young."

As kids, he and Lawry would catch the tram together to practice at Northcote and he still sees him occasionally.

"He's an amazing man and still deeply interested in the game."

Ken Piesse's latest book is On Ya Richie, a tribute to Richie Benaud.

It is available from www.cricketbooks.com.au