Michael Sullivan – Spearhead of the Attack
Parramatta District Cricket Club | July 31, 2025
At this point in his playing career with the Parramatta District Cricket Club Michael Sullivan stands supreme as leader of the First grade bowling attack, he has played a significant role in the club’s 2022/23 and 2024/25 Belvidere Cup Premiership wins. Over the past three seasons he has matured into an opening bowler of real quality, amongst the best in the competition, his captain’s ‘go to man’ and his wicket haul over that period has been a highly productive 127 wickets @ 19.72.
From his first forays with P.D.C.C. in the A.W. Green Shield (2012/13) Michael looked to be an opening bowler of genuine promise but his path through the ranks of NSW Premier Cricket often took a twisted turn – in the early seasons his appearances with Parramatta were restricted due to his school cricketing commitments with St. Patricks College Strathfield, plus the frustrating ‘stop – start’ impact a range of injuries had on his career’s momentum and development. But along the way glimpses of his quality were evident and a bright future beckoned – if only he could stay injury free and stay on the field – ultimately his determination and physical advancement won through, and he has two prestigious First grade premierships in his hip pocket and many more wickets to capture.
Michael fits into the fast-medium category of opening bowlers he possesses the ability to swing the new ball dangerously at the start of the day and then move the older ball off the seam cleverly later in the innings and he backs these skills with pinpoint accuracy. He has the priceless ability to consistently snare early wickets.
Despite only being available for half the season ‘Sully’ gave notice of his worth in Fourth grade in 2014/15 when he grabbed 25 wickets @ 10.56 – highlighted by a destructive 6/22 v. Campbelltown. Over the next few seasons, despite intermittent injury problems, Michael continued to advance his bowling proficiencies and experience in Poidevin-Gray Shield, Third and Second grade highlighted by capturing 5/25 v. Eastern Suburbs in the P.G. Shield.
In 2020/21 he made his debut in First Grade and made it a moment to saviour by securing 5/33 v. Fairfield – this complemented the 5/69 he captured against North Sydney in Second grade earlier in the season. Since then, Michael has consolidated his First grade spot and grown in stature as a top-class bowler at that level and his output of wickets has grown season-by-season as evidenced below:
· 2022/23 (Premiership win) – 25 wickets @ 21.16: best 5/29 v. North Sydney.
· 2023/24 (Semi-Finalists) – 43 wickets @ 20.56: best 6/33 v. North Sydney, 5/71 v. Rand-Pet.
· 2024/25 (Premiership win) – 59 wickets @ 18.00: best – 5/58 v. North Sydney, 6/112 v. Fairfield (GF), 4/15 v. Blacktown (Hat-trick). He joined his father Paul (PDCC Chairman of Selectors & Asst. Coach) in claiming a hat-trick in First grade – Paul was an opening bowler for Hawkesbury.
2024/25 proved to be a monumental season for Michael Sullivan apart from winning his second First grade premiership ring in three seasons he set a new Parramatta First grade seasonal bowling aggregate record of 59 wickets (all formats), won back-to-back Richie Benaud Bowling Awards (most wickets), and was selected in the NSW Premier Cricket’s 1st grade Merit Team.
Now in the prime of his playing career Michael has many more milestones and challenges to conquer in coming seasons.
By Tom Wood – Parramatta District Cricket Club Historian
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