Stuart Webster - never give your wicket away

Newtown Cricket Club Dubbo Dubbo | April 23, 2023

Stuart Webster made his first class debut for NSW in 1972 and played 23 games for the Baggy Blues.

He scored 1,215 runs at an average of 28.92 including a century on debut and 6 half centuries.

He was a member of Western Suburbs premiership winning teams in the early 1970s and has made a tremendous contribution to cricket in Western NSW especially Orange and Dubbo.

In Orange, the Western Zone Trophy for the Under 17s is played for the Stuart Webster Trophy.

Let’s find out more about Stuart’s cricketing journey

Welcome Stuart

What year were you born?

1946

Where did you go the high school?

Grafton High School, then Orange High School for last two years, completing Leaving Certificate in 1963.

Where did you play your junior cricket?

All in Grafton. The Bailey family were very involved in juniors and it was well organized and a very competitive standard

Which clubs in Sydney did you play for?

Western Suburbs and Balmain

I only left Wests because of residential location, as at the time you had to reside in the area in which your club was. Gladesville was a long way from Pratten Park. I was called in to see the then Secretary of the NSWCA who informed me that I had to change clubs because of where I was living. Wests had recruited me to come to their club and paid my airfare down and back from Canberra for two years. I did owe them and hopefully they believe they got their monies worth.

What age did you make your first-grade debut in Sydney?

25 in 1971

What was your highest score in First grade cricket in Sydney?

Don’t remember my highest score? I do remember making a good 100plus against Mossman against Barry Knight and crew.

Who were the best three bowlers you played against in Grade cricket during your career?

I rate bowlers on what they did with the ball, swing (late swing), and movement off the wicket. So, I have Gus Gilmour at the very top of swing bowlers and Geoff Lawson and Dave Chardon in the other variety.

Who were the 3 quickest bowlers you played against in your time playing Grade Cricket in Sydney?

Jeff Thompson, Len Pascoe and David Rennerberg.

Who were the top 2 spinners you played against in your time playing grade cricket in Sydney?

David Horne and Kerry O’Keefe (he sometimes did spin the ball on a real turner).

Who were the 3 players in Grade Cricket you admired most in terms of skill and competitive spirit?

Bob Simpson, Warren Saunders, Brian Booth and Tony Steele. All had class and demeanor and good thinkers.

Who played the best innings you saw in Grade Cricket in Sydney?

Bob Simpson make some very good scores in the comeback part of his career. I heard him say “that players who made good 30’s (say 6 x 4’s) did nothing for a team’s score. Those that got to 50 should get to 75 then 100 and so on” - he never gave his wicket away and had great technique.

When did you make your first class debut for NSW and what can you remember about the game?

In 1972 and it was against Victoria at the MCG and I was fortunate to make 110. Played against Max Walker, who’s inswing was playable but his leg cutter which went straight on was not, by his action I was unable to see the role of his fingers across the ball. 

Who were the best 3 bowlers you played against in first class cricket?

Dennis Lillee (speed, movement and bounce), Jeff Thomson (just speed) and Rodney Hogg (speed) – with all three you had to be in position very quickly.

Who played the best innings’ you saw in Grade Cricket in Sydney?

There were many but the one I do remember was from Andrew Hilditch at Drummoyne Oval. It was in his initial season in Sydney grade cricket and along with John Dyson I could see them playing for NSW and Australia, such was their technique and maturity. 

You played 23 first class games for NSW, how do you look back on your first class career?

I worked hard to get there plus I had good advice from Bob Simpson and Tony Steele and a few others. It was something I aimed for and achieved.  

What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket?

-Scoring 110 against Victoria in my first Shield game.

Who’s been the biggest influence in your cricket career?

Jack Maroney who played for Australia and finished his cricket career in Orange. I spent a lot of time watching him when I was living in Orange and the technique he used for various shots. 

Who was the funniest cricketing team mate?

David Hourn. He could recount great stories and situations that would get you thinking and laughing at his slant on them. Great company and a real cricket purist.

Who is your favorite all time cricketer?

Bob Simpson with Gus Gilmour (whose ability had to be seen to be believed)

What was the best win you were involved in?

Against WA at the SCG .We won batting last and scored the runs after John Inverarity declared. Doug Walters made a 100 plus to get us past the post. The win was so good that David Lord purchased a number of bottles of Champaign for our dressing room. 

 

Stuart with Rick McCosker and Steve Rixon at a Baggy Blue function in Dubbo

What did you enjoy most about playing Grade Cricket in Sydney?

It was always competitive, well organized and was the step up to a first class career.

Was there a particular team you really looked forward to playing?

St George because they had quite a few ex NSW and Australia players and it was hard and competitive cricket.

If you’re in the middle seat of the middle row of Qantas QF1flight to London which team mates would you choose to on your left and right?

Alan Turner and Rick McCosker

Did you have any cricketing superstitions?

None

Which ground in Sydney club cricket did you enjoy playing at the most?

Drummoyne Oval

You coached for many years, are there 2 players that you have enjoyed watching their careers evolve?

Nathan Pilon from Dubbo (who I would have picked to go further) and David Carson who went on to captain UNI NSW.

Western Zone Under 17 Trophy - the Stuart Webster Trophy

What’s the best advice you ever received?

Never give your wicket away.

Are you still involved in Cricket and if so, in what capacity?

No longer involved but still interested in local cricket.

Do you like the modern game and what can the game do to make it better?

I’m a traditionalist and enjoy Test and Sheffield Shield cricket

What advice would you offer a young 18 year old who has the ambition of playing test cricket?

Work hard.

What are your hobbies?

Golf and Rotary

Are there any lessons from your time in cricket that you take into work or life in general?

Hard and thoughtful work is always rewarded, be kind, listen and always have a bright outlook on life.