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last year
Dennis Hourn
Dennis Hourn
Sydney, Australia
38 Likes
2 Followers



It's Waverley Oval 1979 and Waverley is pitched against UNSW. Brian Riley is playing for Waverley having decamped from Petersham. He's had a pretty lean season with 220 runs from 11 digs for his new club and finds himself in second grade for the first time in a decade. It's the second last game of the season and the Waverley second grade team too has had a lean season.

Riles arrives late. We are fielding in a few minutes. He is frantically rooting around in his kit bag and then lets out a flurry of expletives. Manages to cover just about every expletive known to the English language. "I've left my f...... cricket trousers at home" he screams. Inquires of his new team mates if we have any spares. No luck.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/239/dennis-hourn/blog/2651/brian-riley-the-quotenfant-terriblequot-of-sydney-grade-cricket-in-the-1970s
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last year
Dennis Hourn
Dennis Hourn
Sydney, Australia
38 Likes
2 Followers



A stunning video has just been released on the history and use of Sydney's Waverley Park which includes Waverley Oval, the grandstand and its facilities, the all weather playing fields, children's playground and the imposing water reservoir tower.

Waverley Oval is home to the Eastern Suburbs Cricket Club formerly known as Waverley District Cricket Club. The club has a rich 150 year history as club president Jim Maxwell AM outlines in the video. Past players include test players and former Australian test captain Syd Gregory, Alan Kippax, former England test captain Tony Greig, Geoff Boycott, Malcolm Marshall, Greg Matthews, Brad Haddin, Peter Nevill and David Warner.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/239/dennis-hourn/blog/2650/our-park-waverley-park
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last year
Parramatta District Cricket Club
Parramatta District Cricket Club
Sydney, Australia
6 Likes
10 Followers



The Parramatta District Cricket Club has had many accomplished sportsmen pass through its ranks over the course of time, but the multitalented Charlie Leabeater – elder sibling of former State batsman Len Leabeater – takes a bit of beating.

He was adept at a wide range of sports as illustrated:

· As a cricketer he played for Central Cumberland from 1918/19 to 1944/45, this included three years in retirement, but as a veteran he answered call to overcome player shortages during World War II.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/406/parramatta-district-cricket-club/blog/2649/parramatta-dcc-ndash-charlie-leabeater-an-all-round-sportsman
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last year
Randwick Petersham Cricket Club
Randwick Petersham Cricket Club
Sydney, Australia
40 Likes
43 Followers



The greatest father-son combination in the history of the old Randwick club was Stan and Rhys Banwell. And while they played in different eras and never played together, the contribution each made to Randwick over an extended period, emphasised their ability as highly talented and at times, brilliant cricketers.

Stanley Joseph Banwell was born at Broken Hill on 3 December 1932. That was also the day Australia’s Stanley Joseph McCabe made 187* against Harold Larwood and England at the SCG. It was therefore no co-incidence baby Banwell should bear the name, Stanley Joseph. There had always been cricket blood in the Banwell family with Stan’s father, Jesse James Banwell, a 2nd Grade cricketer with St George.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/258/randwick-petersham-cricket-club/blog/2648/like-father-like-son-stan-and-rhys-banwell
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last year
Paul Ryan
Paul Ryan
Founder
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
503 Likes
513 Followers



Former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy once shared an intriguing perspective: at any given time, there could be around 11 wicketkeepers in Australia capable of stepping into the Australian Test team.

He explained that the Australian incumbent Test wicketkeeper is, of course, one. Then there are the six Sheffield Shield wicketkeepers representing their states and four wicketkeepers playing grade cricket who could also perform at the Test level if given the opportunity.

It’s worth noting that Ian himself was playing first-grade cricket in Brisbane when he got his chance to represent Queensland after Peter Anderson was injured. Remarkably, Ian played just six first-class matches for Queensland before earning selection for the Australian Test team. Healy went on to play 119 Test matches and was ultimately named the wicketkeeper in Australia’s Test Team of the Century.

In my opinion, Healy is Australia's greatest pure gloveman, yet his journey highlights how he rose from grade cricket to the Test arena after only six first-class games.

This raises an intriguing thought: if we consider Ian’s perspective on wicketkeepers, could we apply similar reasoning to other skill sets within a balanced cricket team? For example, could Australia potentially have the following number of players capable of performing at the test level across these roles?

55 batters
11 all-rounders
11 wicketkeepers
22 spinners
33 fast bowlers.

It’s a fascinating concept. With the right combination of hard work and opportunity, who knows what might be possible?

How do we make the Sheffield Shield competition stronger? How do we empower a greater emphasis on the competition to future-proof the breeding ground and ultimate success of the Australian test team?

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/2645/increase-the-prize-money-for-winning-the-sheffield-shield-to-2000000
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last year
Randwick Petersham Cricket Club
Randwick Petersham Cricket Club
Sydney, Australia
40 Likes
43 Followers



Randwick Petersham Legends Society member and former Randwick cricketer, Todd Greenberg, has been appointed CEO of Cricket Australia. Todd brings a wealth of sports experience and administration talent to the role. A former CEO of Canterbury Bulldogs and the NRL, he is currently CEO of the Australian Cricketer’s Association. It is a fantastic appointment by Cricket Australia and one welcomed by everyone who knows him. He will replace Nick Hockley who will vacate the role at the end of March 2025.

Todd joined Randwick as a 16-year-old in 1987-88 as a 5th Grade right-arm medium pacer. Two seasons later, he had switched his focus to his left-hand batting, bringing up his maiden century with 129* in 4ths.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/258/randwick-petersham-cricket-club/blog/2647/todd-greenberg-randwick-petersham-legend-the-new-cricket-australia-ceo
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last year
Parramatta District Cricket Club
Parramatta District Cricket Club
Sydney, Australia
6 Likes
10 Followers



Throughout its long history the Parramatta District Cricket Club has had a multitude of intriguing tales to tell, and the story of Tom Vernon Garrett certainly fits that classification.

Between 1904 and 1911 Tom, a busy all-rounder (right-hand middle order batsman and medium-pace bowler), took the field for the Parramatta club (then known as Central Cumberland), in both First and Second grade – some of his playing contemporaries were club legends like Les Pye, ‘Mudgee Cranney’, E.L. ‘Gar’ Waddy, and internationals W.P. Howell and G. Hazlitt.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/406/parramatta-district-cricket-club/blog/2646/the-tom-vernon-garrett-story
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last year
Matt Ellis
Matt Ellis
Cricket Coach
Dubbo, NSW, Australia
59 Likes
7 Followers



This week, we’re thrilled to bring you the inspiring story of James Knight—a master storyteller, literacy advocate, cricket tragic and bestselling author.

In this heartfelt conversation, James reflects on his journey from bush cricket fields to discovering the rich tapestry of cultures through cricket. He opens up about his battles with depression and shares how his experiences have shaped a life dedicated to making a positive difference.

We also dive into his latest book, The Spirit of the Warriors, and explore how he uses storytelling to inspire others and foster a love of literacy.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/182/matt-ellis/blog/2644/james-knight-the-gift-of-stories
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last year
St George Cricket Club
St George Cricket Club
Sydney, Australia
53 Likes
54 Followers



Clive Kable, in participating in the first season of first grade cricket for the St George District Cricket Club, continued a family tradition of firsts. His great-great grandfather, Henry Kable married Susannah Holmes on 10 February 1788. Their wedding was one of five to take place on the same day, marking the first marriages in the new British colony of New South Wales. Of the five marriages, only the Kable family bore children that lived into adulthood meaning that the Kable family can boast the longest continuing European family line in Australia.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/275/st-george-cricket-club/blog/2643/clive-kable-first-grade-player-no15
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last year
Ken Piesse
Ken Piesse
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
8 Likes
0 Followers



Ian Redpath was a champion on and off the field; genial, laconic , self-effacing. It was 60 summers back when he made 97 on his unforgettable Test debut having shared a 219 run opening stand with fellow Victorian Bill Lawry.

I still remember the hush and the groans of disappointment at the MCG when he was bowled by the South African swing specialist Joe Partridge. It was my first ever Test. Years later he told me it didn't bother him at the time, but rarely would a day go by when he didn't regret not making three figures.

Bobby Davis wanted Red to play VFL footy at Geelong after his outstanding exploits in the amateurs. But he didn't play so as not to endanger his amateur status.

Once he muscled administrator Alan Barnes against a dressing room wall after Barnes infamously said there were 500,000 others out there willing to play for Australia if the current ones didn't want to pay.

'Of course there are,' he said. 'But they wouldn't be any bloody good.'

Visit
www.www.cricketbooks.com.au
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last year
UTS North Sydney District Cricket Club
UTS North Sydney District Cricket Club
Sydney, Australia
12 Likes
19 Followers



UTS North Sydney made the trip out to Benson’s Lane across both Saturday and Sunday in early November.

It started off strong with skipper Mac Jenkins winning the toss and choosing to bat on a wicket that was thought to deteriorate as the game progressed.

After the 20 over mark both openers were s till at the crease, but departed shortly after the first drinks break. This brought to the crease both Addison Sherriff and Tim Reynolds, their partnership continued to grow and put the bears in a strong position just after lunch.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/380/uts-north-sydney-district-cricket-club/blog/2640/norths-fall-short-against-hawkesbury-at-bensons-lane
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last year
Manly Warringah District Cricket Club
Manly Warringah District Cricket Club
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
33 Likes
22 Followers



Manly Warringah DCC 1st Grade Premiers 1949-50

After 44 years of 1st Grade cricket, Manly won the premiership for the first time on Saturday, 5th April 1950, finishing on top of the competition ladder with 81 points, there being no finals or semi-finals at that time

Pictures: Keith Miller, Dudley Frazer, Doug Dives, Jim Burke

Back Row: Taylor, George Lowe (President), Jim Kennedy

Middle Row: Ewart Smith, Geoff Morrow, Eddie Robinson, Bruce Adrian

Seated: Col Graham, John Gwynne, Bruce Cook (Captain), Tom Brooks, Vic Brown

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/338/manly-warringah-district-cricket-club/blog/2639/manly-warringah-dcc-1st-grade-premiers-1949-50
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last year
Western Suburbs District Cricket Club Sydney
Western Suburbs District Cricket Club Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
69 Likes
93 Followers



Keshav Krishnan is a promising all-rounder in the making who joined Western Suburbs District Cricket Club at the beginning of the 2024-25 season.

Keshav has already made a name for himself at Western Suburbs, through his consistency, patience and relentless effort.

This season so far, Keshav has already taken 17 wickets in 7 games at an average of 9.88, including taking 5 for 11 off 10 overs against Randwick Petersham in Round 4 and, more recently, taking 6 for 23 off 17 overs against Mosman in Round 6.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/161/western-suburbs-district-cricket-club-sydney/blog/2638/pocket-profile-keshav-krishnan-western-suburbs-district-cricket-club
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last year
Randwick Petersham Cricket Club
Randwick Petersham Cricket Club
Sydney, Australia
40 Likes
43 Followers



The Oxenham Shield annual cricket matches between neighbouring boroughs, Randwick and Waverley, were first played in 1883. Some 12 years later in 1895, Humphrey Oxenham, a 41-year-old bookmaker and gambler, presented a handsome trophy for competition between the boroughs. A colourful character, as a youth, Oxenham won a bet of £100 to one shilling that he could ride the two miles (3.2 km) between Bathurst and Kelso within a certain time—with a pumpkin on his head.

The trophy was presented at a public meeting on 14 December 1895 presided over by the Waverley mayor. The arrangements for the competition were established for the first match scheduled for Boxing Day and New Year’s Day at Waverley Oval.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/258/randwick-petersham-cricket-club/blog/2637/the-oxenham-shield
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last year
CricConnect Stories
CricConnect Stories
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
191 Likes
257 Followers



A heads-up about something a little different. Cricconnect member, James Knight, has written a fictitiou kids' story that aims to promote relationships between Australia and India through the beauty of cricket.

The story is told through the eyes of a drought- affected farm boy, Jack, and an Indian boy, Ajeet, who has just arrived to live with his family in an Aussie bush town. They don't always see eye-to eye, but in the end, this is a beautiful story about the strength of human spirit.

Although it is aimed at upper primary school and early secondary school readers, there are messages in it for all of us. As part of the book, the boys write their own diaries. Here's a sample Chapter.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/56/cricconnect-fans/blog/2636/spirit-of-the-warriors-by-james-knight
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