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2 years ago



Shelston's Magpies - My Best Grade team 1974 - 1988

I have enjoyed reading of the teams selected by other correspondents.

So, here is my stab at the best Grade Cricket team from the players I played with during my playing days.

To paint my picture, I only ever played for Western Suburbs in the Sydney Grade competition between 1974 and 1988.

While I was just an average grade cricketer and played through all the grades, I was fortunate to play a few seasons of First Grade alongside some fairly useful players.

So, I think my team would give most of the others mentioned here a fair run for their money.

This is my best Grade team from the players I played with

1. Mark Spicer – Powerful Opener Represented NSW at U/19’s, I still hold the first wicket club record for Third Grade with Spice he gave it away far too young.

2. Scott Hookey – A character…but exciting player when on.

3. Dirk Wellham (c) – played with Dirk from U10s in the park through to Grade. Making runs was habitually easy for him.

4. Brad McNamara – Shared a 50 plus run partnership with Brad on his First-Grade debut.

5. Greg Matthews – Greg will do me for spin and batting 5.

6. Greg Douglas – Explosive talent – would be a BBL sensation these days.

7. Greg Dyer – would make it as a batsman but here as the keeper, another I played junior cricket with.

8. Graham Bush – ACT leggie, impossible to leave out of any team when a drink is on.

9. Phil Kelleard – Trojan for the Pies for many many seasons RIP

10. Dave Gilbert – Came to Wests at the end of my time impossible to leave out

11. John Coyle – After a great career with Petersham Coylie played a couple of seasons with me in 2nds. Dangerous on his day.

12th man – Mike Swan – superb slipper and outfielder

Team Scorer – Mal Gorham – “pencil” say no more RIP er

Team Manager – Eric Francis – a great clubman who looked after Seconds for many years.

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2 years ago



My Best Grade team - Chris Sabburg 2008 to 2020

I debuted in Brisbane First Grade Cricket in 2008/2009. I have played with many, many talented grade cricketers and also Queensland and Australian players. I was extremely lucky to play in a golden era for Toombul District Cricket Club from 2008/09-2014/15 where we played many semi and grand finals and winning a couple premierships in two day and white ball cricket. I then moved clubs for a change of scenery after losing the love for the game a bit. I moved across town to Western Suburbs District Cricket Club, where I had family. I had three very successful and happy years at Wests from 2015/16-2017/18 winning a two day premiership in 16/17.

In 2018 I drove over to Perth to chance my hand for a last crack for higher honours and I am currently playing for the University of Western Australia Cricket Club.

Selection Criteria – players selected have played less than 25 First Class, List A and T20 games.

So my team in batting order:

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2 years ago



Dirk Wellham made his first grade debut for Western Suburbs on 1 March 1975 against the old Sydney Cricket Club at the age of 16. He is the very proud owner of Western Suburbs first grade playing number 454.

Dirk is part of a very select club in having scored a century on his first class debut for NSW and a century on his test debut for Australia.

He made his Test debut for Australia on 27 August 1981 in the 6th Test of the Ashes series against England. England won the toss and sent Australia into bat and Dirk batting at number 6 scored 24 in the first innings and 103 in the 2nd innings. The match was drawn.

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2 years ago



My granddad has a unique place in cricket history. Jack Stackpoole was born in a Cobb and Co coach, in Jundah, QLD to the daughter of a bookkeeper and a jackeroo from Milo Station - one of Queensland's largest sheep stations.

Growing up, while his Dad searched for itinerant work, Jack spent time in Port Lincoln and the Adelaide Hills.

Jack eventually found his way back to Queensland and played first grade cricket for Toombul as a pace bowler. His three games for Queensland may have amounted to little if it wasn't for “that ball”.

In January 1940, playing for Queensland against South Australia, Jack found himself at the top of his long run, as Don Bradman strode to the crease! Without a doubt, even the most devoted Queensland supporter at the Gabba that day, was there to see the 31-year-old phenomenon score an inevitable century, belting Queensland bowlers to all parts of the ground.

Jack gathered himself, the bloke taking strike had already amassed a record 452 not out against Queensland. “Here goes” he thought and began his run to the wicket. Jack thundered in, leapt and served up the best full ball he could muster. In slow motion, he watched as The Don surprisingly misqueued the ball in the air straight to short mid-wicket. OUT! A golden duck for the legend! One of only two in his celebrated first-class career.

The spectators booed as Bradman left the field. Ever the humble man, my granddad Jack, went back to the top of his mark, and readied himself for the next batsman. He went on to take 6-72.

Not long after, Jack departed for Milne Bay to take on the Japanese in World War 2.

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2 years ago



The beauty of the Tooheys Cup - Wagga Wagga v Albury

Can you imagine half the Australian Test cricket team playing an exhibition game in the county regions a week before the first Ashes Test? Well, it happened in the 1990s thanks to the magic of the Tooheys Cup!

As a cricket mad kid growing up in Wagga Wagga, there was nothing like the thrill of when the Tooheys Cup rolled into town. The concept saw the full strength NSW Sheffield Shield Team play an exhibition match between two local towns (in my case Wagga vs Albury), with 6 shield players on each side intertwined with 5 of the best local players from each town.

A brilliant concept that gave the bush boys a chance to pit their skills against cricketing royalty and a chance for all country cricket lovers to see their heroes in the flesh. A legitimate match where the lads went hard.

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2 years ago



Andrew Zell epitomises the life of a country cricketer in regional NSW. A passionate and talented player who for a variety of reasons doesn’t head to the big smoke but equally dedicated to the game.

Andrew start his cricket at Biddon-Toora Cricket Club before joining South Dubbo Cricket Club in the mid 1990s and for 10 or so years was instrumental in their clubs success.

A much travelled player, it’s been a tremendous journey and it’s great to see his passion for the game is as strong as ever.

Let’s find out more about Andrew Zell.

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2 years ago



St Ignatius College Riverview 1st XI Cricket team 2016

Back Row – Ryan McEldruf, Andrew Dupont, Edward Swan, Samual Braham, Conor Fahey, Thomas Flynn, Samuel Fanning
Front Row – Thomas Brooks, Elijah Eales, Mr. James Rodgers (Coach), Bennett Walsh (Captain), Jesse Kehoe (Manager), Oliver Zannino (Vice-Captain), Oliver Clarke

Since leaving school there’s been a number of impressive cricket achievements across the 2016 1st XI team

Sam Fanning – Western Australia contracted player, Australian Under 19s
Thomas Brooks – Western Suburbs Cricket Club First Grade
Ryan McEldruff – Sydney University Cricket Club First Grade
Elijah Eales – Mosman Cricket Club First Grade
Oliver Zannino – Sydney University Cricket Club 2nd Grade
Bennett Walsh – Sydney University Cricket Club 2nd Grade

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2 years ago



From South Africa via Northern Ireland to Australia Brendon Briedenhann’s journey is full of stories and experiences.

Brendo thrives in the competitive battle but is a gentleman on and off the field. He’s a much loved team mate so let’s find out a little more about his journey.

I was born in the Lowveld town of Nelspruit (now Mbombela) South Africa. My parents were tobacco farmers and my mum was involved in the travel industry. My parents separated when I was 12 so Mum, my youngest brother and I moved into town and later to Durban and then Johannesburg.

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2 years ago

Nev and Vic – two ninety year old's have been life-long friends. Vic’s dying and Nev’s visiting him every day.

“Vic,” says Nev, “You know how we love cricket and how we played together all those years. Vic, will you do me a favour.

When you get to Heaven, and I know you will go to Heaven, somehow can you let me know if there’s cricket in Heaven.”

Vic looks up at Nev from his death bed, and says, “Nev, you’ve been my best friend all these years. This favour you ask, if it’s possible, I’ll do it.”

Shortly after, Vic passes on. Its midnight a couple of nights later and Nev is sound asleep when he’s awakened by a blinding flash of light.

A voice calls out to him, “Nev….Nev”

Sitting bolt upright, Nev says “Who’s that?” “Nev, it’s me, Vic.” “No. You’re not Vic. Vic died.” I’m telling you,” insists the voice. “It’s me, Vic!” My mate Vic? Where are you?”

“I’m in heaven. I’ve got good news and some bad news.”

“Great. What’s the good news” “There really is cricket in heaven. All our old buddies who’ve gone before us are up here too. Better still, we’re all young men again. It’s always spring time and it never rains or snows. Best of all, we can play cricket all we want. We never get tired!”

“Really?” says Nev, “That’s fantastic … wonderful … beyond my wildest dreams!

But … what’s the bad news?”

“You’re opening the batting Tuesday”.

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2 years ago



Rob Thornton - watch the ball in everything you do

Cricket has taken Rob Thornton too many places and it’s been a journey full of runs, wickets, premierships and love.

From Parkes, Tamworth, Sydney, Scotland and Newcastle as a player and now coach, it’s been quite the journey, so let’s find out more about Rob Thornton.

However, I loved Edinburgh and having experienced a dry summer and the Edinburgh Festival, and despite having spoken to Newcastle and Sydney grade clubs, I made the decision to stay through the winter and experienced my first white Christmas, it was -18 on Christmas Day.

This became permanent as I had full time work and by my third season I was captain of the merged Royal High Stewarts Melville (RHSM) club and had met my Scottish future wife.

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