Stories

last year

Gordon District Cricket Club

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

13 Likes
25 Followers

Brendan McDonald joined Gordon District Cricket Club for the 2005/06 season after making his first grade debut for UTS North Sydney against Randwick during the 2003/04 season.

A talented leg spinner Brendan took 172 first grade wickets for Gordon with best figures of 6 for 65.

He was more than handy with the bat scoring 1,849 first grade runs with 8 half centuries and a highest score of 98 against Bankstown.

Brendan travelled to Adelaide and played for Woodville in 2010/11 where he tool 24 first grade wickets and then to Hobart the following season to play for Lindisfarne and took 21 wickets.

He returned for one more season at Gordon in 2012/13.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/297/gordon-district-cricket-club/blog/497/brendan-mcdonald-enjoy-your-team-mates-success

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last year

Penrith Cricket Club

Sydney, Australia

18 Likes
20 Followers

Greg Sheens is Penrith first grade player number 88 after making his first grade debut against North Sydney.

A local junior Greg came through the grades at Penrith and has a wonderful historical connection to the club.

In 1983/84 Greg was awarded the Penrith Rookie of the Year award. In 1987/88 he was the clubs Poidevin Gray Player of the Year and in 1989/90 he won Penrith most outstanding all-rounder.

Greg took 226 wickets for Penrith across all grades.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/330/penrith-cricket-club/blog/1442/greg-sheens-at-least-look-like-a-cricketer

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last year

Penrith Cricket Club

Sydney, Australia

18 Likes
20 Followers

Paul Goldsmith is Penrith First Grade cap number 116 and he took 452 wickets at an average of 22.58 including 13 five wickets hauls. In all grades for Penrith he took 572 wickets at 22.43.

In 2018/19 Paul was awarded the Perce Hargraves Club Person of the Year Award and continues to make a significant contribution as President of Penrith Cricket Club.

Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with?

Easy one, Trevor Bayliss. It’s fairly obvious based on what he has achieved as a coach but he has such a great cricket mind and was always a step ahead of the batsman. He was big on getting players to think about their own game and made everyone a better player.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/330/penrith-cricket-club/blog/197/paul-goldsmith-understand-your-own-game

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last year

Lyall Gardner

Sydney, Australia

30 Likes
9 Followers

RECORD: 222*runs in 1939-40 by Alan Barnes (104*) / John “Ginty” Lush (113*) for Mosman 7-441 declared against Paddington 322 at Mosman Oval (now Allan Border Oval) on 3 February 1940.

Batting first in that match, Mosman were away to a good start at 7-219. The only real disappointment for the Whales was that their “big gun”, Stan McCabe, made just 29. But that setback quickly turned to amazement as the club record books were re-written in the space of only 106 minutes. That’s how long it took for numbers 7 and 9 in the batting order, Alan Barnes and John “Ginty” Lush, to smash an unfinished 222 for the 8th wicket. It was the highest score for any partnership across all grades for Mosman, breaking the previous mark of 216 for the 1st wicket by Hammy Love and Charlie Andrews against St George in 1929-30.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/227/lyall-gardner/blog/1441/nsw-premier-cricket-the-record-partnerships-from-1893-to-2023-the-eighth-wicket-record

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last year

Dean Tuckwell

Travel Agent

Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

70 Likes
20 Followers

Kepler Wessels - “Make the bowler earn your wicket and be ruthless when you get a start.”

Speak to Greg Chappell Cricket Centre CEO Greg Tibbits for any longer than 10 minutes and you will hear about the day he knocked over Kepler Wessels, Allan Border and Greg Ritchie in quick succession in a Brisbane 1st grade game for Colts against a star-studded Valleys side. “Chad” and I were teammates that year and didn’t win too many games but may have won that one if Kepler hadn’t already scored 140.

Kepler’s hundred that day just seemed so….inevitable. His Duncan Fearnley Magnum may have taken a unique and circuitous route to meet the ball but once it did it seemed 10 inches wide. It was a flawless display of concentration, shot selection and placement yet I doubt he even remembers it. That it appeared like he was working on a few shots in a throw down session illustrated just how his professionalism and single-mindedness reaped almost 25,000 first class runs at an average of 50 including 66 hundreds, 6 of them in Test matches.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/69/dean-tuckwell/blog/489/kepler-wessels-ldquomake-the-bowler-earn-your-wicket-and-be-ruthless-when-you-get-a-startrdquo

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last year

St George Cricket Club

Sydney, Australia

53 Likes
54 Followers

Ray Davies - A genuine all-rounder

Big, strong, barrel-chested, Ray Davies slipped seamlessly into the role of leg-spinning all-rounder left by the retiring Vic Cristofani. Ray loved to thump the ball when batting, fielded athletically and enthusiastically, and was always a happy presence in the dressing room.

He took 19 wickets in 1969-70, his first full season, 26 in the second and 36 in Warren Saunders’ last year. Mostly he bowled in a support role, reaping the benefits of quality bowlers around him.

Bereft of Saunders, Watson, O’Keeffe, Leslie and Osborne in the next summer (1972-73), Ray struggled. Hopes he would become the No 1 spinner who could both attack and bowl tightly were not fulfilled. And in a sense it didn’t look right when the burly Ray tweaked his leggies delicately. Towards the end of the net sessions he would revert to bowling pace, and had batsman ducking and weaving. Eventually he was tried as a pace bowler in the firsts and proved much more effective with a haul of 6-56 an excellent effort. For the next 10 years he bowled pace in first grade and finished with 245 first grade wickets and 451 in all grades for the club.

Ray loved St George and has stayed involved as a long-term chairman of selectors, a link with pat players, and the doer of good things around the club. In particular his mentor/caring role with Rod Luckman over 30 years does him enormous credit.

The story was originally published in John Rogers book 'Mr St George' - Warren Saunders and the culture he inspired

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last year

Paul Ryan

Founder

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

503 Likes
513 Followers

David Dillon grew up in the bush in NSW and followed his father’s footsteps to play for Western Suburbs in Sydney Grade Cricket.

He’s cricketing journey has had many travels and as one of his team mates from Bathurst has said, “In another life, he would’ve been a great author. The often humorous and much-loved team man, David Dillon.

What was the best thing about growing in Bathurst and playing senior cricket against the older guys?

I remember playing 6th Grade in Bathurst against men when I was 13 on ant-bed pitches with coir matting at the Showground. Blokes like Scotchy Armstrong, Snags O’Conner and on our side, we had the dynamic pair of Barry Quigs and Ronny Croucher, who had their own version of caught Marsh bowled Lillie. After initially being terrified, by these were big physically imposing blokes, you soon realised that you could compete and that was the bit I loved the most. Competing against the men gave you a huge amount of confidence when you went back to juniors. The sound of a big loud “Howzaat” from men was so different to the squeaky U13 version, so you feel the extra pressure and men play smarter.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/32/paul-ryan/blog/1439/david-dillon-a-little-humour-carries-you-a-long-way

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last year

Redlands Tigers Cricket Club

Brisbane, Australia

6 Likes
4 Followers

The latest instalment in our first grade captain’s series is a cricketing journeyman who was earmarked for big things from a young age. Alex Kemp announced himself on the club scene in his Taverners year with a huge season including a double ton. From there he steadily rose through the grades with buckets of runs at both club and representative level.

Tell me about some of the clubs and rep teams you’ve played with.

I played for BEARS Junior Cricket and went through the various QLD underage teams as a kid (U15-U19’s). I played all my grade cricket in Brisbane for Redlands before moving to Sydney to play with Randwick Petersham Cricket Club. I was also lucky enough to be a part of the Bulls squad for 5 years.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/404/redlands-tigers-cricket-club/blog/595/tigers-tales-1st-grade-captain-alex-kemp-cap-617

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last year

Townsville Cricket

Townsville, QLD, Australia

1 Likes
0 Followers

Sam Scuderi was a truly gifted batsman and cricket prodigy who grew up in the sports hungry North Queensland.

At the age of 13 he was playing A Grade cricket with and against men for Ingham Centrals. At 16 he was playing A Grade for Wanderers in Townsville.

Whilst still a teenager he was selected in the Queensland Country team and many eyes of Queensland cricket were shining brightly at Sam’s run scoring capabilities and talent.

The Scuderi family ran a sugar farm in North Queensland and sadly Sam’s father passed away when he was 16. Sam was to run the sugar farm to help provide for his mother and brother Joe.

"I would have loved to have gone to Brisbane earlier, but it couldn't be done," Sam said.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/385/townsville-cricket/blog/260/sam-scuderi-the-sun-will-come-up-tomorrow

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last year

Country Cricket NSW

Newcastle, NSW, Australia

8 Likes
41 Followers

Touted as Gloucester’s finest cricket product and most decorated player, Eric Higgins began his cricket career as a Gloucester junior - Gloucester Sports Committee

In 1974 he was selected to attend a NSW country coaching clinic in Sydney, where he scored an unbeaten 101 runs against a combined Green Shield team at the SCG.

Eric played a leading role in the Gloucester team’s win against Manning, Hastings and Macleay in the Mid North Coast inter-district First XI competition in 1975/86.

Eric was a Northern NSW Emu representative where he is listed as the all-time highest century maker, scoring a record four centuries.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/284/country-cricket-nsw/blog/1438/eric-higgins-gloucesterrsquos-finest-cricket-product

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last year

Stockton and Northern Districts Cricket Club

Newcastle, NSW, Australia

6 Likes
1 Followers

Mark Kelaher had a much travelled cricket journey that took him from the Far South Coast of New South Wales, to Sydney, the North of England, Scotland, Newcastle and the Gold Coast.

A talented all-rounder who is NSW Country Cricket player number 31.

Mark played for Petersham Marrickville in Sydney and when he joined Stockton & Northern Districts Cricket Club he was the catalyst and arranged the first annual pre-season weekend when Petersham (now Randwick Petersham) travelled to Newcastle to play Stockton & Northern Districts. The tradition has continued since 1988.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/477/stockton-and-northern-districts-cricket-club/blog/1437/mark-kelaher-eye-opener-for-a-boy-from-the-bush

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last year

Joe Maiorana

Sydney, Australia

40 Likes
2 Followers

Interviewer: Was your decision to quit a premature one?

Dean Jones: Well. it's one of the biggest decisions of my life and it was not taken lightly. The public did not like it and there were a lot of sympathisers. I suppose I have always been brought up to play Test cricket... one-day cricket is a lot of fun. It generates a chance for the players to show their skills. Well, they dropped me for the last one-dayers (against South Africa) and I thought that was the last straw.

Particularly I thought it was not warranted... I had two bad decisions in the last three innings and they still dropped me. There were a few guys who were playing in the side whose records are nowhere near mine. So I thought the selectors are looking for new avenues. I have been one of the senior players in the Australian team for nine years. It's pretty hard just sitting around and playing the odd one-day game. You see, they did not pick me for the first half of the World Series at home and I did not play the Test matches (against South Africa). They selected me for the last half of the one-dayers at home and I did very well. I topped the averages there and went to South Africa.

I told my wife during the tour that I may retire from international cricket. I am still the captain of Victoria and I am captaining the world team against South Africa this August in the Scarborough Festival. So it's funny... I am picked to play for the world team, but not picked to play for Australia.

Interviewer: Would you say the selectors have denied you opportunities in spite of your impressive record?

Dean Jones: Well, in the last eight Test innings I averaged about 85. So it's a bit hard to understand what's going on. But one has to understand the team balance as well... I don't have any hassles with the selectors. When you have two fast bowlers and two spinners. No. 5 and 6 batsmen have to bowl a bit. So they tend to go for the Waughs who bowl. That's where the team balance comes in.

Interviewer: Would you say you could have carried on for some more time?

Dean Jones: I thought I could have... for three or four more years. I think it comes down to whether or not you want to continue. of you are going to train hard and do all those things, you can play as long as possible. I think my game is still very solid and I am still beating the young kids in running between wickets and chasing the ball to the boundaries. But I thought I got them before they got me.

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last year

NSW Premier Cricket

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

49 Likes
56 Followers

Remembers the days - Sydney Grade Cricket teams announced in the SMH on 18 September 1995 prior to the start of the season. Pictured Anthony Kershler won the Bill O'Reilly medal for season 1995/96

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/1191/nsw-premier-cricket/blog/1436/sydney-grade-cricket-teams-18-september-1995

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last year

Peter Nicholson

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

11 Likes
0 Followers

Valley v University of Queensland First Grade Grand Final 1974-75

Left to right - Gill Chapman (12th man in final), Peter Nicholson, John Bourke, Peter Easton, Malcolm Francke (overseas for final), Geoff Trivett (now deceased – RIP), Keith Dudgeon (captain), Col Cooke (injured for final), Keith Ziebell, Lindsay Bell, Geoff Gray, Terry Khan, Peter Muspratt
Absent – Ross Wallace

I played for Valleys against University of Queensland in the 1974-75 Queensland Cricket Association First Grade Grand Final as a 19 year old, it was a 4 day game at the Gabba.

The University team were overwhelming favourites with a huge record during the season and had around 8 first class and international players. Valleys on the other hand had not won a premiership in 50 years.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/116/peter-nicholson/blog/1435/valley-v-university-of-queensland-first-grade-grand-final-1974-75

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last year

Sheldon Stackpoole

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

7 Likes
0 Followers

Robert Bailey - Chiropractor, Cricket Tragic, The Fast Bowler

Some know Dr Robert Bailey through his 20 plus years of private practice as a Chiropractor in Brisbane’s inner west where he specialises on the management and rehabilitation of lumbar disc injuries.

Others know might know of Robert as a cricket volunteer with a ’take no prisoners’ approach that gets the job done and can always be counted on to ruffle a few feathers along the way.

But in his spare time Robert is engaged in PhD level research at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) to find answers to the question of the best way to manage our future fast bowling stocks.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/268/sheldon-stackpoole/blog/1434/robert-bailey-chiropractor-cricket-tragic-the-fast-bowler

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last year

Sutherland District Cricket Club

Sylvania, Australia

29 Likes
22 Followers

David Niu joined Sutherland Districted Cricket Club from St George and made his first grade debut for the club on 29 September 1984. He is the proud owner of first grade playing number 125.

An all-round cricket with immense talent David had represented NSW Under 16s and 19s. He was a tremendously gifted rugby union and league player and for many years David’s contribution to sport especially in the USA in significant.

Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?

Andrew Millican was our wicket keeper through all our junior and state age grade teams. We were St George team mates until Green Shield, when David Moore got the nod, and Spike ended up going to Randwick. Both were great glovemen. I think Spike had the edge with the bat and the odd cheeky comment from behind the stumps. Dave went on to play for NSW.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/294/sutherland-district-cricket-club/blog/723/david-niu-be-kind

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last year

Dan Ryan

Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

3 Likes
0 Followers

NSW Under 17 cricket team 1990-91

Back Row – Rocky Harris (Manager), Brendan Shoebridge, Paul Pratt, Matthew Nicholson, Daniel Ryan, Troy Marchant, Craig Glassock, Graham Errington (Coach)
Front Row – Geoff Sullivan, Chadd Porter, Murray Rayner, Nathan Ashley (Captain), Geoff Fogarty (Vice Captain), Chris Sheppard, Stuart Collins

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last year

Western Suburbs Cricket Club Maitland

Maitland, New South Wales, Australia

1 Likes
0 Followers

2021/22 marked the 75th Season of our great club. The Club celebrated the milestone with an anniversary event that saw the 1981/82 and 2011/12 1st Grade Premiership sides reuniting after 40 and 10 years respectively. Former Australian Cricket Captain, Steve Waugh, was a very special guest in an evening that will be remembered by many.

Rich in history and achievement, the Plovers are fortunate to have a strong foundation that will ensure success of our great Club for many years to come.

1947-1948: Western Suburbs Cricket Club is Born

Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour in December 1941, local cricket competitions in the Maitland area were indefinitely suspended as the threat of World War II loomed ever closer to Australia. The local competitions would remain in recess until the end of the war years – not returning until the summer of 1947-48. However, with the Newcastle competition still running, Maitland would enter a combined team in the Newcastle competition for the remainder of the war years.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/1196/western-suburbs-cricket-club-maitland/blog/1431/the-western-suburbs-cricket-club-in-maitland-was-founded-in-1947-legacy-forms-the-foundation-of-a-successful-club-into-the-future

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last year

Paul Stenhouse

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

0 Likes
0 Followers

Queensland Colts team 1985-86

Back Row – Beven Hohns, Peter McPhee, Peter Cantrell, Paul Stenhouse, Harley Hammelmann, Doug Forsyth, John Buchanan (Manager)
Front Row – Ian Stenhouse, Brad Inwood, Dean Reynolds (Vice Captain), Ian Healy (captain), Wayne Niven, Tony McDowell

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/395/paul-stenhouse/blog/1430/queensland-colts-team-1985-86

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last year

Paul Stenhouse

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

0 Likes
0 Followers

My best grade team - Paul Stenhouse 1986 to 2000

Here's my go of the best players I've been in the sheds with at Easts/Easts-Redlands from 1986 to 2000.

In batting order:

1. Jimmy Maher
2. Shane Watson
3. Stuart Law
4. Dirk Wellham (Captain)
5. Greg Ritchie
6. Mal Freeman
7. Steve Storey
8. Peter Anderson (Wicket Keeper)
9. Paul Hutchison
10. Craig Jesberg
11. Damien MacKenzie

Daniel Paine (12th) (batsman)

Standby Players:
Stephen Hood (bowler)
Michael Warden (bowler)
Ben Edmondson (bowler)
Michael Hayward (batsman)
Ian Stenhouse (batsman)

Team Manager - Room Assistance

Evan Bancroft - unlucky not to be considered higher, if only he had an outswinger.

Some controversy over my selection of Captain I'd say, given the abundance of choices. I think all of the top six were outstanding options.
I found Dirk to be the smartest cricketer I have played with. Not a lot said, but wow, when he did, it was worth listening too. Others may have been stronger leaders, but tactically, I think he was the best student of the game whilst I played.
The batsman nearly picked themselves, Ando with the gloves is still the best I've ever played with or against, bar none.
Would love to take that bowling attack onto the Gabba or Peter Burge when it's hard and fast.
11 of the 12 played First Class cricket, and Mal Freeman certainly didn't give anything away to the other blokes. Tough as nails too.
Lots of great memories looking back at the names listed, and many more great fellas who were members of the legendary Crab Pot or the brilliant Redlands club house.
Enjoy.

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