100 Moments in 100 Years of St George First Grade 1981-82 to 1990-91
St George Cricket Club | May 20, 2025
Here is Part 4 of our 10 part series compiled by Club Historian, Nathan Anderson, covering the decade between 81/82 - 90/91.
1. Ray Gonella and Jon Jobson put together 209 against Petersham to establish a new club record partnership for the third wicket. (1981-82). Jobson was also involved in a 204 run partnership with Greg Matchett against Waverley earlier in the season.
The legendary Jon Jobson at Hurstville Oval & Ray Gonella who is featured twice in this decade.
2. Steve Bernard takes 64 wickets in a season at 12.8. It is the best return for a St George bowler since Kerry O’Keefe’s 73 wickets in 1968-69. (1982-83)
3. Murray Bennett earns his debut for Australia, becoming the clubs tenth Test cricketer. He famously dismisses Viv Richards with an arm ball in the fifth Test against the West Indies at the SCG. (1984-85)
Australian Cap No.327 Murray Bennett
4. After finishing the regular season in first place a fourteen year drought is broken with a premiership in the 1984-85 season. The success is attributed to consistent batting performances, an experienced bowling attack and some “magnificent” fielding during the finals series. (1984-85)
5. In his first season with the club, Wayne Seabrook scores 751 runs and is subsequently rewarded with selection for NSW. In his first innings for the state. On debut, Seabrook scores 160 against Victoria. (1984-85)
Wayne Seabrook loved to give the ball a nudge.
6. Ray Gonella scores a “truly outstanding” century (105) against Campbelltown on a rain affected wicket. He also scores 699 runs in the same season. (1985-86)
7. Entering the crease at 5 for 84, Craig McComb hits 174 not out against Parramatta to help his side build a strong total. (1988-89)
8. Geoff Milliken scores 5 centuries, including a highest score of 193 to total 892 runs in 11 innings. He is rewarded with selection for NSW and scores 150 against Victoria. (1989-90)
Geoff "Spike" Milliken batting for NSW.
9. Geoff Milliken participates in two partnerships of over 200 runs in the same season. Milliken and Brad McNamara add 229 against Mosman, Milliken and G Mulcahy add 222 against Penrith. (1990-91)
10. Brad McNamara scores a total of 928 runs in one season. It is the highest tally for a St George cricketer since Warren Saunders in 1971-72 and the second highest in club history at the time. (1990-91)
Brilliant allrounder Brad McNamara
