Gordon District Cricket Club 2009-10 First Grade Report

Gordon District Cricket Club | July 14, 2025

With a productive off-season the Stag's were looking to continue the good work which had been done by the recently retired Matthew Nicholson. There would be new players blooded throughout the year with season 2009/10 going to be a bit of an unknown. A new Skipper was inducted in Beau Casson and the side would start the season with a blend of experience (including two test players in Casson and Flynn) mixed with youth (17 y.o Chad Soper).

The first half of the season promised a lot with the side being very competitive in a number of games and even dominating on occasions, however not seeming to come away with the points. In game one against Blacktown we put 297 on the board (Casson dominating with the bat for a well compiled 91) only to be beaten in the last over of the day in a close one. Game two was one to forget with the lads going down to Bankstown on a wicket which was bowler friendly. We didn't have a lot of luck during the season with the toss and the conditions, however that is cricket and the difference between a great side and a good one is the ability to adapt and play well on any given wicket.

A disappointing game against Sutherland followed Bankstown with little to report. One thing which can be said is that catches win matches and putting down Sutherland's best player on a number of occasions will certainly have you on the back foot (the author probably the most guilty there). It was also good bye, bon Voyage to our Kiwi friend, Daniel Flynn who probably would have liked to have shown his wares somewhat more, however it did give some insight to the younger lads in how to approach training and the work ethic it takes to be successful. We all hope to see Flynny back in the NZ Test side very shortly as he is a very exciting young talent.

So 3 rounds had passed and no points had been collected so we were due to put in a decent performance with bat and ball. Sydney CC (Balmain in years gone by) were in a similar position keeping the tail end of the ladder warm with GDCC. A solid performance from the quicks, the pick being James Kennedy with his 3 wickets, and containing our opponents resulted in a score under 300 on a very good Drummoyne wicket. A first wicket partnership of 97 set the stage for a dominant day with the bat followed by a game winning partnership between Packman and Bombas of 120, eventually passing the total 4 wickets down.

No play in round 5 due to wet weather and a few injuries from the previous match so round 6 saw us up against a strong Easts side who put in a strong batting performance in contrast to our disappointing effort. The only highlight was young Chad Soper's maiden first grade 50* in an otherwise dismal effort by our top order, which now included young Steve Colley who had been making some strong noises in the second grade.

The 20/20 season had fast approached us and with the game taking more and more relevance on the world cricketing stage, fixtures were now a part of the season proper. We fielded a young and energetic side with very little experience in this form of the game and were up against reigning 20/20 premiers in Northern districts. Steve Colley was the pick of the bats showcasing his array of strokes with a number of trademark pull shots, drives and cuts for an explosive 70. A total of 167 proved just shy of enough and ND's hit the winning runs in the last over.

In the other 20/20's we comprehensively beat Campbelltown at Chatswood with Casson and Beverley doing the damage with the bat. The T20 format was looking as though it suited our side and somehow we managed to scrape into the quarter finals to be played at Bankstown Oval against a side who had won every game. Our modest total of 105 and some inexperience in the side (including Henry Carmichael on debut) would prove to be a winning one with the Stag's putting on a superb fielding display highlighted by a spectacular catch in the deep by Elliot Richtor. The side progressed to the finals which were held at the prestigious new Blacktown sports ground. The playing conditions were second to none, however the wicket was affected by storm late in the week and was not ideal for 20/20. We lucked out with the toss but the game resulted in a win by Sydney Uni. Some valuable T20 experience was gained by all and also a taste of first grade level cricket for others.

The match of the year against Fairfield will be etched in the memory banks for all concerned for some time to come. It included the highlight of the year for me. It just showed what a class player Beau Casson is with the ball and particularly in this game with the bat. Beau had played some fantastic innings so far this season however none would be as good to watch as his next. The match against Fairfield was essentially the battle of the big names with Casson going up against Lambert. The numbers speak for themselves as Gordon was in trouble early with the bat until Casson strutted to a wicket which was giving some assistance to the bowlers. He showed determination and good judgement in a superb innings which saw him go close to scoring his maiden double century. Unfortunately for Beau he was out prior to that for a classy 181 runs with shots all around the ground.

The following week there were 11 confident cricketers taking the field as the scoreboard read well with over 400 on the Stags side and the goal of batting the full 96 overs achieved. A huge shout for LBW was made as G. Lambert refused to offer a shot to one of Dylan Connell's inswinging leg cutters. The Gordon faithful around the ground were out of their seats as they watched in anticipation however the excitement turned to disappointment as the Umpire kept the gun in his pocket not willing to pull the trigger (probably did a bit too much again Dyl)! In hindsight it was a huge miss as Lambert went on to make a gutsy 204 n.o and take the game away from the Stag's. More often than not you win games such as this yet there were two pretty special performances in the game with Lambert just shading Beau for man of the match honours. Another notable mention must go to Iain Beverley for a well made 84 giving valuable support to the Skipper and combining for a partnership of over 160.

The remainder of the season can be captured with highlights however it must be said that around the halfway point the side unfortunately lost their captain, Beau, due to ill health. He didn't take any further part in the season from Christmas onwards which left a large void, however the lads to their credit stuck to the task and as stand in skipper it was gratifying to see some notable efforts when the captain asked. We wish Beau a restful off season and look forward to his return fighting fit in the 2010/11 season.

Some of the highlights in the year included Reece Bombas's maiden first grade century against Randwick. Reece played us into the game with a masterful 112, however we weren't able to take the required 10 wickets to make it a more memorable game for the talented youngster from the Coast.

A number of contributions from Bevo included his 60* to guide us home in a close one against Mosman at Chatswood Oval. Bevo proceeded to dispatch the spinners for consecutive maximums onto the train tracks and one ball was seen heading into the Bowling Club. Again in the final match of the season Iain was at his destructive best taking 30 runs from 19 balls and steer the team to a very satisfying victory over “the students”. (Iain was also seen to be in devastating form at Showgirls later that evening.)

In the same match we saw the potential of one of Gordon's young batsmen in Harry Evans. It was great to see Harry in the top grade after such a solid start to the year in seconds. Harry showed great leadership along with a vast array of shots compiling 93 in better than a run a ball and proved that he has the potential to be a dominant force in the top grade in the future, with the gloves on or off. 

As mentioned at the beginning the side had its fair share of inexperience however notable mentions must go to James Kennedy and Elliot Richtor for their contributions during the season. The experience gained will prove invaluable as those 2/3 wicket halls with the ball and 30s and 40s with the bat will be the starts that you can build on for next season.

Some of the old heads will look back on the season asking themselves what might have been, and will also look forward to next season in anticipation of making some hearty contributions and some match winning efforts.

It was the unfortunate end for one of the Stag's stalwarts, Julian Stephenson, as injuries brought about the premature retirement of the master of swing. Jules's body felt the age he looks (a 40 y.o) and had enough of the rigours of fast bowling. A fantastic career one which will be sorely missed, a reliable and dangerous opening quick who put in tirelessly for his club both on the field and during training. Congratulations Jules and lets not rule out a comeback one day!!

Julian's opening bowling partner, Dylan Connell had an eventful season with the introduction of his first child. Congratulations in particular to Karen Connell not only for putting up with Dylan but providing the big man with a little girl. He took 36 wickets which was a solid effort considering there were a few weeks off the field due to injury. We look forward to next season with 'Strap on' as there are few dull moments when he is around.

Consistent performances from Brendan MacDonald were rewarded with representative honours in the NSW 2nd XI, lets hope he can make the step up and play first class cricket.

Player profiles

Steve Colley

Steve achieved some huge things this summer. Played in the national Under 19’s carnival and by all reports from Cricket NSW he held himself very well, not only on the field but off it also. He is a great kid that works extremely hard on his batting and I think he has big potential to be a top order batsman that can contribute with his off spin, but needs to continue working hard on this. Steve has got a great work ethic and will have to continue working hard at all three forms of the game.

Reece Bombas

Reece had a huge high early in the season with his maiden first grade century. Has been promising big things for a few seasons and never looks uncomfortable no matter who he faces when batting. He has to put importance on this at training to go to the next level.

James Kennedy

JK kicked on massively again this season and I believe that if he continues going in this direction he could play any level he desires. Works hard at training on his bowling and I think with some guidance on what to work on will be very beneficial for him. Strength and conditioning is something that needs a lot of work. Things he can do in his own time if he wants to kick onto the next level. He needs to keep putting importance on his batting and fielding.

James Campbell

James played some very good cricket for us in patches. Great to see him put pressure on the first grade bowlers by pure weight in numbers. Knows his limitation and started to know how to adapt bowling with an older ball. He has a good technique and can become a handy lower order batsman.

Dylan Connell

Big Dylan lead the attack again for us this summer. Lacked support in certain games but never can question his desire to win. Things outside cricket like family are now a priority and someone will have to now take the lead. Still has plenty to offer younger quicks.

James Packman

Packers didn’t statistically have the season he would have liked but his leadership was outstanding. Due to work commitments he found it more difficult to attend certain trainings so he will have to make sure he is productive in training.

Brendan MacDonald

Brendan had some good times this season with playing some Second XI games for NSW. Has a strong desire to play at a higher level. Will continue to work hard on his bowling but his batting can also be important for higher opportunities.

Elliott Richtor

Elliott is a very talented cricketer and showed glimpses of it during the season. Certainly turned the corner with his training habits and I think it showed when he went out to play. His bowling will be a very handy asset in one day games.

Ian Beverley

Bev is a captain’s dream. Always extremely positive and knows how to get the side going. Works hard on the track and I think it showed with the matches he won for the side with the bat. His glove work got better and better with each game. Is the best keeper in the club but offers a hell of a lot more.

Cam Eccles

Cam improved again this season but didn’t get the consistency he would have liked. Has some areas to work on and is endeavouring to do this by going to England to work at his game.

Blair Lindsay

Blair made some huge improvements this season. Making his first grade debut and opening the batting. Didn’t get the results but the way he applied himself to good attacks like St George, at full strength, will hopefully demonstrate that he’s not far away from playing good cricket at this level.

Harry Evans

Harry is in the top couple of batsman in the club and showed it in the final game. Is a leader with the younger lads from the PG’s side and can be the one to set the standards for them.

James Packman & Beau Casson

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