From our Clubs history: A name change and First grade Premiers - Penrith Cricket Club
Penrith Cricket Club | June 25, 2025
Season 1978/79 witnessed Nepean change it's grade cricket name to Penrith. A direct result tied into sponsorship with the local Leagues club. That sponsorship and strong financial support from Sinclair Ford put the club on a more professional footing and allowed it to attract experienced players from the much stronger Bankstown club to bolster our weakness. Along with council support, the appointment of Peter Leroy, later the Sydney Cricket Grounds curator to a full time role at Howell Oval and the considerable improvement in the pitch played a role in the First Grades success for the season.
The Firsts hit the lead in round four and were never headed. The team led at various times by 10 points, 16 points, 18 points, 19 points and won the minor premiership by 13 points. It won the Sydney Morning Herald Team of the Year and John Benaud won the SMH Captain of the Year. In Benaud's captain report for the season he stated, "Personally, I found this a most taxing season, physically and mentally, but my most satisfying ever. I rate this team the finest bunch of triers I've had the good fortune to be with. They had nothing going for them - last season 17th. This season certainly we had the new, contracted players-top order batsmen Steve Small, orthodox left-arm spinner Tony Radanovic and wicket-keeper Les Andrews. And two youngsters, David Laming and Graeme Thorpe began in Second-grade - my poor judgement. The rest you have known for a while now - local juniors and they have done it hard".
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On the eve of the finals, Jim Maxwell in his mid-week and Saturday night ABC Sportsmen's round up provided lengthy interviews with John Benaud preseason and prefinals. The Penrith Press and St Marys Star gave excellent coverage and the "Cinderella story even interested the Sydney press. The Sun carried an article on Penrith's chances in the Semi-Final against North Sydney and the Daily Mirror gave a strong midseason report on Penrith, "surprise competition leaders". The Sydney Morning Herald often provided space on a Saturday morning.
As Minor Premiers, Penrith gained the home ground advantage for the Finals series. The Semi-Final was against the tough nuts of North Sydney and in a sometimes spiteful encounter, which was to result in several North Sydney players suspension over disputed umpiring decisions, Penrith won a hard fought victory.
New ball bowler Peter Clough and Ken Hall maintained magnificent pressure with length, line and aggression. The Sun Herald reported: "Clough, in a devastating opening spell dismissed opener Hyland with the very first ball of the match and in his next over sent Shelton and Chapman back to the pavillion". Later, "a crucial sixth wicket stand of 103 in 105 minutes between John Benaud and Les Andrews carried Penrith into the final", the Sydney Morning Herald reported. Scores: North Sydney 176, Peter Clough 4/88, Ron Halse 3/7, Ken Hall 3/58. Penrith - 8/343, Les Andrews 80, John Benaud 67, Ron Halse 50.
The Final at Howell Oval was an historic event for the club and district and was played before a 2000 plus crowd. Imagine that! In the week proceeding, rain played havoc with the wicket preparation requiring curator Peter Leroy to cover the wicket square for long periods and on match day the pitch was a straw colour, with a dry brownish grass cover, slow and gripping.
The St George captain Ray Tozer won the toss and bowled in conditions that could not have been more favourable to leg spinner Paul Cremer and left arm orthodox spinner Murray Bennett, who would go on to play for NSW and Australia, and the cutters of paceman Richard Done. Penrith battled with determination for 196 runs from 67 overs. David Laming, Thorpe and Benaud proved the most adept at getting to the pitch of the ball to smoother the spin. St George in reply was 1/54 when bad light stopped play on day one.
Day two dawned wet, ruining the realistic prediction that the Penrith spin pair of Donlan and Radanovic would turn the game. Heavy rain showers disrupted play, soaking the ball and generally disadvantaged the fielding team until play was abandoned. The weather failed to dampen the celebrations which lasted for several days. The end of season trip to Condolbolin was memorable and no one was fined, suspended or had their contract torn up. An epic result.
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