Penrith Cricket Club 2nd grade premiers 1998-1999. A title under the tutelage of Whologang
Penrith Cricket Club | July 21, 2025
P for Penrith, P for Pride - P for Perseverance: pretty profound words those! Those words were, of course, to become part of the now famous Panther victory song, which in the end was to be bellowed out a total of 13 times, including after the qualifying semi-final, the semi-final and the final! Yes, P also stands for Premiership, which is what the Second Grade XI took back to the hallowed Howell Oval turf.
The year 1999 will be remembered by many different people for many different things, but for a collection of young guys from the outskirts of Western Sydney, it will be remembered as a year the Albert Cup was held aloft!!!.
Back in September, I was asked the question of how I thought the team would fare. My reply: "I'd be happy with 7 or 8 wins." The thought of a premiership back then was something too difficult or too far to even contemplate. Fortunately, winning became a habit for this team, and it was an awesome feeling as the momentum gradually grew and grew. Soon, winning became mandatory and losing wasn't even in the equation. Testament to this was the fact that our last loss was recorded on January 4 (in very controversial circumstances_, nearly 3 months prior to the semis.
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The secret to the team's success??? Was it the "Kellogg's Just Rite" - balance of youth and experience?.....the ability to scent a victory from a seemingly hopeless situation???? The overriding confidence in one another's ability, or was it the secret recipe of Sue and Joe Bradley's Chicken Schnitzel rolls???.... I think it would be fair to say that the 2nd X1 really were a team. Therein lies one of the many magical ingredients.
To single out any individuals would probably be unfair, so let's take a quick look at the lineup:
Paul Grosse: Gutsy (but not as gutsy as he used to be - 10kg). Opening bat, great team man. Has scored more forties than a thermometer at Alice Springs.
Liam Zammit: "Zammo" played an integral part in the team's success - whether it was with his leggies, with his ever-improving batting or his sharp slip catching. He had his initial taste of First Grade and was selected in the Australian Under 19s for a tour of England.....and, oh what cleavage!
Geoff Sullivan: Was obviously unhappy to lose his First Grade spot, but was greeted with open arms by the "dinky di's". Played some valuable digs - none more important than his 60 in the semi-final against St George.
Brendan Jansz: Steadied the ship in the middle order and learned a lot in his first year in Second grade. Unluckily left out later in the season, but will no doubt bounce back bigger and better next season.
Warren Buttigieg: Butts was very disappointed at not being graded in Firsts but took the bit between his teeth and scored over 350 runs and took over 30 wickets. When the heat was on, Butts was the bloke knocking on the kitchen door.
Kieren McDonald: One of the real improvers throughout the Club during the season. Kieren, through no fault of his own, took a while to come into the side, but when he did he batted the house down. He is now closer to 1st grade than 3rd grade.
Brett Newman: The tough guy from Colyton who did well. Newmo was another one who was desperately unlucky not to start in Twos but finished with over 50 wickets in total in both 2nd grade and 3rd grade. Outstanding bloke - lion-hearted who always gives 100%. Also, an outstanding thirst!
Luke Morrissey: It's been said for a while, "we'd read about this boy on end day". However, we didn't think it would be in Dolly magazine!!! Luke enjoyed a hugely successful debut season in 2nd grade with both the gloves and the bat. Broke the 2nd grade record for number of wicket-keeping dismissals and also equalled the club record. Captained NSW 17s to an Australian championship victory.
Tim Johnson: TJ came into the side just before Christmas and added some real metal to the attack. Tim invariably made a breakthrough early and bowled with genuine pace - a guy you are really pleased to play with and thankful you're not playing against him. Has a sense of humour drier than Rod Evans' mouth on a Sunday morning!
Glenn Bradley: Formed a lethal opening attack with Tim Johnson and also bowled with genuine zip. Glenn is also a handy bat, a great fielder and a good listener - a trait I fancy will hold him in good stead in the future. Represented NSW at Under 19s and will hopefully fully recover from a back injury incurred late in the season.
Simon Williams: Only played 3 matches but made a real impact on the team. No one will forget his patient 39 not out against the Saints in the semi-final when the team was in dire straits. Not the world's worst fieldman either!!
Adam Park: Started in 3s, came to 2s - scored a shedful - went to 1s. Parky showed great promise with a couple of super innings, which justified his selection in First Grade for the remainder of the season. Offered his services as 12th man for the finals - and what a job he did - very much appreciated by your peers!
Also, a big thank you to guys like Luke Murphy, Brett Savage, Andy Fowler, Matty Carter, Loren Wood, Phil (Dusty) Chie, Ashlee Johnson and Todd Kirk, who all made valuable contributions at some stage.
Footnote: by the Secretary Maurice Kerkham
Michael Wholohan: What an inspiring Captain this Club veteran was. His leadership of this team was sensational, and his ability to get everything out of his players was tremendous. He led by example, topping the aggregate with 449 runs @ 29.93, including 100 not out against North Sydney. Michael enjoyed every single minute of captaining the side. In his own words: "still a little traumatised after spending the season sitting between Luke Morrissey and Liam Zammitt."
BeaconPoint Club Clips - Paul Ryan introduces the Captains Circle in BeaconPoint Cricket
