Manly in the 90s
Manly Warringah District Cricket Club | October 09, 2025
Between the 1996/97 and 2005/06 seasons, the Manly 1st Grade team—one of the strongest on paper in the club’s history—epitomised the adage that premierships are hard to win.
Over that 10-year period, the team secured the minor premiership three times and reached the finals on three other occasions. However, despite consistently strong performances, they were unable to capture the ultimate prize, with a number of heartbreaking finals losses marking the era.
In the 1999/2000 season, Manly finished the regular season in first place but were narrowly defeated in a tightly contested quarter-final against Balmain, losing by just two wickets. After posting a total of 270, Balmain chased down the target with eight wickets down. The following week, Manly faced St George in a rain-affected semi-final. Despite the weather disruptions, the match came down to the wire, with Manly falling just three runs short of victory—having bowled out St George for 204 and finishing on 8/202.
In the 2002/2003 season, under the captaincy of Peter Procopis, Manly claimed a memorable outright quarter-final win against a strong Fairfield side that featured five current or future first-class players, including two Test cricketers. However, the momentum did not carry into the semi-final, where Manly suffered a narrow first-innings defeat at home to Penrith. Despite a strong push in the second innings, the team fell just three wickets short of an outright victory.
The 2005/2006 season saw Manly progress through the finals in dramatic fashion, defeating Campbelltown-Camden in the quarter-final and edging out Sutherland in a thrilling semi-final. However, the grand final saw the team outplayed by Fairfield, with Grant Lambert delivering a dominant performance to secure the title.
Throughout those years, the squad featured an impressive array of talent, including Australian representatives Bevan and Clark; first-class players Bradstreet, Phelps, Glassock, Heath, Cameron, Moss, Atkinson, and Pipe; future first-class cricketers Cruickshank and Merchant; as well as 2nd XI players McInness, Clemow, and Wotherspoon—alongside a host of other dependable 1st Grade regulars.
While a Belvedere Cup title eluded them, the team did enjoy notable success, claiming the 1st Grade Limited Overs premiership in both the 2000/01 and 2005/06 seasons. This group of players was as passionate and competitive as any to have represented the club, and the legacy they left behind is undeniable.
Fittingly, two members of that era—Bradstreet and Cruickshank—played pivotal roles as coach and captain when Manly finally broke their 1st Grade premiership drought in 2014/15.
The art of captaincy with Kevin Roberts. Creating a scenario that challenges the mindset of players – click to unlock the full conversation.
