Season 2005/06 and the Emergence of Steve Smith
Manly Warringah District Cricket Club | October 09, 2025
The 2005/06 season was a landmark year for the Manly Cricket Club. Not only did the club enjoy significant on-field success, but it also witnessed the early rise of a generational talent in Steve Smith - albeit in Sutherland colours.
The season began with an impressive run of form, as Manly secured four wins from five matches against Sutherland. Highlights included Merchant’s maiden first-grade century for Manly, and a young Steve Smith scoring 97 for Sutherland in a third-grade clash. Despite Smith’s efforts, Manly, the reigning champions, emerged victorious.
Momentum continued to build throughout the season. Manly clinched the Club Championship in dominant fashion, won the First Grade Limited-Overs Premiership, and qualified three grade teams for the finals series.
First Grade finished the regular season as minor premiers and overcame Campbelltown-Camden in the quarter-finals. That set up a semi-final clash with Sutherland, a side featuring one of the country’s most in-form players, Phil Jaques. But it wasn’t Jaques who stole the spotlight. Instead, it was the same third-grade player from round one - Steve Smith - who played a superb innings of 60* from number six, showcasing his rapidly emerging talent. Unfortunately for Sutherland, Smith ran out of partners.
After his early-season 97, Smith had gone on a remarkable run of form, culminating in a commanding presence in First Grade by season’s end.
Manly narrowly triumphed in that semi-final, thanks to a clutch 'hit to leg' from Matt Todd with nine wickets down. However, they were ultimately outplayed by a strong Fairfield side in the Grand Final.
In summary, the 2005/06 season saw Manly crowned Club Champions, First Grade runners-up, and Limited-Overs Premiers - while also bearing witness to the meteoric rise of a future cricketing great, Steve Smith, as he first announced himself on the grade cricket stage.
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