James Campbell - My Best Grade XI
UTS North Sydney District Cricket Club | August 30, 2025
James Campbell is UTS North Sydney's sixth-highest First Grade wicket-taker in history with 345 poles and counting in a one-club career since he made his debut against UNSW in 2011/12. In all, 81 players have been presented with their First Grade baggy cap since then! Here, James selects his best 11 from those he played with.
1.Dan Hughes
Starting off with a bang, you always felt confident when you had Hughesy at the top of the order. A young gun from the country who sometimes seemed like he enjoyed the verbal battle more than batting. His classy style would reliably get your innings off to a great start. No surprises he’s amassed the career he’s had and ended up as one of NSWs most successful one day batters.
2. Tom Jagot
From one classy batter to another. TJ’s mental fortitude and hunger for runs got us out of many a sticky situation. An O’Reilly Medallist and was no stranger to a 1,000 run season. While not normally an opener, his tight technique and knowledge of his game would lend itself to the top of the order.
James Campbell and Tom Jagot celebrate a wicket
3. Justin Avendano
The cleanest striker of a cricket ball (and golf ball) I’ve seen. On his day, he would destroy any attack and could single-handedly win you a game. When he was younger would have a knack for scoring a quickfire 60 but has matured like a fine wine to craft innings and score 100s for fun. He would tell you his leggies should get a run, but I’ll get him to stick to batting.
4. Adam Crosthwaite
One of best competitors I’ve played with or against. Crossy was the man for any situation, whether it was to save the innings or step on the throat of the opposition after a good start. Had an immense impact on the team on and off the field and someone I would’ve loved to have played with for a few more seasons.
5. Jay Lenton (wk)
A tall, athletic keeper and a classy left-handed stick and an easy pick for who would take the gloves. His reach saved more than a few leg-sided wides and would keep first slip from doing much work.
6. Scott Rodgie
First of a few all-rounders in this team. Rodge’s dominant batting style suited coming in at any stage of the innings. He would terrorise spinners and keep runners around North Sydney Oval on their toes. If his contribution with the bat wasn’t enough, he would always chip in with a few wickets.
7. Rob Aitken
Longevity personified. His record of the most first grade games will most likely never be broken and for a good period of time I was the only person in the team alive when he had made his first-grade debut. Was the most likely batsman to hit a 6 on his first ball and his mystery spinner’s still have batsman guess which way it’ll turn. Even approaching 50 he throws himself around the field like a teenager.
8. Glenn Aitken (c)
Goes hand in hand with Crossy as the best competitor I’ve played with. A very crafty off-spinner and a premiership winning, squash buckling opening bat in one dayers. With a never give up attitude to his captaincy, GA was a great leader who I’d throw the arm band to in this side. Easily the best verbal cricketer I’ve played with too.
Glenn Aitken in action in the 2012/13 One Day Cup Final
9. Nic Bills
From a tear away quick to a wily older statesman. Billsy was always in the wickets, whether it was shaping it with the new ball or outsmarting the batsman at the death. He was a more than handy lower order stick, had his hand at many vital partnerships that dictated the results of games. He always gave his all on the park and was ever reliable at crunch time in games.
10. Dave Guthrie
On his day, one of the quickest bowlers I’ve played with. Unfortunately, injury slowed him down but that didn’t stop Gutters from being a force with the ball. A weapon in the field and loved hitting a six over cover.
11. Matt Alexander
A tall, slingy left-arm quick who tore through batting line ups on more than one occasion. His slower ball had drop and spin that his brother would be jealous of. While our bowling styles couldn’t be more different, it was this that made Mattos one of my favourite opening bowling partners. He was a surprisingly great exponent of the ramp shot too.
Matt Alexander
Honourable Mentions
Mac Jenkins
While still relatively early in his first-grade journey, Mac is accumulating very nicely with bat and ball. It wouldn’t surprise me if he ends up with similar numbers to some of the other lads in the team when he calls it day.
Glen Sullivan/Matt Burton
I didn’t get the chance to play first grade with Glen or Matt, so felt like I couldn’t add them to the team. However, I wouldn’t be the bowler I am without their knowledge and guidance.
Olly Knight
Olly could win you a match with bat or ball. He worked hard on his game and is someone I loved playing with. Tough to miss out but is definitely my choice for who has control of the tunes in the sheds.
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