| Questions and Answers

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54 Followers

A cassette in our collection contains brief remarks from Don Bradman, in which he selected his best St George Cricket Club XI from all the cricketers he had seen playing for the club. He said: “Alan Fairfax and I became the club’s first international representatives in 1928. In the ensuing years many fine players gravitated through the St. George ranks; and I have taken the liberty of choosing a St George team which I would be happy to captain and challenge the best that could be chosen from any other club in Australia.

Here is my side in batting order: Arthur Morris, Les Favell, myself at first wicket, Norman O’Neill, Brian Booth, all-rounder Alan Fairfax, to keep wicket Ernie Laidler, to open the bowling Ray Lindwall and Harry Theak, and then the spinners Frank Ward and Bill O’Reilly, the greatest of them all. I am aware that Ernie Laidler and Harry Theak did not represent their country, but both were good enough to have done so. That is a beautifully balanced and attractive side.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/275/st-george-cricket-club/blog/2901/bradmans-best-st-george-xi-featuring-details-on-harry-theak

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last year

Gordon District Cricket Club

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8 Followers

Some heroic deeds were performed on this day - 23rd March - for Waratahs, despite all of the games being losses. Two Finals were lost when 1st grade (1974 & 1991) were raging hot favourites. In 1996, 2nds and 5ths lost their Preliminary Finals, after battling into and through the semis. 1985 produced two epic matches in the top two grades. Ist grade were facing a hiding after four Easts players made half centuries in getting 6-301. The openers made a good start, adding 70, but four wickets fell for 28 before Roger Sattler stood tall and led a sterling fight back that eventually fell 26 runs short. It was a carbon copy in 2nds, Uralla making 286 on the Saturday and Waratahs collapsing to 5-71 before Merv Philp, Peter Langston and Graham Patterson batted them back into the game. In the end, an illegal catch and a bowler with a damaged back ended their valour just 7 runs short.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/1223/armidale-waratahs-the-tahs/blog/2065/on-this-day-24th-march

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last year

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

15 Likes
33 Followers

Matt Wright is a left arm orthodox bowler and the proud owner of Gordon District Cricket Club first grade cap number 595.

Let’s find out more about Matt’s journey in the game so far.

Who’s been the biggest influence on your career so far?

This is easy, no one has seen as much of my game as my dad. The poor guy has born the brunt of my obsession and sidearmed to me on Easter, Christmas Day, his birthday, and a million days in between.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/297/gordon-district-cricket-club/blog/2900/pocket-profile-matt-wright-gordon-district-cricket-club

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last year

Chris Titley

Director

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

1 Likes
2 Followers

In Episode 26 of Scoreboard, host Chris Titley sits down with rising fast-bowling star Marcus Bean to talk about his whirlwind Big Bash debut, growing up as a multi-sport athlete, and his dream of wearing the baggy green.

Marcus shares the moment he got the call-up for the Hobart Hurricanes, how it felt to bowl his first ball at the Gabba (which went very, very wide), and why getting a wicket on his second delivery made it all feel real.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/1736/chris-titley/blog/2899/marcus-bean-on-big-bash-debuts-backyard-cricket-and-bowling-rockets

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last year

Steve Frances

Brisbane, Australia

4 Likes
3 Followers

In late March 2006, the Sheffield Shield Final (then sponsored by Pura Milk) was held at the Gabba, Brisbane. Day 4 was an exceptional day of cricket. The Victorians had scored 354 in their first innings and then Queensland batted for most of Day 2 and 3 and were 3 wickets down for around 400 at the beginning of Day 4.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/207/steve-frances/blog/2898/sheffield-shield-final-queensland-v-victoria-gabba-march-2006

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last year

4 Likes
8 Followers

Waratahs played in four Finals on the 23rd March, with unfortunately, only one positive result: 2nd grade of 1985-86, when MATT CAMPBELL (#363) made a steady, match winning unbeaten half century batting at five. In 1st grade, Waratahs were the red hot favourites with a star-studded side but were out muscled in a bitter and angry Final by Centrals. Eleven years earlier, the top two grades lost to Ex Services and Hillgrove respectively. Brian Connolly's 80 was the highest score every made in a top grade Final but Ex Services won after being 6 down and a hundred behind. A-Res had been undefeated coming into the decider against Hillgrove but collapsed when chasing a moderate Hillgrove total.
In other finals games on this date, B grade won their semi outright against Tadcoop in 1963, GEOFF MARSHALL (#156) and GEOFF MacDONALD (#168) both staring with bat and ball. In 1968, A grade gave Churches a 157 run hiding thanks to TOM COOKE's (#197) 6-64 and JOHN ROBERTS's (#115) 73 not out. In Preliminary Finals of 1996, 2nd grade lost to Uralla and 5ths lost to Norths, despite STEVE DAVIS (#751) taking 7-36.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/1223/armidale-waratahs-the-tahs/blog/2064/on-this-day-23rd-march

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last year

4 Likes
8 Followers

Waratahs played in four Finals on the 23rd March, with unfortunately, only one positive result: 2nd grade of 1985-86, when MATT CAMPBELL (#363) made a steady, match winning unbeaten half century half century batting at five. In 1st grade, Waratahs were the red hot favourites with a star-studded side but were out muscled in a bitter and angry Final by Centrals. Eleven years earlier, the top two grades lost to Ex Services and Hillgrove respectively. Brian Connolly's 80 was the highest score every made in a top grade Final but Ex Services won after being 6 down and a hundred behind. A-Res had been undefeated coming into the decider against Hillgrove but collapsed when chasing a moderate Hillgrove total.
In other finals games on this date, B grade won their semi outright against Tadcoop in 1963, GEOFF MARSHALL (#156) and GEOFF MacDONALD (#168) both staring with bat and ball. In 1968, A grade gave Churches a 157 run hiding thanks to TOM COOKE's (#197) 6-64 and JOHN ROBERTS's (#115) 73 not out. In Preliminary Finals of 1996, 2nd grade lost to Uralla and 5ths lost to Norths, despite STEVE DAVIS (#751) taking 7-36.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/1223/armidale-waratahs-the-tahs/blog/2064/on-this-day-23rd-march

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last year

Belmont District Cricket Club

4 Likes
8 Followers

There were some stunning performances over 40 years by Waratahs in Semi and Preliminary Finals on the 22nd March. In 1959, Nigel Richardson (5-43) bowled the Minor Premiers Hillgrove out for 99 before his batsmen failed. In 1981, Waratahs had four sides in the semis: 1st scraped home against Hillgrove thanks to Michael Connolly carrying his bat; both sides in A-Res grade won through to an all Waratahs Final; and B grade lost despite John Williamson's bowling (6-34). In 1987, Brian Rhodes made a classic hundred for 1sts to win and 5th almost won outright. In 1992, Danny Ryan's bowling (6-16) wasn't enough for 1sts to beat Easts but in 1998, Gavin Finlayson in 3rds and Lindsay McIntyre in 4ths dominated Waratahs victories.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/1223/armidale-waratahs-the-tahs/blog/2061/waratahs-finals-matches-on-this-day-22nd-march

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last year

Newcastle, Australia

16 Likes
10 Followers

Pocket Profile - Joseph Fowler - Belmont District Cricket Club

Tell us about your cricket journey. Where did you start junior cricket and the clubs you’ve played for in senior cricket?

Started at Belmont juniors in 2007 until under 18’s before moving to senior cricket at Belmont in 2015

How would you describe yourself as a cricketer?

Wannabe opening batsman and a part time pie chucker.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/1608/belmont-district-cricket-club/blog/2897/pocket-profile-joseph-fowler-belmont-district-cricket-club

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last year

4 Likes
8 Followers

Finals action from as far back as Waratahs earliest years, with Ross Ridley’s great run of late season form continuing with a win over Minor Premiers Easts I. In 1982 it was all four sides in the semis, with mire Jack. Trestrail and Brian Joice getting the 3rds home.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/1223/armidale-waratahs-the-tahs/blog/2060/on-this-day-21st-march

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last year

Penrith Cricket Club

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

20 Likes
20 Followers

On the 15 February 2025 Liam Devaney scored 105 in Penrith 3rd grade win against Sydney at Cook Park. It was his first century for the club.

Liam’s had a very productive season with the bat in 2024-25 scoring 459 runs at an average of 51.

Let’s find out more about Liam’s journey in the game so far.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/330/penrith-cricket-club/blog/2896/player-profile-liam-devaney-penrith-cricket-club

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last year

Chris Titley

Director

1 Likes
2 Followers

In Episode 36 of Scoreboard, host Chris Titley sits down with Elyse Villani, Australian cricketer, to discuss her journey in the sport, the evolution of women’s cricket, and how she’s rediscovered her love for the game.

Elyse reflects on her early days balancing cricket with university, the shift to full-time professionalism, and the mental challenges of selection, pressure, and performance expectations.

She opens up about the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and learning to embrace failure as part of success.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/1736/chris-titley/blog/2894/elyse-villani-on-cricketrsquos-revolution-overcoming-setbacks-and-finding-purpose

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last year

Chris Titley

Director

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

1 Likes
2 Followers

In Episode 35 of Scoreboard, host Chris Titley sits down with Courtney Sippel, professional cricketer, to discuss her journey in cricket, overcoming setbacks, and finding joy in the game again.

Courtney opens up about her rise through Queensland Cricket, the challenges of professional sport, and the mental resilience required to navigate tough seasons.

She also shares insights into balancing cricket with life, making big career decisions, and how a change of scenery and mindset has helped her reset and refocus on her goals.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/1736/chris-titley/blog/2893/courtney-sippel-on-resilience-and-rediscovering-the-love-for-the-game

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last year

4 Likes
8 Followers

ADCA Semi-Finals and Preliminary Finals from five different seasons, nearly thirty years apart happened on this day for Waratahs.
In 1966, A grade missed out the final when rained robbed them and University of a positive result after Waratahs dominated the first day. A-Res grade snuck home by a wicket. In 1971, fortune was reversed, with A grade hanging on for a draw against St Peters and A-Res grade being done. In 1983, rain stopped 1sts from chasing 400 against Easts and a draw kept them from the Final, while 2nds were done despite a glorious first day hundred from Graham Johnson. In 1988, 1sts were Minor Premiers but lost in a shock to Hillgrove with a batting lineup which could afford Graham Frost at #8 and 3rds lost by 21 chasing 236 after being 3-0. In 1994, 4th grade, losing the Minor Premiership on percentages, were bundled out in straight losses in the final series.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/1223/armidale-waratahs-the-tahs/blog/2059/on-this-day-20th-march

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last year

UTS North Sydney District Cricket Club

4 Likes
8 Followers

By 1995, the ADCA had reverted to playing Preliminary Finals. Waratahs were involved in tow of the sudden death games for a place in the Final.
https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/1223/armidale-waratahs-the-tahs/blog/2889/preliminary-finals-on-this-day-19th-march

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last year

Sutherland District Cricket Club

12 Likes
19 Followers

Justin Rodgie is from a long line of Sydney First Graders, and the Rodgie influence runs thick through the DNA of the UTS North Sydney Cricket Club.

Justin is the third generation of Rodgie to play in Sydney’s top flight for the club and is the proud owner of First Grade Cap 689.

The Wahroonga junior was a consistent bowler who prided himself on challenging the stumps and being tough to score off. The King’s product has also earned two First Grade caps for Gordon in the Shute Shield to compliment his 37 in Second Grade.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/380/uts-north-sydney-district-cricket-club/blog/2888/justin-rodgie-courage-doesnt-always-roar

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last year

Sylvania, Australia

29 Likes
22 Followers

On Saturday 1st March, Sutherland 1st Grade player #26 Barry Pratt was inducted into the NSW Baseball Hall of Fame. He was selected for the Hall of Fame by virtue of being a member of the NSW 75th Diamond Anniversary All Star Claxton Shield Team selected in 2009.

Barry played for Sutherland DCC from 1966-67 (when he made his 1st Grade debut) to 1972-73, playing 100 matches across 1st to 4th Grades and scoring 1915 runs at an average of 19.5 with a highest score of 112 not out in 3rds in 1969-70. He captained 3rds in 1969-70, 2nds in 1970-71 & 1971-72 and 1sts in 1972-73 – a total of 63 matches.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/294/sutherland-district-cricket-club/blog/2886/barry-pratt-inducted-into-baseball-nsw-hall-of-fame

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last year

Penrith Cricket Club

20 Likes
20 Followers

In his first year at Penrith Cricket Club Ekam Bhambra played in the under 16 Green Shield team and took 11 wickets at an average of 16.18. His best figures was 4 for 35 against Eastern Suburbs.

Let's find out a little more about Ekam and his journey in the game so far.

https://www.cricconnect.com/profile/330/penrith-cricket-club/blog/2885/pocket-profile-ekam-bhambra-penrith-cricket-club

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last year

St George Cricket Club